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Ponds and Waterfalls
Ponds
Generally speaking, Ponds are of two basic types:
Water Gardens, which do not contain Fish, are most aptly utilized as an aquatic planting addition to the landscape theme. In most cases, Water Gardens do not require filtration, however, water circulation is recommended to maintain a certain water quality level and to discourage mosquito breeding. A Water Garden may incorporate a Waterfall and/or a Stream. The maximum water depth for a Water Garden is dictated by individual preferences in Aquatic Plants. Marginal Plants require a maximum water depth of 12" whereas Water Lilies require 18" to 24".
Ponds, which do contain Fish, are classified as either Garden Ponds or Koi Ponds.
Garden Ponds, to all outward appearances, are no more than Water Gardens with Fish. Garden Ponds, however, have more exacting requirements for maintaining Water Quality. They must have adequate Biological Filtration; they must be of sufficient depth (24" minimum); they must have proper water circulation (twice the total water volume per hour); they should be of adequate size (80 sq/ft recommended minimum). Mechanical Filtration in the form of a Skimmer is recommended to reduce overall maintenance. Garden Ponds require close attention to Water Quality in order to ensure optimum Fish health.
Koi Ponds, true Koi Ponds, are usually constructed by the avid Koi enthusiast who is primarily concerned with providing exacting conditions for keeping Show-Quality Koi. Costruction of Koi Ponds can require a considerably higher initial investment due to a desired higher level of Water Quality control. Koi Ponds are commonly larger than Garden Ponds (20,000 gallons is not uncommon) and deeper (5 feet+). The larger size is more conducive to acheiving maximum Koi growth, while the greater depth encourages better muscle tone in Koi (acheived by swimming down). Considering the fact that the cost of Show-Quality Koi can be in the thousands of dollars, a true Koi enthusiast considers the additional construction cost as providing protection of their investment.
The sights and sounds of a waterfall are perhaps the most captivating
feature of any pond. One can sit for
extended periods of time and be mesmerized by the simple act of water
falling.
There are two basic types of waterfalls:
- Step or Sheeting
- Cascade.
Sheet waterfalls: are basically constructed using a flat rock which allows
the water to sheet as it falls.
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Cascade waterfalls: are constructed using irregularly shaped rocks. This type
of waterfall offers more possibilities as to
design and visual impact.
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Whichever type you choose to have, it should be kept in scale with the pond
size. A seven foot high waterfall feeding an 8 X 10
pond will look very unbalanced and unnatural. The width
of the waterfall is not as constrained, especially a cascade. More water
action can be obtained with a
wide cascade waterfall. Many mountain waterfalls are like this.
If space is not a concern, a stream will provide an added element to your
Water Feature that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial.
Streams can be any length. The only consideration other than available space
is that a slight grade or slope is required for the water to flow. The
design options for a stream are endless. The stream can include any number
of cataracts, it can be narrower in spots which will increase the water flow
speed and wider in other spots which will slow the water speed. It can
meander. It can incorporate planting areas for marginal plants. All of which
adds to the natural appearance of Water Feature.
Another option is possible for those with limited space or have concerns
about liability. It is what is called (for lack of a better name) a
Pondless Waterfall.
A Pondless Waterfall is identical to any other Waterfall with one
difference. Instead of the water being fed into a Pond, it is fed into a
gravel filled reservoir.
They are ideal for creating a visual impact at entryways, both residential
and commercial.
They require considerably less space but, can be made quite large if
desired. They are safer for small children. Because they won't contain Fish,
no filtration is required, which translates into less maintenance.
Have a particular question? Ask Tad, we will promptly reply.
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