Ecosystem ponds are a popular choice because of the minimal cleaning time and low recurring costs associated with maintaining them. Designed to mimic natural bodies of water, ecosystem ponds are built to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that can support a variety of aquatic plants, fish, and beneficial microorganisms. Here’s how they work:
Circulation
Ecosystem ponds require a pump to circulate the water and keep it oxygenated. The pump pulls water from the bottom of the pond and circulates it through a filtration system that removes debris and adds beneficial bacteria. Supplemental oxygen may be added through aerators, also called “air stones” that draw in outside air and push it out underwater.
Filtration
Ecosystem ponds typically use a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration to maintain good water quality.
- Mechanical filtration involves removing debris and particles from the water using a pre-filter
- Biological filtration involves using beneficial bacteria to break down organic matter and convert harmful substances into less harmful ones. That bacteria is typically given places to grow inside the filter and on gravel at the bottom of the pond. More surface area means more beneficial bacteria, which leads to better breakdown of water contaminants. Adding a splash of bottled beneficial bacteria can help get this process started.
- Chemical filtration may involve dosing the pond with a sludge remover, pH balancer, or other problem solving chemical. This is typically a last resort and most ecosystem purists do everything they can to rely on Mother Nature for their non-mechanical filtration.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants play a crucial role in ecosystem ponds. They absorb excess nutrients and carbon dioxide from the water and release oxygen. This process helps maintain good water quality and supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Fish
You fish can also play a role in ecosystem ponds! They can help keep the water clean by eating algae and other debris. However, it’s essential to balance the number of fish with the size of the pond to avoid overstocking, which can lead to poor water quality. Some species like the common pleco will eat algae and keep the bottom of your pond clean but be sure your climate is warm enough before adding them!
By combining these elements, your pond can establish its own self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal maintenance and can support a variety of aquatic life. However, it’s essential to monitor water quality regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the pond remains healthy and balanced. Before you add more fish, turtles, or anything else to the pond, be sure that your circulation and filtration are up to the task and doing so will not throw the system out of balance. Older ponds with more established bacteria colonies are better at adjusting to increased fish loads.
