MOVEONIN to Shreveport Bossier

POND F.A.Q.
(frequently asked questions)

by John Cash
of Ark-La-Tex Water Gardens

Question:
Where is the best place to locate my pond?

Answer: There are both pros and cons for locating the pond in sun or shade. In shade there is less light and heat to cause algae growth and often the ponds are a little easier to keep clear. But in the sun you have a wider variety of plants that you can grow. Most of the flowering plants including just about all the water lilies have to have full sun to flower properly. Also in shade there are usually a lot more leaves to contend with. We generally recommend that the pond be located near where you spend most of your time outside. This is usually in the backyard, near the patio or deck regardless of whether it is in sun or shade. However, if your main purpose for the pond is for the beautiful and varied plants you can grow, it needs full sun.

Question:
How large should my pond be?

Answer: As large as you can afford. Ponds are like greenhouses. They're never big enough. A true Œponder¹ will tell you that if you're still mowing grass, your pond is not big enough. Seriously, most people start with a small box store "tub" pond. You know, one of the small plastic shells, complete with an inadequate filter, inadequate pump, inadequate waterfall, and inadequate instructions. The larger the pond you build, the less care it takes. A large pond doesn¹t suffer so much from temperature fluctuations. A large pond is easier to keep clean and clear. A large pond will support more variety of fish and plants. A good starting place is a 9'x12'pond, big enough to enjoy and function properly, but small enough to fit into most backyards.

Question:
How many fish can I have?

Answer: It depends. As a general rule of thumb, multiply the length of your pond times the width and this will give you roughly how many inches of fish it can support. For example a pond that is 10' wide by 15' long will usually support 150 inches of fish. That means that if you line up every fish you've got from end to end, the total length should be less than 150 inches. Another way is to calculate how many gallons you have in the pond. Using this method you can have one inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water. Either way, if your circulation or filtration is less
than ideal, it¹s best to have perhaps half the recommended number.

By the same token, if you have excellent circulation and filtration you can push the limits. But remember, they grow. If you start with the maximum number, you¹re going to have to get rid of some of them soon.