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What is an Ecosystem?
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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