Aquascapes Pond Information

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Pond Information
Getting started	What is the cost?
Ecosystems	Installation
20 step process	Maintenance/Tips
Pondless® waterfall	Additional links

Creating an Ecosystem
What is an Ecosystem? (View Diagram)

An ecosystem encompasses all the parts of a living environment, including the plants and animals, AND the non-living components, such as water, air and the sun's energy. A pond's ecosystem begins with water as the base. Everything found above the base is completely dependent, either directly or indirectly, on water. The following items are required in order to create an ecosystem.

Mechanical Filtration (Skimmer): The purpose of this filter is two fold:

To skim the water and deposit the surface debris into a basket or net for easy maintenance.
To protect the pump with a filter media located above the pump thus cleaning the water before it is drawn into the pump.

Biological Filter (BIOFALLS®): The purpose of this filter is also two fold:

Biological filters work by using bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into harmless particles that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. Housed inside the biological filter are three filter media and bags of lava rock. Both the filter media and the lava rock give a medium for the bacteria colony to grow and mature. The primary goal of a biological filter is to reduce the level of nitrogen compounds in the water in order to maintain the balance of the pond and limit algae and pathogenic growth. Water quality can be threatened by natural ground water run off, decaying plant particles and leaves. Uncontrolled algae growth can have serious consequences for the entire pond apart from the unpleasant appearance.
The biological filter is the source of your waterfall and stream. It works for you by making it easier to build a great waterfall.

Pump and Plumbing: Re-circulation of a closed water feature is essential to add oxygen to water for fish and bacteria. It keeps it fresh and allows gases to escape. You want to circulate the volume of water in your pond once every hour.

Rocks and Gravel: The most under used element in a pond ecosystem is rock and gravel. These important elements are instrumental in protecting your liner from harmful ultraviolet rays as well as helping to prevent hydrostatic bubbling. Rocks and gravel throughout the bottom also provide the perfect areas for bacteria to colonize thereby keeping water clearer. Rocks and gravel should be used to cover your liner completely. Never use more than 2 to 3 inches of gravel on flat areas. (See Maintenance/Tips for useful pond calculations and rock formulas)

Plants, Fish and Bacteria: Plants remove nutrients from the water for their own nourishment. Fish eat insects and in turn fertilize the plants. The good Bacteria will eat the excess nutrients that feed green water therefore keeping the pond water clear. Plants provide beauty and naturalization, but also help valuable biological filtration by removing nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates, and other minerals that algae would otherwise feed on. (See Maintenance/Tips for plant information)

Oxygen: Sufficient oxygen in the water is a basic element in keeping a pond healthy. Eliminating any one of these variables, by attempting to cut corners, will increase maintenance and decrease water clarity. By establishing a working ecosystem you work with nature instead of against it.

Our pond designs are unique, and utilize a built-in biological filtration system which prevents long-lasting green water. Just by using filtration and a supplemental bacteria will eliminate the need for chemicals. Our ponds are ecologically balanced and use nature's filtration to stay clean.

How does the filtration work?
The water is pumped through the BIOFALLS® unit, microscopic bacteria located in the filter media go to work scrubbing the pond clean of green water. By combining both mechanical and biological filtration, the Aquascape Ecosystem does the maintenance for you, reducing your work and increasing your enjoyment. The foundation of your water feature is a strong 45 mil EPDM liner. All Aquascape pumps are high efficient and all have a two year warranty.

What maintenance is required?
The greatest benefit of using an Aquascape Ecosystem is that it actually does the routine maintenance for you! The skimmer holding the pump, continuously sweeps the surface water clean while depositing unsightly debris in a catch bag or basket for easy removal. Filters in the BIOFALLS® are cleaned only in the spring. The Skimmer filter, however, can be cleaned as often as needed. A bacteria enzyme should be added once or twice a month during the season when the water temperature is above 50 degrees.

How do I know how deep to dig my pond?
Instructions will come with your pond supplies. And for a general rule, the size of the 45 mil. liner, in the pond kit, is based on a depth of two feet in the deepest part of the pond. First shelf (planting location for marginal plants) varies in width from 8 inches on up and the depth of the first plant and rock shelf is 1 inch to 12 inches deep. The 2nd plant and rock shelf (planting location for the lilies) is 16 inches to 20 inches deep. The deepest part in the center is 2 feet. We recommend you create plant pockets on the second shelf for lilies. Pockets should be 6 to 8 inches deep by 10 to 16 inches in diameter. These pockets are dug into the shelf before the liner and underlayment is added. Shelves give the pond a natural realistic look along with giving you a place to plant your water plants.

BIOFALLS® filter is a trademark of Aquascape, Inc. St. Charles, IL