| So you've decided to build or install a fish pond. | | | | fountain heads that you can add to a basic |
| The next step will be to decide what pond | | | | fountain kit, including domes and tulip shapes. |
| equipment you are going to need. | | | | Some pond aerators also come with fountain |
| If you have a look at all the available fish pond | | | | fittings, doubling up on function. So look at these |
| supplies, it can be quite mind boggling. So before | | | | as well. |
| you rush out and buy one of each item you can | | | | When it comes to lighting up ponds decoratively |
| find, consider your own particular needs. | | | | at night, you can use any light fittings that are |
| To make it easier, we can divide pond equipment | | | | suitable for landscaping. But there are also many |
| into four different broad categories:o Basic | | | | other options intended specifically for ponds, some |
| equipment to run the pond.o Equipment to make | | | | of which are solar-powered and therefore energy |
| ponds more decorative.o Equipment to maintain | | | | efficient. Some of the more novel types include |
| water in fish ponds.o Equipment for keeping fish. | | | | lights that float like water lilies and those that glow |
| Basic equipment | | | | out of what looks like rock. |
| The basic equipment you will need for your new | | | | Equipment for water maintenance |
| fish pond will depend on the type of pond you | | | | Maintaining a fish pond is not difficult, provided you |
| have chosen. It will also depend on the size of | | | | don't allow the water to become polluted, for |
| pond and whether you have opted to include a | | | | example by leaving dead leaves, grass cuttings |
| fountain, waterfall or any other form of running | | | | and other debris to rot in the water. A simple fish |
| water in the design. In addition, it will depend on | | | | net, or alternatively a scoop, will enable you to |
| the type of fish you are planning to keep. | | | | remove this debris. The net may also be used to |
| If you want fountains or running water, you will | | | | remove sick fish if necessary, or to move fish to |
| need a pump of some sort, either submersible or | | | | a holding container (or tank) if the water has to |
| the surface type. While most submersible pumps | | | | be changed at any time. |
| come with fountain fittings, you may want to buy | | | | If you are going to keep koi, it is also a good idea |
| additional fittings, depending on the effects you | | | | to get at least one tank that you can use if |
| want to create. This however, will fall into the | | | | necessary. These are really more like temporary |
| next category. | | | | ponds and similar, but on a smaller scale than |
| If you are going to stock your new fish pond | | | | some of the vinyl kit swimming pools you can |
| with koi, you will probably want to install a | | | | buy. |
| biological filter, and perhaps an ultra-violet (UV) unit | | | | You will also need a selection of pond water test |
| that you can attach to the filter. You may also | | | | kits so that you can regularly check the pH of the |
| want a pond aerator to make sure there is | | | | water to see how acid or alkaline it is, as well as |
| always enough oxygen in the water for the fish. | | | | both the general and carbonate hardness of the |
| Equipment to improve the look of the pond | | | | water, and its nitrite, ammonia and salt levels. |
| Introducing moving water to any pond will | | | | Equipment for fish keeping |
| enhance its decorative appeal. So, too will pond | | | | If you are keeping koi, in addition to hand-held |
| lighting, either inside the pond or at the edges. | | | | nets and tanks, you may want to install a net |
| For movement, consider any type of fountain, | | | | over the entire pond, to protect the fish from |
| from those that spurt water high into the air, to | | | | predators. Other than that, all you will need is |
| those that simply bubble like a geyser just above | | | | suitable food and a store of medication in case |
| the surface. There are dozens of types of | | | | fish get sick. |