The “Greener” Side of Ponds

Dustin

Dustin
Joined
May 13, 2009
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Location
California, USA
The “Greener” Side of Ponds
(An article by Curt Nuenighoff reproduced with permission from Pond Biz Mag)

Historically, when we speak about the greener side of ponds, we are discussing how to eliminate algae from the pond. However, in this case, as more and more Americans are becoming environmentally conscious and looking for ways to conserve energy around their homes, the greener side of a pond refers to the ecological benefits of owning a pond.

web%20greener%20side.jpg
Over the past several years, ponds and water gardens have become a common landscaping trend throughout the United States. Most homeowners create a pond to add beauty to their yards or to increase their home’s living space by adding an outdoor living room around the water garden. Ponds create a solace from the world and a haven for prized Koi and other wildlife. However, few realize the countless environmental benefits to maintaining a pond or water garden.

According to the National Gardening Association’s (NGA) 2008 Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey, nine out of 10 households believe it’s important to maintain their landscapes in a way that benefits the environment. However, only half of those are knowledgeable about how to maintain lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly way. Source: National Gardening Association-www.garden.org.

Many do not realize that by replacing some or all of their lawn with a pond, they can conserve energy, save money, support the environment and reduce personal stress.

TetraPond’s Seven Environmental Benefits to Owning a Pond:

1. Lawns require watering whereas ponds can be re-filled with rainwater.
Maintaining a lush lawn requires regular watering; otherwise, it can quickly lose its luster and become burnt out. Therefore, homeowners spend countless hours and thousands of gallons of water each year watering their lawns. Regular lawn watering uses 750-1,500 gallons of water each month. Source: Water Conservation Tips- www.monolake.org. Conversely, once a pond is initially filled, pond owners will only need to ‘top off’ the pond occasionally, especially if living in a climate that receives regular rainfalls.

2. Ponds are a self-sustaining cycle of hydration that keeps plants alive without having to water them.
For those interested in conserving water, ponds and water gardens are the best landscaping option. Because shrubs, flowers and plants based in soil require constant watering, a household’s water consumption can easily increase dramatically. Alternatively, through rainfall, ponds and water gardens literally water themselves, helping to save water. Additionally, pond water can be used to water other plants in the garden, therefore conserving water by eliminating the use of the garden hose. Simply dip a watering can into the pond to care for other plants and trees throughout the yard.

3. Less mowing means less use of gas and carbon monoxide emissions.
Here are a few more reasons for dad to take some time off from mowing, and instead, build a water garden or pond. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each weekend, about 54 million Americans mow their lawns, using 800 million gallons of gas per year and producing tons of air pollutants.
Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, producing up to 5% of the nation's air pollution and a good deal more in metropolitan areas. A traditional gas powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars, each being driven 12,000 miles. Lastly, over 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year refueling lawn and garden equipment – more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska. This adds to groundwater contamination and smog. Source: Environmental Protection Agency

4. Pesticides and fertilizers for the lawn can be harmful, creating run-off that ends up in our water supply.
The EPA estimates that only 35 percent of lawn fertilizers applied ever reach the grass plant; the remainder ends up in our air or seeps into groundwater. During a typical year in neighborhoods across the country, over 102 million pounds of toxic pesticides are applied in pursuit of a perfect lawn and garden. Commonly used lawn pesticides can cause illness by entering our drinking water through run-off. Source: The National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns

5. Sludge collected by your pond filter can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn and garden.
Pond sludge can contain nutrients from fish droppings, excess fish food, and decaying leaves. Sludge, a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer, can be placed around the bottom of a tree, plant or shrub to aid in growth.

6. Ponds attract and create a haven for beautiful fish, dragonflies, frogs and birds, adding to wildlife propagation.
For years, pond owners have been adding beautiful fish (such as Koi and Goldfish) to their pond for the enjoyment and relaxation of observing. In addition to fish, ponds and water gardens attract other creatures, providing a sanctuary for breeding. Frogs especially gather at the pond as it provides a shelter as they reproduce in the spring and summer. Baby frogs and toads (known as tadpoles) are generally a desirable pond inhabitant for their algae-eating habits. Adult toads are also beneficial to the garden for their aid in controlling insects.

7. Water gardens influence young people to help create a better future for the planet.
Including children in the building of a water garden or pond helps them gain an interest in science and environmental issues. Water gardens are complete eco-systems which educate children on how natural systems work and can influence them to help create a better planet. Getting kids involved and thinking about nature early in life encourages them to continue their interest in the environment throughout adulthood. Planning, building and maintaining a pond or water garden also helps children understand the responsibility we all have for caring for our environment.

Building a water garden or pond is enjoyable. Over time, many pond owners become fascinated by their fish and engrossed in a hobby that brings them great pleasure and adds distinct beauty to a home. But don’t forget to remind your pond owners and potential pond owners of the ecological benefits that come with owning a pond. Every little bit helps, and improving the environment can begin at home.

Ready to get started…
Visit www.tetrapond.com:
• For easy-to-follow instructions on how to create a water garden
• To sign up for TetraPond’s award-winning monthly e-newsletter, Into the Pond. Delivered to your email Inbox, Into the Pond provides seasonal pondkeeping tips and suggestions to help keep your hobby enjoyable.

About TetraPond
TetraPond is an international leader of water gardening products, as demonstrated by consecutive Industry Recognition Awards for product innovation in pet specialty retailing. TetraPond offers a complete line of products for pond enthusiasts, including pumps, filters, clarifiers, water treatments, and the world’s most popular fish food. TetraPond’s U.S. headquarters is located in Blacksburg, Va. For more information, call your water garden experts at 1-800-423-6458. Or visit www.tetrapond.com and register for TetraCare®, our free online support program, where you can sign up for our award-winning Into the Pond e-newsletter, providing seasonal information for healthy ponds.

The original article is found at The “Greener” Side of Ponds.
 

oldmarine

Married 32 years
Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
778
Reaction score
3
Location
Tacoma, Washington / USA
Re: The “Greener” Side of Ponds

Dustin,

Thank you for the awsome information. Thanks for the input. personally I was only partially aware of the benefits of having my own pond.

I took your advice about the filter sludge. Now I rinse my filter pads in a 5 gallon bucket and delute that water to water our flowers and vegitable garden. The sludge and the nutrients form the pond waste really makes a difference with all of the plants in my yard.

Keep coming with more your knowledge.

Thanks,
 

oldmarine

Married 32 years
Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
778
Reaction score
3
Location
Tacoma, Washington / USA
Re: The “Greener” Side of Ponds

Greener I understand, but I had a situation and I have a question about it.

Prior to going away for the weekend last week, I had been battling with a black slimmy looking algee in the water all down the front of my 4' fiber resin waterfall. I would scrub it down form time to time, but it always came back. This last Sunday when we came home from our trip, the black looking algee was all gone except for one small strip at the top. Now it has all together disapeared and I have no idea as to how or why this occured. I am assuming that there is some kind natural balance that I may have created the right conditions for this to happen.

I am alright with whatever happened. Does anyone have any idea what conditions may have allowed this happen? I would like to know so that I don't mess it up and create the wrong conditions for the black slime to come back.
 

Dustin

Dustin
Joined
May 13, 2009
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Location
California, USA
As ponds mature, the dominant algae changes. Algae varieties compete for space and food. Changes in the nutrients and sunlight available also can help or hinder different kinds of algae to take over. We have all experienced the green water algae bloom that happens to new ponds, usually followed by string algae. As many ponds mature the string algae is replaced by slime algae, which is the usual long term dominant algae in most ponds. The appearance of slime algae is often taken as a good sign - that the pond is in balance and the water is not overloaded with nutrients.

So why did the slime algae stop growing on your waterfall? I have seen this happen as well, and I don't know what is going on. What you don't want is for the slime algae to be replaced with string algae, because that is probably a sign that your filter is under-performing or is becoming overloaded, or needs cleaning. If you have a nice slime coat on the rest of the pond I would just count my blessings. If you see string algae start to grow in the pond where slime algae grew before, I would clean the filter with pond water, and watch your pond closely. Test the water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, as well as ph to be sure they are all in line, and monitor temp. Water temp can have a big impact on algae growth. If your water tests out as it should, then I would not worry too much about it. A pond is something like a wild animal. You can put it in a cage and feed it, and it will respond with satisfying behavior. Sometimes however it just has a mind of its own, and there is nothing you can do but watch and enjoy the show.

(Response from Tom Graham of Pond Trade Magazine.)
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
30,782
Messages
508,590
Members
13,043
Latest member
cisifom

Latest Threads

Top