Formal Pond Upgrades - End Green Algae Frustrations!
Are you frustrated that your formal pond turns green every spring and summer? Are you ready to have clean, clear water again? We have the solutions for bringing the beauty back to your formal pond.
When we talk about the term upgrade, it has more to do with our extensive knowledge of ecosystems and particularly natural “filtration” applied to often “green” formal ponds.
If you are having bad green water problems in your formal pond, here are some of the steps we take in solving the problem:
1. By installing gravel on the pond floor, we provide a place for natural bacteria (which we introduce via powder or liquid) to colonize, grow and eat sludge, thus improving water quality.
2. By adding a filter, (either mechanical filter as in a synthetic filter pad, or the preferred biological filter as in a “bog filter” or “wet well filter”), we allow for the removal of algae-causing nitrates and/or other organic debris (dead leaves, pine needles, mulch) from the water column. Adding a filter improves water quality.
3. By increasing pump size or adding a separate pump to push dirty water through the filter, we increase oxygen and circulation, which improves the habitat for fish and also improves water quality (stagnant water smells, increases the chance for algae, and can be typical with small fountains or small formal ponds).
4. By installing aquatic plants. The plants absorb excess nutrients in water, thus robbing the algae of its needed food source.
5. By adding fish, they eat algae and are part of the overall ecosystem to create the “balance” we are after.
We recently performed this exact conversion for one of our commercial accounts, Dilworth Billiards. They had a formal fountain (minimal circulation - sterile ecosystem) and we converted it into a beautiful Koi pond. By removing the concrete floor of the fountain, excavating down 4+ feet, adding liner, rock, gravel, bog filters, wet well filter, fish, plants, aerators, lights, and fogger, we created a lush natural ecosystem habitat for their new fish and plants where previously there was very green, nasty water. It is now a great entertainment focal point. Before it was just a “fountain”.
So, you may have a formal pond that stays green all the time. You would be a perfect fit for one of our formal pond conversions. Contact us now to put an end to green algae and ugly water!
More Information About Formal Ponds
Formal ponds may not be for every home owner, but they certainly do make an impact when done right. If you are considering a formal design for your water garden, it is extremely important to plan for it to merge seamlessly into its environment. Carefully study your existing yard and house design to determine whether a formal water garden will look like it belongs. If your yard just isn't suited to a formal pond, but you really want one, a semi formal design may be a good solution for you.
A formal water garden should have clean simple lines and will usually be symmetrical, either bi-lateral, as in a rectangular or square pond, or radial as in a round pond. Some common shapes are rectangular, oblong, square, L-shaped (an exception to the symmetry rule), scalloped, and semi-circle. Edging is usually a prominent feature in a formal pond and should compliment other materials in the landscape. The outline of the pond is the most important feature. The edging acts as a frame around this outline and, therefore, should not be covered with excessive plantings. Because of this, formal ponds tend to have fewer plants.
To fine out more, please contact us at Waterscapes Pro - The Pond People in Charlotte!
