If you're ready to take on the challenge of water gardening, there are some garden pond supplies you'll need to get started, and additional pond equipment that will beautify and maintain your garden.Imagine listening to the gurgling of water in your backyard. Imagine not only the soothing sounds of water, but the warm, contrasting colors of water lilies and hyacinths. As you move closer to the water, imagine seeing the bright colors of fish darting from leaf to leaf. You are imagining your backyard pond, a place in your yard that will provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Pond Linings
You have four choices when choosing the lining for your pond: preformed, pond liner sheets, concrete or containers. Preformed ponds are made from fiberglass or PVC. They are sturdy and strong and come in several sizes and styles. The main drawback to preformed ponds is that your design choices are limited to what's available to buy. You will need sand to line the hole that you dig to help your preformed liner settle into place.
Pond liner sheets are made from materials such as polyethylene and are available in different thicknesses. These liners include UVC protection against the sun to prolong the liner's life. Using a pond liner allows you to create almost any shape and size of pond that you can imagine; however, these liners can be punctured. Like preformed ponds, you will need an underlayer of sand to help your pond settle.
If you are looking for a pond that is both durable and permanent, cement may be your best choice. There's unlimited freedom of design with cement, but it's the most expensive option and the most difficult to remove if you decide to get rid of your pond in the future. Chicken wire or rerod may be needed to strengthen some designs.
If you have a small yard, you can still have a pond. Container ponds are built from old bathtubs, half barrels or plastic tubs. While container ponds are limited in size, they do not require pumps or filters.
Pond Pumps and Filters
Water needs to move to prevent the growth of algae. In addition, water needs some aeration to keep fish healthy. One of the ways to keep your water moving and aerated is to install a pond pump. The most important consideration when choosing a pump is capacity, measured in gallons pumped per minute (GPM) or gallons pumped per hour (GPH). Match the pump's capacity to the size of your pond.
Filters use beneficial bacteria to remove potentially toxic materials from your pond. Types of filters include pressurized filters and out-of-pond filters. Out-of-pond filters are easier to work with because the filters are more accessible.
Pond Kits
You can buy a kit that includes most of the essentials of building a pond, including a liner, a pump and a fountain. The more money that you are willing to spend, the more extras you are likely to get.
Pond Chemicals
Your pond has to be chemically balanced for fish and plants to stay healthy. You will need a testing kit to periodically test the water. The results will tell you what, if anything, is out of balance, such as
Part of your pond maintenance arsenal should include chemicals that will help you adjust and correct any of these problems. If you live in an area with chlorinated water, you'll need to have dechlorinator on hand each time you use tap water to top off the pond.
Additional Pond Equipment
Some of your equipment requirements depend on the climate in the area in which you live. For example, if you live in an area with freezing winters, you may need to install a pond heater and thermometer.
If you plan on entertaining outside during the evening, pond lights will add another dimension to your yard. You have a large number of choices in pond lights, ranging from submersible lights in different colors to floating pond lights.
Fountains are essential fish pond supplies in areas with hot summers. Hot water doesn't hold oxygen as well as cool water, so the extra aeration that a fountain provides will be welcomed by fish. Fountains attract birds, and help to keep the water cooler. They add the pleasant sound of moving water to your garden, and the water motion discourages mosquito breeding.
Plants
While plants add beauty to your pond, the main reason to choose them is to create an ecological balance that keeps fish fed and water clean. Floaters, such as the water hyacinth, that shade the surface of the pond and discourage algae growth. Deep water plants, such as water lilies, can provide shading for your fish. Oxygenating plants live at the bottom of the pond. They provide oxygen (and sometimes food) for your fish and consume some of the same nutrients that algae need, helping to control the algae in your pond.
 | Don't worry if your yard is small or your budget is minimal. Your dream water garden pond can be as simple or as lavish as you choose. |
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