How to Make a Self-cleaning Pond

A Backyard pond adds beauty and a feel of relaxation to your backyard oasis. The pond itself is not that difficult to put in, but sometimes the pond can be a challenge to keep clean. The best solution to pond cleanliness is to set your pond up to clean itself. 
photo credit: krossbow

If you follow these few simple steps when setting up your backyard pond you will cut down on maintenance. And if your pond is already installed and you have problems with cleaning, these steps will not take that much effort to apply.

Setting up a self cleaning pond

Start by using organic materials. This will to keep your pond safe for your fish and small children who like to play near the pond. First, add a pound of pond gravel for every gallon of water your pond holds. Next, level out the pond gravel. The gravel will help to absorb many of the toxins and waste products produced in your pond fish. An additional benefit is that pond gravel makes a great base for water plants.

It’s wise to install a filtration system. The system will remove large pieces of algae and debris. It will also regulate the toxic substances in the water. And water movement helps with keeping the pond cleaner.

To install a filtration system you will need a pump, rubber hose and a pond filter. Often times these items can be purchased in one set and will come with instructions. If you buy separately unwrap the biological filters and place them in the filtration housing and clamp down the lid. Attach the in valve to your pump using a rubber or plastic hose. Then attach a rubber or plastic hose to the out valve. Place the filtration housing behind pond art or rocks to hide it and give your pond a natural look. The water pump is placed in your pond.  Take the time to hide the pump in a corner or behind plants.  Check to make sure the out hose flows back into your pond. This is what will aerate the pond water for your fish and provide the pond with filtered, clean water.

If you don’t want to add a filtration system, a fountain or waterfall is almost as good. Both will keep the water moving and add fresh air to the pond. They just won’t remove debris.

Every pond should have water plants. Besides adding beauty to your pond setting and supplying your fish with a place to rest and hide, the water plants absorb some of the carbon dioxide produced by your fish. This helps to maintain the balance in the water. Plants will also utilize the waste material your fish produce.

Fish don’t require much time and add to the fun of a pond. Watching the fish play and hide in the water plants will entertain the entire family and your friends. Koi fish are very popular backyard pond fish and come in a wide variety of colors.

Snails and crustaceans eat algae that form on the sides and bottom of your pond. These little creatures take care of themselves and clean you pond.

The addition of fish and water plants enhance your pond area and dramatically cut down on pond maintenance. These few steps will simplify any cleaning you may have with a pond and only add to the beauty of your backyard pond oasis. And a cleaner pond with moving water will not have as many mosquitoes, possibly no mosquitoes.

Now its time to set back and enjoy your pond!

Technorati Tags: Backyard Pond, koi fish, water plants