Ornamental Fish Production and Management (1+1)

12.1.5 Equipment

A number of items of optional equipment are frequently used by pond keepers.

Small water pump fountain units add attractive water movement to the pond, as wall as providing aeration in warm, still weather. Such pumps can also be used to provide water for a waterfall and some can be converted to also carry out a small amount of mechanical and / or biological filtration. More elaborate filters are available and are commonly used in association with koi keeping. Such filters can result in very clear water as well as encouraging very stable water quality conditions. Under-gravel filters over some or all of the pond bottom are used, although it is more common to-treat or use some form of out-of-pond system which may range form a single polythene water tank filled with gravel, to compartmental concrete filter tanks, high-pressure and filters and even ultraviolet irradiation. Naturally, such systems require a pump to pass water through the filter tank or tanks (usually at least several times during a twenty-four hour period) and regular filter maintenance is essential for their efficient running.

As was mentioned above, for indoor aquaria, the aeration and filtration devices for garden ponds must not be turned off for long periods during the spring / summer although it is common practice to turn them off (or at least reduce their flows) each winter and turn them on (or up) again the following early spring.

Low wattage electrical pond heaters are available and can be used to keep a small area of the pond surface free form ice during a hard winter, thus permitting continued gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. Such heaters do not warm the water enough to affect fish activity.

Although irrelevant to the fish and plants in a garden pond, decorative lighting units are available to illuminate the pond and the surround area.