Unlike the crystal clear and largely sterile waters of a swimming pool which are maintained by a combination of strong pumps and chemicals, your pond water should be a complex eco-system of bacteria, nitrates, oxygen and other elements. Whilst you, the owner, may well desire that the water is crystal clear also, that desire should not be confused with the essential needs of the pond inhabitants, particularly if the pursuit of crystal clear water is to the detriment of your fish needs.

Quite simply, pond water is totally unlike swimming pool water, Whilst pumps and filters are common tools for assisting in managing the environment, they should be tools to enhance natural processes. Chemical treatments may well be employed for a variety of needs but their use should be isolated rather than standard practice.

In the pond environment, fish continuously produce waste which provides a food source for bacteria, these bacteria ultimately transform these waste products into nitrates which are the source of food for aquatic plants. In turn, aquatic plants are essential for providing sufficient oxygen within the water for both your prized fish and the multitude of additional pond dwellers that each perform their own function in maintaining the balance of the pond.

Pond snails will represent either a common pest or a useful pond inhabitant in pretty much equal numbers to different water gardeners.

Fundamentally, most pond snails are scavengers and will perform a necessary task of clearing up both plant detritus and consuming large quantities of algae. Coupled with these beneficial functions, they will also indulge in digesting desirable pond plants, this is generally where the appeal of the snail on one hand becomes disdain on the other. Add to this, the fact that UV clarifiers are able to tackle the problem of algae and the pond snails worth diminishes further in the eyes of many.

As a keen demonstration of natures adaptability, build a pond and they will come. It is most likely that snails will arrive in your new pond fairly quickly through either being introduced as eggs on a plant, or for others, being purposefully introduced through choice as a good natural cleaner for your pond.

There are over 30 different species of fresh water pond snails in Britain. One of their strengths in establishing themselves so pervasively is the ease with which they breed. With many of the species being hermaphrodite and one even being capable of reproduction without a mate they are quite adept at establishing themselves quickly in any suitable environment.

British ponds are disappearing and disappearing fast. During the last 100 years, over half of the ponds in Britain have disappeared with approximately 80% of those remaining being polluted to a degree that threatens their existence. Whilst this recent demise of ponds has accelerated at an alarming rate, this is a trend that has been ongoing for many hundreds of years. Britain was once a land covered in ponds and wetlands that have been continuously disappearing through both natural and manmade means.

It is part of the natural cycle of a ponds life to one day silt up and cease to be. It is not unrealistic to accept the demise of ponds, however, one of the key missing ingredients in the life cycle of Britain’s ponds is that new ones are rarely being naturally created in the modern, intensively managed rural landscape. Historically, ponds would form in almost any depression, beavers would damn streams and even boar, which are incredibly hard on land would create ponds with their rooting and rummaging on a scale to rival the average JCB.

As a result of this situation, domestic ponds have taken on an important significance in maintaining much of Britain’s wildlife diversity such as dragonflies and water beetles. In an attempt to promote the creation of ponds on agricultural or wilderness land there are government agencies with grants available. Possibly there will also be future legislation to protect existing ponds.

With a new pond, it is ideal to wait for around 4 to 6 weeks prior to introducing fish in order to give the plants and bacteria an opportunity to establish themselves. The plants will then be able to provide shelter, oxygen and nourishment for your fish. Before introducing fish, it is also wise to test the water.

One of the chemicals to test for is chlorine. Chlorine is added to water in small quantities as a method of ensuring safe drinking water. Whilst this trace of chlorine is not harmful to humans, introducing this chlorinated water to a fish pond should be done in partial volumes as excessive chlorine is harmful for fish. Fortunately, chlorine is easily removed from water after a couple of days providing the water is kept moving and exposed to air. A water feature or spraying the water with a hose should achieve this. Chlorinates are less readily removed and will require the use of some form of water treatment to remove.

Once chlorine is removed from the water and other pollutants such as ammonia are not present, it is possible to introduce a small quantity of fish. As the ability to manage the build up of ammonia is heavily dependent on bacteria that take several weeks to establish themselves, fish should only be introduced very gradually. Fish create ammonia continuously and the bacteria in the pond need to adjust gradually to the increased ammonia production. A sudden influx of fish will simply overwhelm their ability to cope.

There is a broad array of aquatic plants that are suitable for your pond. In order to plant your pond successfully you will need to understand the different benefits that these different plants offer. You should then be able to plant effectively to promote a natural healthy balance in your pond.

Some of the common groupings for the differing plants are as follows; water lilies, marginals, oxygenators and floating plants.

Water lilies come in a huge variety themselves. These plants provide essential shade for your pond. By covering the water surface, the water will not heat up as much in hotter months and the restriction of sunlight to the water will help to restrict algal growth.

Marginals again come in their own extensive varieties. These plants live around the edge of the pond in the shallower waters. These plants provide an important habitat and shelter for many insects and amphibians in addition to being some of the most decorative of pond plants. This group includes plants such as Marsh Marigolds, Bulrushes and Irises amongst others.

Oxygenators are arguably the engine room of the pond. Whilst all of plants will produce oxygen and absorb nutrients, the oxygenators are those that contribute the most to this cycle. These plants are essential to creating a naturally balanced pond. They will also help to keep algae controlled by effectively competing for the available food supply.

Floating plants perform a similar function to water lilies in that they will provide shade at the water’s surface. This group includes plants such as Water Hyacinths and lettuce.