Page 303 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WHAT TO CONSIDER 301

POND SAFETY
Formal ponds are Safety should be a prime consideration
frequently seen in the when designing a pond that may be visited
grounds of European by children. A raised pond is a safer option
stately homes, reflecting than one at ground level, and there are Protective pond grilles
a gardening trend that rigid wire grilles that can be securely do not have to be
began in North Africa. fastened over the top of the pond. Even unattractive. This wavy,
Such ponds generally modern design creates
have few plants present, with these measures, however, children the impression of ripples
other than water lilies. should always be supervised near the pond. on the water.
invariably kept in a larger formal design of pond. Such ponds
are costly to construct, however, not just because they need
to be large but also because they require an effective filtration
system to maintain water quality and clarity.
Naturalistic ponds are simple and inexpensive to create
using flexible pond liner (see p.302). At certain times of year,
however, the fish may not be particularly conspicuous in this
type of pond; during early summer, for example, the water
may be green with algae and the pond partially covered with
profuse plant growth. A filtration system is less essential in
a pond of this type, but regular maintenance is required to
remove dead plant material and clean out silt (see pp.318–320).
Depth is an important consideration, especially in temperate
areas. Fish instinctively retreat to the bottom of a pond as the
temperature drops toward freezing. Ponds should therefore This koi pond (below) incorporates a
include an area that is at least 4 ft (1.2 m) deep, to ensure that gravel border, a low planting plan,
and large rocks, reflecting the Oriental
it will not freeze to the bottom in even the most severe winters. origins of the fish kept there. SITING GUIDELINES
• Ponds should be constructed
only in areas where the ground
is relatively level.
• Choose a location that
allows you to view the pond
from inside the house.
• Consider the availability of
a power supply for running
filters and fountains.
• Avoid building a pond
close to trees, because the
growth of their roots may
damage the foundations or
puncture the pond liner.
• Avoid areas that are
naturally prone to becoming
waterlogged, because excess
water can collect under the
pond liner.
• Site the pond in a
sheltered spot, to stop leaves
from blowing into it.
• Choose a site that is not
in direct sunlight during the
hottest part of the day.

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