So you've decided to build or install a fish pond. The next step will be to decide what pond equipment you are going to need.
If you have a look at all the available fish pond supplies, it can be quite mind boggling. So before you rush out and buy one of each item you can find, consider your own particular needs.
To make it easier, we can divide pond equipment into four different broad categories:
o Basic equipment to run the pond.
o Equipment to make ponds more decorative.
o Equipment to maintain water in fish ponds.
o Equipment for keeping fish.
Basic equipment
The basic equipment you will need for your new fish pond will depend on the type of pond you have chosen. It will also depend on the size of pond and whether you have opted to include a fountain, waterfall or any other form of running water in the design. In addition, it will depend on the type of fish you are planning to keep.
If you want fountains or running water, you will need a pump of some sort, either submersible or the surface type. While most submersible pumps come with fountain fittings, you may want to buy additional fittings, depending on the effects you want to create. This however, will fall into the next category.
If you are going to stock your new fish pond with koi, you will probably want to install a biological filter, and perhaps an ultra-violet (UV) unit that you can attach to the filter. You may also want a pond aerator to make sure there is always enough oxygen in the water for the fish.
Equipment to improve the look of the pond
Introducing moving water to any pond will enhance its decorative appeal. So, too will pond lighting, either inside the pond or at the edges.
For movement, consider any type of fountain, from those that spurt water high into the air, to those that simply bubble like a geyser just above the surface. There are dozens of types of fountain heads that you can add to a basic fountain kit, including domes and tulip shapes. Some pond aerators also come with fountain fittings, doubling up on function. So look at these as well.
When it comes to lighting up ponds decoratively at night, you can use any light fittings that are suitable for landscaping. But there are also many other options intended specifically for ponds, some of which are solar-powered and therefore energy efficient. Some of the more novel types include lights that float like water lilies and those that glow out of what looks like rock.
Equipment for water maintenance
Maintaining a fish pond is not difficult, provided you don't allow the water to become polluted, for example by leaving dead leaves, grass cuttings and other debris to rot in the water. A simple fish net, or alternatively a scoop, will enable you to remove this debris. The net may also be used to remove sick fish if necessary, or to move fish to a holding container (or tank) if the water has to be changed at any time.
If you are going to keep koi, it is also a good idea to get at least one tank that you can use if necessary. These are really more like temporary ponds and similar, but on a smaller scale than some of the vinyl kit swimming pools you can buy.
You will also need a selection of pond water test kits so that you can regularly check the pH of the water to see how acid or alkaline it is, as well as both the general and carbonate hardness of the water, and its nitrite, ammonia and salt levels.
Equipment for fish keeping
If you are keeping koi, in addition to hand-held nets and tanks, you may want to install a net over the entire pond, to protect the fish from predators. Other than that, all you will need is suitable food and a store of medication in case fish get sick.
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