The key to a low-maintenance pond or water garden is planning.
How difficult will it be to maintain? If you follow a few simple
guidelines, your maintenance requirements should be minimal.
Location, location, location Locate your pond in an area that
allows water to drain away from it. Ground runoff can cause
major pond water quality issues because of lawn fertilizers,
pesticides, and other ground contaminants. Also, note the
accessibility of services such as electricity and water. If
these services are not already near your pond construction site,
you may need professional installation help. Cut down on
cleaning Use pond plants to help improve water quality. They
compete with algae for nutrients and help shade the water
surface from direct sunlight, which also helps limit algae
growth. Visit LiveAquaria.com for all of your planting options.
Maintain pristine water quality If you'll keep fish in your
pond, take care not to overstock. Estimate 1"-2" of fish per
square foot of water surface area as a stocking m