Making a Pond Sustainable with Wetland Filtration Systems

Excessive algae growth in garden ponds may be due to Florida's warm, sunny environment and inadequate filtration or maintenance. Our hot summers and abundant sunlight make it easy for even a small body of water to heat up and turn green. Some shade or something to cover the pond will improve its quality.

I've been building ponds in Florida for six years now. Over time, customers have been having trouble keeping their water clear enough to see their fish. Lack of aeration, oxygen, and chemical treatments may cause algae growth in ponds. Implementing a proper filtration system specifically designed for Florida's climate can help improve the water quality of your garden pond.

Regular maintenance, like debris removal and filter cleaning, can prevent excessive algae growth. Aquatic plants filter water, reduce algae, provide oxygen, and improve fish health. Beneficial bacteria help ponds break down waste, regulate nutrient levels, and control algae growth.

So, I've been thinking about making a pond for my house and decided to get a wetland filtration system. I wanted to see how it compared to using a BioFalls box. What I've discovered challenges commonly held beliefs about which option is easier to care for. Wetland filtration offers a larger capacity compared to BioFalls box.

In a wetland, water is stored underground, away from the sun, which helps to keep the water cooler. When the water resurfaces, the plants on top will filter out nitrates and fish waste that can cause algae and green water in a pond. On the other hand, a BioFalls box is a small container with filter pads, some plants, and rocks, which is not comparable to having a wetland.

The pond receives 7 hours of sunlight daily. I apply beneficial bacteria added weekly with an automatic dosing unit. The water remains clear, but some algae grow on rocks. Although overgrowth is a natural occurrence in pond design and construction areas, it is detrimental to the health of aquatic life. Regularly scrubbing rocks, introducing aquatic plants, and maintaining a balanced fish population can manage algae growth.

A wetland filtration system in ponds improves water quality by using plants and beneficial bacteria to filter and purify the water. It controls algae growth and enhances the ecosystem by providing a habitat for various organisms. In contrast, a BioFalls box is a mechanical filtration system that removes larger debris but may not offer the same level of natural filtration and ecological benefits.

Wetlands provide additional benefits, such as acting as a natural filter for pollutants and excess nutrients in the water. They also serve as habitats for various aquatic plants and wildlife, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the pond ecosystem. 

Adding a pond to your yard is like creating a peaceful and fancy vacation spot in your backyard. If you're worried about murky water in your garden pond with the warm Florida weather, get an expert pond builder to install a wetland filter system for your water feature. 

Not all ponds need a wetland, but it does a better job of keeping your pond and fish healthy and clean. If you want to learn more about getting a wetland filtration system for your pond construction, call me to schedule a consultation.