Taking care of one's pond is sometimes an intensive task but is almost always very enjoyable. Depending on whether one has fish, plants or both, the amount of pond supplies required will vary tremendously.
Fish Ponds
Fish pond supplies will be required to ensure that one's fish have a clean and healthy environment in which to live. Some of these supplies have to do with the maintenance of the pond and others have to do with keeping the fish healthy themselves. Koi fish are particularly sensitive to their environment; it would therefore be advisable to keep vital fish pond supplies for immediate deployment.
Vacuums are used to keep the bottom of the pond healthy just as they are where swimming pools are concerned. The vacuums used for ponds are generally able to handle the debris and other particulate matter that collects at the bottom.
To keep the water itself healthy, one will need one of the various filters on the market. These come in several varieties. Basket filters pull the water through materials which remove particulate debris. An important supply is the bacteria used for biological filters which remove algae and harmful organisms from the water. UV filters accomplish a similar task but without the requirement of continuous additional supplies, as they operate by frying organisms with ultraviolet radiation. One will need to purchase these filters and any additional garden pond supplies based upon the water volume in their pond, the volume can be calculated using the pond volume calculator.
Another pond supply that one needs on hand is a net which can be used to retrieve larger debris from the water. Particularly in the autumn when leaves are blowing around, one needs to make certain that their pond doesn't become polluted with refuse. Having a permanent net over the top of the water to catch windblown debris is also a good idea.
An aerator ensures that one's fish have enough air to breathe. These devices are particularly important in the winter when the motion they impart to the water prevents it from freezing solid and maintains a hole where air can exchange with the water. They work on the same principle as do their smaller cousins which are seen in indoor aquariums.
There will inevitably be organisms that begin to grow in the water. To remove those organisms, one will need to use various chemicals. There are chemicals available that inhibit the growth of both bacteria and algae. One will also need to use a dechlorination chemical to remove chorine from the water when new water is added. Like humans, fish do not like chlorine built up in their water and it must be removed. Some people use kosher salt to remove algae. This can only be done when the fish are safely removed to another location and it must be taken out of the pond before the water is put back in. Generally, the products that allow this task to be done without removing the fish are much easier and just as effective.
Pumps
Pumps are such a vital pond supply that they deserve their own section. There are several different types of pumps available on the market. The biggest difference between the types available is whether they're placed above or below the water.
Make certain that any pump purchased can circulate the required minimum volume of water within the space of an hour, the minimum rate of circulation will depend on what the pond contains, a koi pond will require a higher rate of circulation than a garden pond containing plants for example, the required circulation rate can be calculated using the pond pump calculator. It's best to purchase a pump that is a little larger in capacity than what's needed rather than to hope a smaller pump will do the trick.
A spare pump might be a good to have in case of pump failure. It could prove to be a great convenience as it will be ready waiting to be installed in the event of a failure.
Beneficial Bacteria
There are bacterial agents which can be added to the water which are helpful in retarding the growth of algae and other impurities. The good bacteria also kill off the bad bacteria which can ruin the health of the fish. This should be added from time to time to ensure that algae has no nutrients on which it can feed and to break down fish waste.
The waste added to the water by fish can result in toxic levels of ammonia. These bacteria break that waste and ammonia down into harmless materials which are beneficial to the health of the pond. This is an important supply to have on hand.
Kits
Many of the most common supplies can be purchased as kits. This can save money and make it easier to ensure that one doesn't forget a vital element of their pond maintenance. Make certain that the pond kit has adequate material for the volume of one's pond. It may be necessary to purchase additional quantities supplies individually to accommodate the needs of a very large pond. It's also best to keep some items on hand in case an emergency happens to present itself.
Certain times of year will require more maintenance than others. For instance, algae will almost certainly rear its ugly head during the spring when the waters become warm for the first time of the year. In the winter, one will need a sturdy pick or other device to clear ice from the pond from time to time. It's best to have spares like a pump on hand, as well, in case one happens to break down at an inopportune time when a replacement cannot be purchased.
Depending on where one lives, it may also be advisable to purchase simple items such as a thermometer and a pond heater. While fish can survive in the winter, a very cold climate does put them at risk and one needs to make certain that their habitat is safe year round.
One may also consider purchasing a fake heron to place near the pond. This will discourage other birds which prey upon fish from turning one's pond into a restaurant.
Another nuisance associated with water is mosquito infestation. While one's koi or goldfish will certainly enjoy snacking on insects, it may be necessary to add a biological agent that kill off these pests. These are generally not at all toxic to any other life forms and can ensure that one's backyard doesn't become a breeding ground.
To prevent overlooking an important item make a list of all the pond supplies one will need on a regular bases in addition to the supplies one might require in case of an emergency.
