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Maintenance:
There is no such thing as a maintenance-free Water Feature.
Maintenance can be minimized with proper construction. Although each Water Feature will manifest it's own individual characteristics, some basic items should be incorporated in the initial installation.
Filtration:
There are two main types of filtration and both should be included.
Mechanical - A mechanical filter (i.e. a skimmer) will remove most of the large debris that finds it's way into the water before it can sink. The frequency of emptying the debris net or basket will depend on the surrounding vegetation, primarily trees, and the time of year. Less than five minutes is required in accomplishing this task.
Biological -This is the heart of the Water Feature and is absolutely necessary to maintain required water quality. There are basically two types: Canister filters and Vault filters (some will also serve as a waterfall source). Properly sized to the Water Feature either type will achieve the desired results. Canister filters require frequent cleaning and/or backflushing. Vault filters do not require backflushing and require cleaning less frequently. The type that we use on our installations only require cleaning on an annual basis if used in conjunction with a Skimmer.
A third type of filtration, Phyto Filtration, may be added to obtain optimal water quality. Phyto Filtration is the use of Aquatic plants to further filter the water. Most all ponds contain a certain number of Aquatic plants, but to be effective as a filtering mechanism, they must be located in moving water. Phyto filters are referred to under many names: Veggie filters, constructed wetlands, bogs, etc. In truth, by definition, they are artificial marshes. To be truly effective, the minimum size should equal 10% of the total Pond volume, not surface area and the water flow rate should be low to allow sufficient time for the plants and bacteria to provide optimal filtration.
Pumps:
The primary consideration in choice of pump should be size (flow rating). The total volume of water should be recirculated at least once every two hours or less. A 2,000 gallon Water Feature should have a 1,000 gph or larger pump. The more frequently that the total water volume is circulated through the filtering system the better the overall water quality.
To UV or not to UV:
(Ultraviolet) modules are, and probably will be for some time, a big item of discussion in the Water Gardening community. The function of a UV module is to purify the water by killing algae and pathogens by exposing them to sufficient ultraviolet light. Properly sized they will accomplish their stated function. On the downside, they also kill any beneficial organisms that are exposed. They are expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. The UV bulbs should be replaced every six months and, like a fluorescent lamp, begin losing their effectiveness when they are initially turned on. We do not usually recommend UV modules unless the customer is planning on having expensive prize Koi. Then it is only additional protection insurance of their investment.
Salt:
Salt is very effective in controlling parasites and some other pathogens. A salt level of 0.2% will maintain a healthy aquatic environment for the fish. Pond fish will tolerate levels up to 0.4% but levels over 0.2% will kill all vegetation. Salt should be added only in the Spring when pathogens become more active. Salt levels should be maintained for 2 to 3 weeks and allowed to decrease after this period. With prolonged Salt levels, pathogens will develop a tolerance and control will require other more extensive treatments. (Contact us for more information on salinity levels if you are planning on adding salt to your existing Water Feature.) It is important to mention that only pure salt should be used. Table salt and Water Softener salt contain compounds that are toxic to fish. Only Pond Salt (packaged under various labels) or pure rock salt should be added. With the proper planning a Water Feature can require very limited personal maintenance. Your time can be better utilized enjoying your private haven from daily stress and distractions!
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