The Koi Pond Ecosystem

Pond Blog

The Koi pond ecosystem is a self-sustaining and living circle of life.  Koi ponds are more intricate than many people may think.  So what is an ecosystem?  An ecosystem pond is a community or network of living organisms that live together and support each other for their survival.  So what makes up an ecosystem?  In order to have a healthy Pond that lives and self sustains itself you need to make sure that you have these five major components in your pond system. 

(1)    Biological filtration and beneficial bacteria.  Biological filtration is an all-natural filtration process which occurs when microorganisms remove and digest organic material and nutrients.  Microorganisms are beneficial bacteria or a pro-biotic that work in symphony to reduce sludge, uneaten fish food, fish waste, and other excess nutrients.  Excess nutrients are ammonia, nitrites and nitrates that cause poor pond water quality and clarity.  Biological filters such as Pondineer DuraFalls are designed to remove suspended or floating materials from your pond water and also contain the filter media in which the beneficial pond bacteria will live and digest organic material.

(2)    Rocks and Gravel. Gravel is placed on the bottom of a fish pond to cover the pond liner, similar to covering the bottom of a fish tank with gravel.  Typically, pond owners line their ponds with gravel up to 1” in diameter. Gravel- and rock-lined ponds protect the pond liner from UV rays which deteriorate the pond liner and add weight to prevent the pond liner from shifting and bubbling.  Gravel and rocks also add a decorative element to a fish pond.  Fish pond bottoms become covered with sludge that forms from fish waste, and dead and decaying plant material.  Rocks and gravel provide surface area for beneficial pond bacteria to grow that will eat away the sludge and promote improved pond water quality.  The bacteria that grow on the gravel are the same bacteria that grow in a biological pond filter.  A gravel layer will make cleaning a fish pond easier since it removes much of the sludge the same way the biological pond filter removes organic material and excess nutrients.

(3)    Aeration/circulation. There are many common pond problems that can be alleviated with aeration; most importantly, the oxygen levels and circulation of material within the 'water column'.  Aeration improves Koi and pond fish health by injecting and maintaining normal oxygen levels in your pond.  Aeration allows pockets of toxic gas and ammonia that form in the pond to release out of the water.  The pond pump creates the circulation action that allows for waste to flow into a skimmer filter that will catch floating debris and clean the water more thoroughly.   The capture of surface debris reduces the unsightly growth of algae at the surface of a pond and prevents excess organic material from sinking to the pond floor.  Circulation also creates the surface current action that prevents mosquito breeding.

(4)    Fish (Koi). Fish are also necessary for the pond ecosystem.  Fish, especially koi eat algae and excess plant debris.Koi are in the carp family and like the carp, they thrive on pond sludge, algae and muck.  Fish also produce ammonia and digested plant material which feed your ponds beneficial bacteria.  Koi are also the main reason why many people build ponds.  Koi are colorful, social and they add beauty and character to any water garden. Koi have been the object of millions of peoples hobby’s for many years and are also one of the most sought after fish for dedicated fish hobbyist. 

(5)    Aquatic plants. Having aquatic plants in your pond will help to filter the water by turning fish waste and excess nutrients into food for the plants.  Aquatic plants will also provide oxygen for your fish.  By covering the surface of the water with floating plants or water lilies, they will help protect your pond fish from predators.   Aquatic plants also promote a perfect habitat for fish spawning.  From an aesthetic view point, aquatic plants help to break up the hardscape in your typical koi pond and add color and beauty to your water garden. 

  These five components create a natural balance in a ponds ecosystem that will ensure that your pond will be self-sustaining and as low-maintenance as possible.  If you were to remove any one of these 5 components the pond will become out of balance and your pond will require extra maintenance.  It really is simple to own a “low” maintenance pond and the secret to creating that “low” maintenance pond is this.  Make sure you have all 5 components listed above in your pond system. . For more information or products for your koi pond or water garden please visit our website at www.thepondhub.com or give us a call at 1-877-364-8238 from 9-5 Eastern Time.