Policies for Building a Self-Sustaining Pond
- Pond liners and concrete bases do not last indefinitely, so the base of the pond should be compacted clay soil several feet deep, depending on site conditions. Pumps, filters and aerators--even solar-powered ones--should not be used because they wear down over time and need maintenance. Instead, a balance of plant and animal life keep the water clean and oxygenated. Avoid chemicals that harm aquatic life.
- Subsurface plants oxygenate the water, while floating leaf plants such as water lily provide shade and habitat for fish and other animals. Bog plants line the shore to filter toxins and organic material from water that washes into the pond. Floating plants provide additional shade to prevent algae blooms as well as food and habitat for animals. Additionally, all of these plants filter fish and other animal wastes to keep the water clean.
- Two of the biggest mistakes in pond building is overstocking fish and using the wrong varieties. A mixture of plant-eating and insect-eating fish deters pests, while mollusks such as snails keep the water clean. A natural, chemical-free pond will draw the necessary insects and microbe life into the pond to keep the system in balance.
