An ecosystem is basically the relationship between various elements that work together in a unified fashion to produce a given result. In the largest sense, an ecosystem encompasses all the natural elements of planet earth, including the land, the water, the plants, the animals, and how they all interact with one another in order to produce a habitat conducive to life on the planet. This same grand scheme is being carried out in a much smaller scale in your backyard water garden

The basic elements are water, aquatic plants, fish, rocks & gravel (in the pond), and aerobic bacteria.  These items work together to keep nutrients (fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves/organic debris) in the water at a minimum level.  When this is accomplished, the water should remain clear and algae will be kept under control.  Removing any of the basic elements will result in an ecosystem that is out of balance.  The most common side-affect of an unbalanced ecosystem is green and unsightly water in the pond.

It’s an infinitely revolving system in which the fish eat and produce waste. The fish waste and the debris that has blown into the pond are then broken down by the beneficial bacteria that lives in the rocks and gravel of the pond, as well as the filtration system.  What is produced by this process is a simple form of nutrients that the plants can now use for growth. 

Yes it has to be moving in order for the ecosystem to work effectively.  As the water is pumped through the filtration system, the beneficial bacteria housed there begin to breakdown the nutrients in the water.  Additionally, as the water spills through the waterfalls or fountain, it aerates the water which is crucial for fish, submerged plants, and bacteria.  When a pump is paired with a skimmer, the moving water reduces the amount of debris (leaves, grass, etc..)  that will make it’s way to the bottom of the pond and begin decomposing.  Moving water also has the additional benefit of discouraging mosquitoes from visiting your pond.

The fish rule of thumb is one inch of fish for every one square foot of pond surface.   Overstocking your pond can throw the ecosystem out of balance and lead to fish-health problems.  For more information on fish care, visit our (DIN/Fish Care section).

The recommendation is to have a minimum of 40 to 50 percent of the surface area of your pond covered with plants.  This can be accomplished with shallow bog plants, water lilies, floating plants, or any combination thereof.  This plant cover helps shade the water, keeping it cool for the fish and slowing the growth of algae. In addition, the coverage of plants provides the fish with a safe place to hide from predators.  Additionally, plants make it possible to blend your pond in with existing landscaping.