g n i n e d r a Building g r the perfect e t a pond w o t e d i u g s ’ r e n n i g e b A Beautifully simple water gardening www.lagunaponds.com Building the Perfect Pond Planning ahead Water gardening is increasingly becoming a popular hobby. The key to a beautiful pond is planning ahead.Before picking up your tape measure and shovel,take the time to plan out your pond.This will not only And why not? Water gardens add a unique dimension to preventmistakes,but it will also save time and money. homes and even with limited space,you can design a water Take a good look at the layout of your land.Selecting the right site for your water feature that brings the beauty of nature into your backyard. garden is essential.Consider the following guidelines that will help you choose the best site for your water garden. Thanks to pond equipment such as Laguna pumps,filters, A Choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. and liners,you can easily create your own backyard Most aquatic plants flourish in sunlight.However,do not choose an area that aquatic oasis. This guide will show you how. gets direct sunlight all day,as this could cause the pond to overheat and make it more difficult to maintain. B Find a spot away from overhanging trees,as falling leaves that may pollute the pond water will decompose and cause problems.In addition,roots will also hamper digging and potentially change the shape of your pond or cause damage to pre-formed ponds. C If possible,use natural slopes in your yard to create waterfalls and other landscape features. D Choose a level area in an open location,preferably where it can be seen and enjoyed from the house or patio. E Choose a location near a water source.Small ponds can easily lose 1 inch per Planning ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 day due to evaporation.You’ll need to top up pond water on a regular basis. The right pond size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 F Choose an area close to an electrical source with at least 2 G.F.I.rated Pond style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 electrical outlets.However,four outlets are preferable.This would allow you to connect two pumps and a UV Sterilizer while still having one outlet left for Building a pond with a pre-formed pond . . . . . . . . .6-7 other useful equipment such as pond lighting or additional pumps for spitters. Building a pond with a pond liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 Adding a waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Choosing a pond pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12 Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Choosing a filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15 Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Adding plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Adding fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 NOTE OF CAUTION:Children are drawn to water.Take the necessary steps Maintaining clear water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 to ensure that your pond is safe. Always monitor young children near Helpful tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ponds or open water of any kind. 3 The right pond size Pond style Once you know the size of your pond and selected your location,you need to decide on either using a pre-formed or liner-type pond. There are several advantages to using a pre-formed pond.They take a lot of the guesswork out of designing your water garden.They are made of heavy-duty, Water gardens come in all sorts of styles and sizes.Which one is right rigid polyethylene,are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as hot for you? summers and frigid winters,and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.The disadvantage is that you are limited to the pre-formed shape. 1 to 5 Gallon Ponds– offer a carefree way to enjoy small water A pond liner offers many advantages when designing your water garden.The soft plants up close. rubber liner is highly flexible and durable,which make them ideal for custom installations.However,be careful what you buy.Some liners are not intended for 20 to 40 Gallon Ponds– get your feet wet.Provide a serene area for pond use and can contain oils and fungicides that are harmful to fish and plants. you to enjoy small to medium sized pond plants.You can also have a Laguna 45-mil Durashield Pond Liners are fish-friendly and durable - they’re small pump and maybe even a goldfish.Even better – they’re easy guaranteed for 20 years! to maintain. You will also have to decide whether you want a waterfall or a fountain or 50 to 500 Gallon Ponds– a great place to start,not a big perhaps both.Remember,a pond is a combination of tranquil sounds, commitment.However,once you discover your enthusiasm for pond movement and color.By creating a pond,you are bringing the beauty of nature keeping,it won’t be long before you’re making plans to expand. into your garden.The sensory dimension that your pond will add will amaze and delight you. 500 to 3000 Gallon Ponds– this size will allow you to keep fish and a large variety of pond plants.Consider location,filtration and the number of plants and fish that you want to keep when planning your pond. 3,000 Gallon Ponds and over- many people find water gardening and fish keeping to be the hobby of their dreams and will invest the time and money to get the maximum enjoyment out of their water garden. With water gardening the only limit is your imagination. 4 5 Building a pond with Building a pond with a pre-formed pond a pre-formed pond Laguna pre-formed ponds are available in a wide variety of shapes,sizes and depths.Many come with pre-contoured shelves and steps.Choose a style that best suits your garden and selected location.Another point to consider when selecting your pre-formed pond is water depth.If you wish to winter your fish in a harsh climate you will need to select a pond with a depth of at least 4 feet therefore a liner may be more suitable. Installing a pre-formed pond: 1 2 3 1 Place the pond in position and carefully mark out its shape with pegs (ill.1).DO NOT place the pre-formed pond upside down to outline the shape,or your hole will not match the shape of the form.Position the pond right side up in the exact place you want it and use it as a guide or template while digging around the stakes.Make your outline 4 – 6 inches larger than the pond itself. 2 Check the first level and start digging down to the shelves. 4 5 3 Reposition the pond,mark out the inner deeper section and continue digging out to the bottom.Be sure that the hole is slightly deeper than the actual depth of the preformed pond and verify that the bottom is level.Remove any stones or roots that may pierce the DURASHIELD PRE-FORMED DIMENSIONS VOLUME THICKNESS pre-formed pond when the weight of the water is added. PONDS 4 Once you are satisfied that the hole is the proper size,depth and WATER BASIN 26” dia x 12” 18 U.S. GAL 150 mm PT-786 66 cm dia x 30.5 cm (68 L) orientation,add about 2 inches of sand to the base level and shelves (ill.4). SPILLWAY 54” x 30” x 17” 50 U.S. GAL This will protect the liner from damage due to exposed roots or rocks. PT-789 137 cm x 76 cm x 43 cm (189 L) 187 mm 5 Insert the pre-formed pond and make a final check to make sure it is level SIMCOE 39” x 28” x 15” 32 U.S. GAL PT-790 99 cm x 71 cm x 38 cm (122 L) 187 mm (ill.5).Back-fill any spaces left from digging with sand. CHAMPLAIN 59” x 39” x 18” 72 U.S. GAL 6 Now you are ready to add water.The weight of the water as it is added PT-791 150 cm x 99 cm x 46 cm (272 L) 150 mm will help the pre- formed pond settle into place. TAHOE 71” x 50” x 18” 150 U.S. GAL PT-792 180 cm x 127 cm x 46 cm (568 L) 150 mm HUDSON 90” x 58” x 18” 192 U.S. GAL PT-793 229 cm x 147 cm x 46 cm (727 L) 150 mm HURON 58” x 94” x 18” 264 U.S. GAL PT-794 147 cm x 239 cm x 46 cm (1000 L) 150 mm ERIE 60” x 47” x 24” 144 U.S. GAL PT-797 152 cm x 119 cm x 61 cm (545 L) 150 mm SUPERIOR 70” x 55” x 24” 180 U.S. GAL PT-798 178 cm x 140 cm x 61 cm (681 L) 150 mm 6 7 Building a pond with a pond liner Building a pond with a pond liner For those who want to design an original pond,Laguna 45 mil EPDM Pond 4 Now it is time to lay in the liner.Let it warm in the sun briefly to make it Liners allow you to create a unique and natural looking water garden. more flexible and easy to handle.(Do this on a driveway,never on grass Before you go out and buy a liner,you will need to calculate the correct size. as the heat will quickly damage grass). Use the following formula or the calculators found at www.lagunaponds.com 5 Add some water so that the liner starts to settle into place.It is to help calculate the size of liner you will need. impossible to eliminate all wrinkles so let the weight of the water form First,determine the maximum length,width and depth of your pond. the natural flow of the liner and gently pull the liner as the pond fills trying to keep the wrinkles to a minimum. Then,double the depth and add it to the values of the length and width. Once you have this measurement add 2 feet for overlapping the pond 6 Lay patio stones or slate around the perimeter of the edge.This will give you the correct size that you will require. pond.This will hold the liner in place and create a decorative touch.Use mortar or foam to keep these Here’s an example: decorative pieces in place. If you’re building a pond that’s 6 ft wide x 8 ft long x 2 ft deep, do the following calculations: 7 Keep filling the pond with water.The liner will stretch and mould itself to the shape of the pond and adjust the weight as the liner settles.Be 2 feet in depth x 2 = 4 feet careful when filling the pond with water.If the liner is allowed to 6 feet in width + 4 feet = 10 feet contort and stretch too much it may be damaged. 8 feet in length + 4 feet = 12 feet 8 Once the pond is full,trim off any excess liner from Now calculate 10 feet + 2 feet = 12 feet for the total width and 12 feet + 2 around the edge of the paving slabs,leaving an overlap feet = 14 feet for the total length.You will need a liner that is 12 x 14 feet. of at least 6”.Make sure that the trimmed liner is above the desired water level. 1 Once you have decided on your design,outline the shape that you want to create using a rope or hose.Mark the depth of shelves for planting. TIP– After placing all rocks and edging,empty the water from the pond as it will be dirty from the mortar and rock debris.The simplest way to do this is with your pond’s filter pump.Ensure that the pump outlet hose is a 2 Dig out the hole,making sure to create internal shelves good distance away from the pond as the mortar may discolor your lawn for planting.Use a plank and level to ensure that the for several weeks. hole is level.Check for any sharp stones or tree roots that may puncture or damage the liner. 3 Add a layer of sand or geo-textile.This will protect the actual liner from damage due to exposed roots or rocks. 8 9 Adding a waterfall Choosing a pond pump Any water garden will benefit from the use of a pump.Water must flow constantly for effective filtration to take place.Filtration is critical in keeping pond water healthy,clean and clear.Fish and plant life will thrive in a well-circulated pond.Without water circulation and filtration your pond could suffer from a lack of oxygen and,consequently,poor water quality. Before buying your pump,you must first determine how much work you are asking it to do.Will it just circulate water or will it pump water through a U.V. sterilizer,waterfall,fountains,ornaments,and filter.Answering these questions will help determine the size of your pump.The more features you add,the more Whether you have a pre-formed or liner pond,the following steps are work you are asking your pump to do,and therefore,the more powerful it has common to both. to be. Also,it is a good idea to buy a pump with a capacity slightly greater than your initial needs,especially since you may want to add to your system later. If you decided to create a simple pond all you need to do is add water, To keep ponds healthy,a general rule of thumb is that pond water should decorate and enjoy your creation.However,if you’ve decided to do a little be circulated at least once every two hours.A 500-gallon pond,for example, more planning and work,you can enhance the beauty of your water requires a pump capable of generating a minimum flow of 250 gallons per garden by adding a waterfall.A waterfall is very beneficial as it will hour.To figure out the volume of water your pond will need to circulate use provide needed oxygen while adding the soothing sound of running water. the following calculation. Please note that you should state measurements Whether pre-formed or a liner and natural rocks,your waterfall will need in feet for these calculations. to be carefully checked for water leaks and steady flow in order to prevent For a square or rectangular pond: water loss or stagnant areas.Ensure that the base of your waterfall is solid. Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total gallons Fill any gaps or crevices with sand or soil and tamp into place.Make sure For a round pond: that the upper levels overlap the main pond or liner to assure a smooth 0.785 x (Top diameter x Bottom diameter x Depth) x 7.5 = Total gallons. flow of water.Although the waterfall may look artificial to start,it will quickly become more natural looking as your pond ages and matures. Another important factor in choosing the right pump for your pond is Adding live plants will also make the waterfall look more natural. “Head Height”. Fountains and waterfalls reduce flow (gallons per hour) available for As much as possible,conceal the hose from your water pump. To achieve circulation.This flow reduction depends on the total head height,which is this you can use rocks,small stones,mulch and plants. the distance from the pond surface to the top of the fountainhead,plus the Planning ahead will help you determine if you want flowers or ornamental distance from the water surface to the top of the waterfall. shrubs planted around or alongside your waterfall.The addition of Laguna Example: lighting and ornaments can also make a striking visual effect of your pond. A500 U.S.gallon pond,with a 1’ fountain head and a 2’ waterfall (total Once you have achieved the waterfall look you want,it is time to add head height of 3’) requires a pump capable of producing a minimum 250 the water. GPH (U.S.) flow at a 3’ head height. The water may appear cloudy or dirty depending on your type of Two other factors to consider before buying a pump is the width of your waterfall and the length of hosing used to connect the pump to equip- installation.Don’t worry about this.As soon as you have your water ment.You need an additional 75 to 100 GPH in flow rate for every inch in accessories installed,it will clear up quickly.Now the fun begins,tweeking width of your waterfall.In addition,you must calculate one foot of head and tuning the waterfall for sound and flow. height for every ten feet of hosing used in the entire system. 10 11 Choosing a pond pump Filtration It is always a good idea to buy a larger pump than you require initially,as it will allow you to HMEAA1DX4 ’HI-M9EIU”GMHT add additional equipment or more flow to the HMEAA1DX3 ’HI-M5EIU”GMHT 14’ 793 waterfall if the need arises. MHAHEXEIIGAMHDUT M 13’ 290HMEAA1DX2 ’HI-M2EIU”GMHTHMEAA1DX2 ’HI-M2EIU”G MHT 13’1141 After you’ve calculated: 12’ 449 12’ 105 12’ 132 12’1347 A) The total gallons of water in your pond 11’ 607 11’ 528 11’ 660 11’1585 B) The total head height of fountains and 10’ 700 10’ 766 10’ 924 10’1744 waterfall 9’ 845 9’ 924 9’ 1135 9’ 1854 CDRe)) fTTehhree t owto titdhatelh lL eoAnfG gytUohNu orA fw hPaoOtseWirnfEgaR lluJEseTd a nd HEAD HEIGHT W RATE/GPH (U.S.) HMEAA5DX’- H1IM0EIU”GMHTHME6A’AD6X’ -HIM4E”IUG9M2HT 876’’’ 11901556162 876’’’ 111023867383 876’’’ 111346276094 876’’’ 122912845101 FLO 5’ 137 5’ 280 5’ 1215 5’ 1479 5’ 1796 5’ 2409 MAXFLO Pump Performance Charts to 4’ 254 4’ 422 4’ 1320 4’ 1585 4’ 1954 4’ 2504 determine which model you need.Laguna 3’ 351 3’ 565 3’ 1386 3’ 1690 3’ 2060 3’ 2631 has a wide variety of pumps to meet all 2’ 433 2’ 686 2’ 1479 2’ 1796 2’ 2193 2’ 2747 your water garden needs. 1’ 515 1’ 803 1’ 1532 1’ 1876 1’ 2298 1’ 2800 Your pump must be submerged in your pond. GPH (U.S.) 600 900 1500 2000 2400 2900 The intake should be positioned away from W&PU AFMITLEPTREFRA LL PT-340 PT-342 PT-344 PT-346 PT-348 PT-350 All ponds will benefit from the addition of a filtration system.Filters keep any potential flow obstructions such as plants MAX-FLO 600 900 ELEC1T5R0O0NICELEC2T0R0O0NICELEC2T4R0O0NICELEC2T9R0O0NIC ponds clean,clear and healthy.Without a filter,water quality can suffer. or a side wall. Impurities could accumulate and create a toxic and cloudy environment. When installing a pump it is Filters perform three filtration functions:mechanical,biological and chemical. important to read and follow all instructions. Mechanical filtration refers to the following process:as dirty water flows HMEAA1DX4 HI'-M9EIU"GMHT through filter foam or other mechanical media it traps dirt and debris. HMEAA1DX3 HI'-M5EIU"GMHT 14’ 793 Filtered water returns to the pond free of debris.A filter foam must be as fine MHAHEXEIIGAMHDUT M 13’ 290HMEAA1DX2 HI'-M2EIU"G MHTHMEAA1DX2 HI'-M2EIU"G MHT 13’ 1141 as the debris it is removing. 12’ 449 12’ 105 12’ 132 12’ 1347 Biological filtration refers to the process of providing an area where beneficial 11’ 607 11’ 528 11’ 660 11’ 1585 bacteria can grow and multiply.This is important to biologically break down 10’ 700 10’ 766 10’ 924 10’ 1744 HMEAAD8X '-HIM6E"IUGMHT 9’ 845 9’ 924 9’ 1135 9’ 1854 harmful toxins such as ammonia from fish waste and respiration.An ideal HEAD HEIGHT W RATE/GPH (U.S.) HMEAAD5X '-HIM7E"IUGMHTHMEAA5DX'- H1IM0EIU"G MHTHME6A’AD6X '-HIM4E"IUG9MH2T 876’’’ 134018578 876’’’ 11901556162 876’’’ 111023867383 876’’' 111346276094 876’’‘ 122912845101 mBadieodd-eMiada ttxoo isasu lpmprpoeo-sptr taa clnakyreg dfei l wtceoirt.lho nai ems eosfh b beange fficoira cl obnavcetenriiean its pLlaagceumnae nBti oa-nMda cxa.n be FLO HMEAAD4X '-HIM3E"IUGMHT 5’ 63 5’ 137 5’ 280 5’ 660 5’ 1215 5’ 1479 5’ 1796 5’ 2409 Once biological toxins are broken down,chemical filter media and pond 4’ 21 4’ 151 4’ 254 4’ 422 4’ 792 4’ 1320 4’ 1585 4’ 1954 4‘ 2504 plants can help to control the resulting compounds. HMEAAD2X '-HIM7E"IUGMHT 3’ 82 3’ 222 3’ 351 3’ 565 3’ 951 3’ 1386 3’ 1690 3’ 2060 3’ 2631 2’ 48 2’ 132 2’ 280 2’ 433 2’ 686 2’ 1083 2’ 1479 2’ 1796 2’ 2193 2‘ 2747 Chemical filtration refers to the process of controlling and changing 1’ 79 1’ 177 1’ 335 1’ 515 1’ 803 1’ 1207 1’ 1532 1’ 1876 1’ 2298 1’ 2800 specific water conditions.This does not mean that the media is a chemical. GPH (U.S.) 100 200 400 600 900 1300 1500 2000 2400 2900 Products such as Laguna Phos-X will trap phosphate,nitrite and nitrate. FPOUUMNP TKAIITN PT-320 PT-322 PT-324 PT-326 PT-328 PT-330 PT-332 PT-334 PT-336 PT-338 Natural products can be considered chemical media. POWERJET 100 200 400 600 900 1300 ELEC1T5R0O0NICELEC2T0R0O0NICELEC2T4R0O0NICELEC2T9R0O0NIC 12 13 Choosing a filter Choosing a filter Laguna offers a wide range of filters to suit your pond needs.Remember ture ensures that the filters perform at optimal levels for many days and you can never have too much filtration. prolongs the time between full maintenance sessions.An easy-view clean- ing indicator signals when it’s time to perform backwash cleaning. PowerFlo Internal Filters: Submersed in the pond,internal filters provide pre-filtration for all pond * Pressure-Flo 700 does not have a biological filtration chamber. pumps and reduce the frequency of maintenance. Although these PowerFlo External Filters: underwater filters are ideally suited for ponds up to 800 gallons,expansion chambers for the PowerFlo Underwater Filter are available separately. The Laguna PowerFlo Skimmer Filter 5000 and PowerFlo Filter Falls 5000 are both high performance filters that provide the ultimate water management PowerFlo Mechanical Underwater Filterremoves dirt and floating solution for large ponds up to 5000 US gallons (18,925 liters).In addition, debris to improve water quality and clarity.It also protects the pond pump Laguna Filter Falls can be connected to the Skimmer Filter for extra filtering from clogging and thus reduces maintenance.It can be positioned near the capacity for ponds up to 10,000 US gallons (37,850 liters).Each filter has a pond’s edge,opposite the waterfall (if present),for quick access and list of key benefits,including clear and healthy pond water,low maintenance easy maintenance. and of course,a pleasant water garden environment you can be proud of. PowerFlo Max Biological Underwater Filter is ideal for use in ponds Laguna PowerFlo Skimmer Filterfeatures 3 large capacity chambers that contain fish. The filter provides the same powerful mechanical that can accommodate special filter pads as well as biological and filtration as the PowerFlo,plus it features biological filtration with Laguna’s chemical media.The first chamber is super-sized and designed to collect patented Bio-Max filter material. The efficient ceramic media provides a leaves and other large debris.As water flows through the media chambers it huge surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive.This media will support is thoroughly filtered.The result is clean and healthy pond water for fish and the decomposition of ammonia and nitrite to less harmful nitrate,which plants to thrive in. can be controlled by aquatic plants and water changes. Laguna PowerFlo Filter Fallsfeatures three large-capacity filter PowerFlo UnderWater Round Filteris equipped with a large 19” chambers that can accommodate special filter pads as well as biological surface that allows water to flow through easily while trapping suspended and chemical media.As water flows through the media chambers,it is debris.The filter comes complete with mechanical,chemical and biological thoroughly filtered.The result is clean and healthy pond water that allows filter media.This filter can be connected to all Laguna Pumps.In addition,it fish and plants to thrive. can provide a stable base for fountainheads as well as two pond lights. The Filter Falls unit comes complete with a spillway. The water exits the It also serves as a pre-filter,preventing the pump from clogging & reducing filter through this 19-inch spillway to create a captivating waterfall. pump maintenance. Threaded bulkheads on the spillway allow you to divert water to small Its low-profile design is perfect for ponds as shallow as 5 inches (18 cm). waterfalls,streams or other filters. Small or medium sized pebbles can also be placed on top of the filter providing additional mechanical and biological filtration. Pressure-Flo Filters: Laguna Pressure-Flo Filtersare high performance water filtering sys- tems that keep pond water clean and healthy.These all-in-one filters pro- vide mechanical,biological* and UV Sterilization and are designed to work in tandem with a solids handling pumps such as Laguna’s Max-Flo. They also feature a revolutionary Backwash-Cleaning System that easily cleans the entire surface of the foam filters without opening the filter.This patent-pending system is one of a kind.Backwash cleaning can be done easily and comfortably in a few minutes without opening the lid.This fea- 14 15 Installing Adding plants The addition of plants to your pond will complete its natural look. However, care should be taken in the selection and placement of plants in or around your water area.There are four categories of pond plants: Oxygenating Plants Fish and water quality benefit greatly from oxygenating plants.These plants use fish waste as fertilizer and provide oxygen to the water. In addition,they help maintain a natural balance for your pond by competing with algae for any nutrients in the water thereby limiting the growth of algae.It should be noted that plants may not be able to provide all of the oxygen necessary for your pond’s livestock,so help may be needed from a fountain waterfall or aeration kit. Floating Plants Floating plants,including lily pads,should cover a large percentage of the surface area Installing a fountain of your pond.This will inhibit algae development and provide important shade,which A fountain can help aerate pond water and provide soothing water sounds.It will in turn aid plants like water lilies until they mature and have leaves large enough is installed by submerging the pump in the desired area and making sure it is to take over this role. level and unobstructed.Adjust the water flow for the desired height and Depending on the type of floaters you have,it is important to wait until the risk fountain head spray. of frost is over before introducing them to your pond. Deep Water Plants These plants,water lilies for example,provide decoration,flowers and shade and shelter for fish and other inhabitants of the pond. Marginal Plants The heart of natural filtration,these plants are placed in planting pots or planted in a naturalized pond and submerged on pond shelves so that water covers the When installing a fountain,it is important to read and follow all instructions. pots by a only couple of inches.These plants give a natural,soft appearance to your pond as well as adding colour. Installing a UV Sterilizer Avoid placing most plants directly in the path of the water flow as this may You may want to consider the addition of a UV Sterilizer to work in inhibit their growth. conjunction with your filter to help control green water. UV Sterilizers eliminate green water and create beneficial pond conditions for fish and plants. When installing a UV Sterilizer,it is important to read and follow all instructions. TIP Laguna Once a Year Fertilizer Pond Spikes are Install lighting specifically designed for potted pond plants. The addition of underwater and accessory lighting can make a pond come Easy to use and effective, they are inserted into alive at night.Make sure to plan ahead if you intend to add lighting and the soil near plant roots, supplying important nutrition to aquatic plants for one full year. have the extra electrical GFI outlet nearby.Experiment with the direction and color of your lighting until the desired look or mood is achieved. For more information on plant care consult the Laguna Pond Planting and Care Guide (S-2120) or visit www.lagunaponds.com. 16 17 Adding fish Maintaining clear water Now that all the essential components have been installed to sustain a Warm temperatures,intense sunlight,and the accumulation of organic waste are healthy pond environment it’s time to add your pond fish. factors that can contribute to an unattractive pond.There are a number of prod- ucts available that can help offset the results of these environmental conditions. Fish add color,movement and grace to your water garden.However there One of the best things you can do to control and prevent cloudy water is to are several rules of thumb that should be reviewed before you add your fish. ensure that your filter is clean and working to capacity.To increase the utility Limit the initial number of fish you introduce into your pond,as they and productivity of your filter,adding filter media such as LAGUNA PHOS-X will produce a lot of waste.This waste is potentially toxic to them,better to help absorb and trap phosphate,nitrite and nitrate.Phosphate and nitrate in have too few than too many. Fish will often reproduce and grow quickly particular,are major nutrients that can lead to undesirable pond conditions. in a pond environment. Treat them with great care.Any handling or transportation,even introducing Other helpful products include: them to your pond,can induce stress. Laguna Barley Straw Pellets:a completely natural product that supports clean 1 Introduce them to the pond slowly,matching the water temperature by pond conditions and is beneficial to plants. floating the bag in the pond before release. Laguna Peat Granules for Ponds:a natural product that will help support excellent 2 Additionally,you can add a little pond water into the bag to help them water quality.Pond peat produces a natural amber tint that acts as a light filter, get used to any differences there may be in water quality. which reduces the amount of sunlight penetrating the water surface. In addition, it contains acids that aid in lowering both KH and pH levels. 3 After approximately 20 minutes of this gradual introduction process,you may release your fish into their new home. You may also want to consider the addition of a UV Sterilizer to control green water. UV Sterilizers prevent and eliminate green water and create beneficial pond Any handling of the fish should be minimal.Use a soft net to handle them. water conditions for fish and plants. For a “quick fix”,add a traditional water treatment,such as Laguna Clear Fast. This product’s fast acting formula helps clear cloudy or green water by causing minute particles of organic waste to clump together.The filter easily traps the resulting clumps.In addition,Laguna Filter Wool should be used in your 1 2 3 filter to help remove debris. Laguna Phosphate Control is an excellent preventative measure TIP against undesirable pond When adding fish to your pond, treat the water with Laguna Water Prep. conditions,as it helps reduce This product makes tap water safe for fish and plants by eliminating harmful phosphates naturally.It also adds chlorine or chloramine and neutralizing toxic metals. In addition, it coats and beneficial micro-organisms, protects fins and scales that could have been damaged when fish are handled improving biological filtration or transported. and water quality. For more information on fish care consult the Laguna Pond Fish Care Guide (S-2115) or visit www.lagunaponds.com. 18 19