Here are the key ingredients to a healthy, natural-looking ecosystem pond that remains low-maintenance:

• Build with natural materials because the "good guys" need someplace to procreate (zooplankton)
• Use an appropriate combination of plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria
• Garden at will

Work WITH Mother Nature, not against Her, and you will be rewarded with the pond of your dreams! It's really pretty simple.

Nature has a way of captivating young minds with its wonders. Ecosystem ponds, teeming with life, provide a fantastic opportunity for children to connect with the natural world right in their own backyards or local parks. While observing and learning about fish, frogs, and plants are typical activities, there are unconventional and creative ways for children to engage with living ecosystem ponds that can spark their curiosity and foster a lifelong love for nature. In this blog, we'll explore some unique ideas to make the experience of interacting with a pond even more magical.

Kids won’t remember their best day in front of a TV, keyboard, or sitting through a lecture. Kids under 15 struggle to sit still in a classroom setting.  Instead, imagine their teacher taking the students out to a wildlife habitat with a pond, and how much more involved the student could be in the lesson. If that teacher were to assign small teams to determine the surface area of the pond and stream, the volume, or the circumference, what would be the increase in number of students that would understand and retain these skills? There’s math. A similar case can also be made for art, statistics, biology, life sciences, philosophy, and more. And that’s just a few ideas based on a standard curriculum. Here are some more unconventional ways that a living ecosystem water feature could be used to enhance a child’s learning.

Encourage your children to create poetry inspired by the pond's ecosystem. Have them sit by the water, observe the movements of aquatic life, and let their imagination flow. Poetry can be a wonderful way for children to express their observations, emotions, and connections to nature. You might be surprised by the depth and creativity that emerges from their verses.

Combine art with science by giving your children a waterproof sketchbook and some underwater drawing materials. Encourage them to explore the underwater world, sketch the fish, plants, and even the play of sunlight on the water's surface. These sketches can serve as a personal record of their pond adventures.

Create a storytelling circle by the pond where your children can share their own or each other's imaginative stories about the pond's inhabitants. Encourage them to give each creature a name and a unique personality. This activity not only enhances their creativity but also deepens their understanding of the ecosystem's interconnectedness.

Design a scavenger hunt with clues that lead your children to different aspects of the pond ecosystem. Include tasks like finding a water beetle, observing a frog's croak, or identifying a specific aquatic plant. This activity makes learning about the pond's inhabitants an exciting adventure.

Help your children create an audio recording of the pond's soundscape. Use a simple audio recorder or even a smartphone to capture the sounds of birds, frogs, and the gentle spill of the waterfall or babble of the brook. Later, you can listen to the recordings together and discuss the different sounds and what they mean for the ecosystem.

Take a creative twist on the traditional terrarium by building a miniature pond ecosystem in a clear glass container. Your child can learn about the delicate balance of aquatic life and the importance of maintaining it while having a hands-on experience. Add small aquatic plants and microorganisms to replicate a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Encourage your children to stage their own mini-plays or puppet shows based on pond life. They can create their own costumes and props, and even write a script that incorporates facts about the ecosystem. This not only fosters creativity but also helps them retain knowledge about the pond's inhabitants.

Interacting with a living ecosystem pond can be a magical and educational experience for children. By incorporating these unconventional ideas into their pond adventures, you can inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and foster their creativity. Whether they're composing poetry, sketching underwater scenes, or staging pond-inspired plays, these activities will help children form a unique bond with their local pond, igniting their curiosity and nurturing their connection to the natural world. So, go ahead and explore the endless possibilities of engaging with a living ecosystem pond!

​Who doesn’t love Koi in their pond? They’re beautiful and friendly, providing glimmers of color as they weave their way beneath and between the lily pads. Certainly, they deserve their rightful place in a tranquil water garden. But what about other options? An array of pond fish is just waiting to call your pond their home.
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​Fantail Goldfish are perfect for your pond: resilient and able to handle all different kinds of water. For the newbie pond owner, goldfish are a great choice for getting started with fish-keeping. Several varieties of goldfish are available, from comets (plain orange and white) to the exotics like ranchus and bubble-eyes.

​Included in this showy category are lion heads, telescopes, black moors, orandas, ranchus, and ryukins. The single most distinguishing characteristic of this group as a whole, is their round, bulbous abdomens.

​With this exotic group, extra caution should be taken if they are going to be placed outdoors. They’re not as hardy as some of the other goldfish. This is especially true of the adults of these varieties.

​The shubunkin is a type of single-tailed, long-bodied goldfish that originated in China. There are two different types of shubunkins. One has a long tail fin, with broad tail fin lobes that are rounded on the end. The other one looks more like a common goldfish, with a short tail fin. Bred mainly for their coloring, shubunkins often have a red, black, and sky-blue coloring, sort of like a calico.
The most valuable of the shubunkins are mostly blue with strong accents of white and red, and the overall pattern sparingly flecked with black. In fact, when blessed with a white, black, and orange pattern, some may resemble baby Koi but are far from it. They are different in size and markings. Most notably, they lack barbells (whiskers of sorts) that are found on Koi. Shubunkins are hardy fish that can survive sweltering summers and can grow up to 14 inches in a minimum 180-gallon pond.
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​Sarassas are very similar to shubunkins in that they both have a similar body shape; however, they do not quite reach the same size as their larger shubunkin counterparts. The sarassa features a white base color and brilliant red highlights. It is believed that they came from a cross between the red cap oranda and the comet goldfish and are sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Koi.
Amazingly, the brilliant red of the true sarassa is a lifelong proposition and the fish are very enjoyable. Uncontrolled breeding of the sarassa will yield more and more brown fish until the pond population has returned to unselected comet and brown goldfish ancestry.
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There are also some fish, which you may have never heard of, that would make great pond fish. Orfes, for example, call many a backyard pond home. In its native habitat, the Danube River, the golden orfe is a dark silvery color, but received its golden color when bred in Europe. The bright orange color is very attractive, especially since they characteristically swim near the surface of most ponds with the rest of their group. This is helpful because their presence near the top of the pond can also encourage Koi and other goldfish to visit the surface of the water as well.
One thing to keep in mind is that golden orfe grow extremely fast. A 2 to 3-inch golden orfe can quickly reach sizes of 2 to 2½ feet! While golden orfe feed mostly on insect larvae, worms, and fallen insects, they are derived from the predatory side (in their original silver color) and could pose a risk to the rest of the aquatic life, although it is unlikely. Orfe are highly sensitive to fish medications of most kinds, and extreme care must be taken.

​Catfish are another popular fish seen in the water garden. They are commonly sold as scavengers to help clean up the pond, but they really don’t do that much of it. Caution should be taken with these fish because they can become quite large in a short period of time. When they become large, they can cause trouble because they may start eating whatever they can fit in their mouth – including other fish!

Getting to know the background of the pond fish you plan to keep as pets is vital to their survival and your sanity. By knowing their defining characteristics, you will have a thorough understanding of how the fish will interact in your pond with other fish, plants, and aquatic life.

• Bluegill
• Perch
• Sunfish
• Rudd
• Tench
• Minnow
• Sturgeon

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​So, who is ready to “dive” into the wonderful world of pond fish beyond Koi? Don’t have a pond yet? We can help with that!

​There's something truly captivating about a beautiful pond that draws us into its tranquil embrace. Whether nestled in a garden or gracing a grand estate, these shimmering water bodies have an inherent allure that seems to enchant us effortlessly. But have you ever wondered what creates this magical ambiance? Delving into the world of ponds, we discover that the secret lies in the art of design and the delicate balance of an ecosystem. Join us on a journey to unravel the mystique of a stunning pond, guided by the expertise and insights shared by The Pond Gnome, a premier Arizona resource for all things aquatic.

​The Pond Gnome emphasizes that the magic of a beautiful pond originates from a well-thought-out design. Just like an artist's canvas, every pond presents an opportunity to create a unique masterpiece. From the shape and size to the positioning and materials used, every element plays a vital role in sculpting the final outcome.
The shape of the pond is crucial, with curves to mimic the organic flow of nature. A naturalistic design allows for a more harmonious integration with the surrounding environment, enabling the pond to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

​A visually stunning pond extends beyond aesthetics; it nurtures a thriving ecosystem supporting diverse aquatic life. The Pond Gnome highlights the significance of establishing a balanced ecosystem, ensuring the longevity and health of the pond's inhabitants.
Water quality stands as the cornerstone of a thriving ecosystem. Proper filtration systems, such as biological and mechanical filters, are employed to achieve this. These mechanisms, together with natural water treatments, work together to eliminate debris, excess nutrients, and harmful substances, resulting in crystal-clear water.
Aquatic plants are another vital component. They provide oxygen, compete with algae for nutrients, and offer shelter for fish and other aquatic organisms. By selecting a mix of floating, submerged, and marginal plants, the pond gains a harmonious balance of oxygenation and visual appeal.

​The inclusion of fish in a pond adds a captivating dimension and completes the overall ecosystem. Koi and goldfish are popular choices due to their vibrant colors and graceful movements. Fish contribute to the ecological balance by consuming algae and insect larvae, thus reducing the risk of imbalances within the pond.
Additionally, attracting and supporting wildlife in and around the pond further enriches the ecosystem, not to mention establishing integrated pest management. Dragonflies, frogs, turtles, and birds create a dynamic environment, adding life and intrigue to the pond. Many creatures attracted to a pond also contribute to maintaining a balanced insect population, fostering a natural harmony within the ecosystem.

​To maintain the enchantment of a beautiful pond, regular maintenance and care are essential. The Pond Gnome advises routine tasks such as removing excess debris, checking and cleaning filters, and ensuring proper water levels. Careful monitoring of water quality parameters, such as ammonia content, is vital to prevent imbalances that could harm the ecosystem.

​A beautiful pond is not merely a visual delight but a testament to the symbiotic relationship between design and ecosystem. The Pond Gnome's expertise reveals that every aspect, from the initial design to the nurturing of a balanced ecosystem, contributes to the allure and longevity of a stunning water feature. By appreciating the magic that arises from a good design and ecosystem balance, we gain a deeper understanding and admiration for the artistry of ponds. So, let the beauty of a well-crafted pond inspire you to have The Pond Gnome create your own aquatic masterpiece, merging art and nature in perfect harmony.

​Adding plants to your pond can enhance its beauty, provide shade, improve water quality, and create a more natural ecosystem. Aquatic plants look amazing during our Phoenix summer months when all of our terrestrial plants are looking parched. The diversity of that aquatic plant life can be improved through plant exchanges with other pond owners. Pond people overall are generous and we love to share! Plant exchanges are common in pond clubs, during garden tours, etc.
If you're considering introducing plants from another person's pond into yours, it's advisable to follow some best practice procedures to ensure a successful transfer, as well as minimize the risk of introducing unwanted pests or diseases.
At The Pond Gnome, we have strict policies in place about processing the aquatic plants that come to us through donations or plant thinning during pond service. Only when they’ve been through the processing operation, do they then go into our greenhouse for introduction into the ponds that we build or maintain.
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Generally, gather relevant information about the plants, including their species, growth habits, maintenance requirements, and any potential pests or diseases associated with them. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and prevent any unwanted surprises. A quick search engine scan should do the trick if the pond owner doesn't know. You’ll want this information in order to put the right plant in the right place. For example, you don’t want a 3’ tall and wide plant in the front of your pond that might block your view into the pond. And some aquatic plants do better in calm deep water, while others prefer shallow riffling water.

To minimize the risk of introducing pests, diseases, or unwanted critters into your pond (via eggs), it's a good idea to quarantine the plants (just like you would do for a new fish introduction). Keep the plants in a separate container filled with pond water for a couple of weeks. Take this time to observe the plants for any signs of pests, diseases, or abnormalities.
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Once the quarantine period is over, thoroughly rinse the plants using fresh water to remove any debris, sediment, or unwanted organisms or eggs that might have attached to them. Be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the plant's delicate roots or foliage.

Identify the ideal planting location within your pond based on the plant's specific requirements and growth habits. Some plants prefer deeper water, while others thrive in shallow areas or along the pond's edge. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure and water movement. Proper placement will promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.

Plant the transferred plants in your pond by gently placing their roots into the rock substrate or anchoring them in appropriate containers, depending on how your pond is built. Ensure the plants are firmly secured, preventing them from floating away or becoming dislodged or blowing over in a monsoon. Take care not to damage the plant's roots during planting, as healthy root systems are vital for their establishment and growth.

Regularly monitor the newly added plants for any signs of stress, disease, or adverse reactions to the location. Keep in mind that aquatic plants typically look a bit sad right after transplant, so have a bit of patience here. Prune the plants when necessary to control their growth and prevent overcrowding – and don’t forget to thin the roots occasionally to avoid water displacement leaks. By providing proper care and attention, you'll ensure the plants thrive and contribute positively to your pond ecosystem.

​Adding plants from another person's pond to your own can be an exciting way to diversify your aquatic garden. By following these best practices, you can minimize the risk of introducing unwanted pests or diseases while promoting the successful establishment and growth of the transferred plants. Remember, maintaining a healthy and balanced pond ecosystem is key, so choose your plants wisely and provide them with the care they need to flourish.