Do-it-Yourself Ponds & Water Gardens

Pond Equipment

Once you have constructed your pond, you are ready to set up your equipment. Ideally, you should have considered your equipment in the planning stages of your pond construction. This makes it easier to decide where your equipment will be placed, especially if you plan on using an external pump that will need to be placed outside of the pond. You should have also considered where electrical cords will need to be. You may want to use PVC pipe to run your cords through.

The proper equipment used in your pond is crucial to creating a successful pond environment. Clean pond water can only be achieved by good circulation and aeration.

Pump:

First you will need a good pump. There are many types and sizes of pond pumps. You will need to be sure you choose a pump for your water volume to ensure the proper flow capacity. Waterfalls will also play a role in choosing a pump. Your pump will need to be powerful enough to generate enough flow for a good waterfall.

To determine the volume of water in your pond, use this simple calculation:

Rectangle: Length X Width X Average Depth X 7.5 = Total Gallons

Round: 0.785 X (Top X Bottom Diameter X Depth) X 7.5 = Total Gallons

A good pump should circulate the water in your pond every 2 hours. The minimum pump flow rate capacity required for a pond is the total gallons of water divided by 2. The resulting number is the Gallons Per Hour (GPH) flow rate.

Filter:

A good filter is also very important to your pond. Ponds placed in areas with minimal shade will need even better filtration. Pond filters are available in submersible or external versions. Filters remove organic waste from your pond as water passes through the chamber. UV pond filters are also available. These work great for keeping down the green algae in your pond and keeping you water clear. When water passes through the chamber and is hit by the UV light, the bacteria in the water is sterilized. However, this will not prevent string algae which forms on the sides and top of the pond surface, and is caused by sunlight exposure.