The Pond Gnome
  • Home
  • Pricing
  • Construction
    • Ponds
    • Pondless Waterfalls & Streams
    • Pool to Pond Conversions
    • Remodeling
    • Commercial Work
    • FAQ
  • Gallery
  • Our Story
    • Vlogging With The Pond Guy
    • Pond Tour
    • Testimonials
    • Events
    • Seminars & Speaking Engagements
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Maintenance
    • Emergency Pond Procedures
    • Pond Water Treatment
    • Aquatic Plants for Ponds
    • Phoenix Pond Cleaning
    • Phoenix Pond Service & Maintenance
    • Troubleshooting
    • Warranties and Manuals
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

PHOENIX POND LEARNING CENTER
​BLOG

The Secret to a Low Maintenance Pond in Phoenix, AZ

4/1/2019

 
Picture
​The beauty of a pond is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. Yes, even in Phoenix, AZ! A flash of colorful fish swimming in clean, clear water beneath the pads of waterlilies is a sight to behold and enjoy. Add the sound of a running waterfall or babbling brook stream and you have a dream come true in your backyard.
​Keeping pond water clean and clear is the basis for a healthy pond that requires little to no maintenance. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to create a proper pond environment that benefits your fish and plants. Follow our not-so-secret steps to ensure a naturally-balanced, low maintenance pond throughout the year! Remember: it's SO much easier to work WITH Mother Nature than AGAINST Her.

Pond Circulation

PictureLots of water movement and aeration.
Make sure your pond pump is the correct size for your pond and waterfall. A pump provides valuable aeration to the water. Several variables need to be considered when choosing a pump, such as the size of your pond and the height of your waterfall. Most pumps will give you the specifications you need for water flow, head pressure, etc.

Pond Filtration

PictureDo you see the skimmer? Hint: the gnomes are guarding it.
​More often than not, when answering questions about pond water quality, we find that people don’t have proper filtration installed on their pond. If you don't have a filter, you ARE the filter, and this makes for more maintenance. For the lowest maintenance possible, you want to make sure your pond has both a biological filter and a mechanical skimmer. The biological filter is typically the apex of your waterfall and adds beneficial bacteria to your pond. The mechanical skimmer is similar to a pool skimmer, removing surface debris such as leaves and sticks. Ideally, you want to position the biological filter and skimmer at opposite ends of the pond. This ensures movement throughout the entire pond so you don’t end up with stagnant areas.

Rocks & Gravel in a Pond

PictureClear water is the sacred challis of ponding. Give yourself every advantage.
​Ponds can be built in various ways. Some are created with concrete, others with a simple pond liner. We believe in an ecosystem approach to the pondering lifestyle and use rocks and gravels in our ponds, after installing underlayment and liner. Gravel provides much-needed surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Your fish will graze on these bacteria, as well. The gravel won’t be a breeding ground for muck and debris if you ensure that your low maintenance pond has the proper pump and filtration system. The ecosystem works together, like a circle of life, so it’s important not to eliminate any of the elements.

Pond Fish

PictureWet pets are the best!
​While fish keeping is fun, your finned friends also play an important part in the overall ecosystem of your pond. They eat algae, and their waste becomes fertilizer for your pond plants. Too many fish, however, can pose a problem. A good rule of thumb is to limit your fish load to no more than 10” of fish per 100 gallons of water. So if you have a 20 fish at various lengths totaling 300” when combined, then you need a 3,000 gallon pond.

Plants in a Pond

Picture
Plants also play a critical role in the pond’s ecosystem due to their filtering capabilities. Plants absorb nutrients from fish waste and help starve algae of its food. During hot summer months, make sure to have at least 40% of your pond’s surface covered with plants. You can accomplish this with waterlilies and various marginals or floating plants.

​There you have it! Not so tough, eh? You now know the secret to a truly low maintenance pond. Start with the basics and create a naturally balanced pond with a combination of proper circulation, filtration, fish, plants, and rock and gravel. You’ll be amazed at how easy pond-keeping can be!
CLICK HERE TO TALK TO AN EXPERT ABOUT A PROFESSIONALLY-BUILT POND

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
HEALTHY PONDS HAVE FILTRATION
SUSTAINABLE PONDS
BUILD A POND YOUR NEIGHBORS WILL ENVY

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    Fountain
    Landscape Ideas
    Pests
    Pets And Phoenix Ponds
    Pond Design
    Pond Fish
    Pond Installation
    Pond Lifestyle
    Pond Maintenance
    Sustainable Options
    Water Quality
    Wildlife Around The Pond

The Pond Gnome offers Pond Design, Pond Construction, Pond Maintenance, Pond Remodeling, Pond Replacement, and Pond Cleaning Services for the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, including the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Carefree, Cave Creek, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, and other surrounding communities.​

Our Services

Ecosystem Ponds
Pondless Waterfalls and Streams
Commercial Installations
​Pool to Pond Conversions

Public Speaking/Seminars
​

Company

Company Profile
Testimonials and References
Portfolio
​Events
Blog
​
Employment Opportunities


Support

Contact Information

Maintenance
Water Treatment
Contact Us
Client Hub​
Digital Product Catalog
The Pond Gnome
22767 N 104th Ln
Peoria, AZ  85383
(623) 572-5607

Email
​ROC#277878

Picture
Picture
Remodeling and Home Design
  • Home
  • Pricing
  • Construction
    • Ponds
    • Pondless Waterfalls & Streams
    • Pool to Pond Conversions
    • Remodeling
    • Commercial Work
    • FAQ
  • Gallery
  • Our Story
    • Vlogging With The Pond Guy
    • Pond Tour
    • Testimonials
    • Events
    • Seminars & Speaking Engagements
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Maintenance
    • Emergency Pond Procedures
    • Pond Water Treatment
    • Aquatic Plants for Ponds
    • Phoenix Pond Cleaning
    • Phoenix Pond Service & Maintenance
    • Troubleshooting
    • Warranties and Manuals
  • Blog
  • Contact Us