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To keep fish happy & healthy in a pond, all you actually need is
the pond (liner or preformed), some good quality water, and some plants.
There are a number of other items which can make the task much easier,
these include pumps, filters, uv's, pond treatments, pond vaccumns,
etc. Here at The Aquatic Habitat you will find one of the most comprehensive
selections of pond equipment in the country.
Ponds
As well as a good selection of fibreglass and plastic preformed ponds.
We also have a massive selection of over 80 different precut pond liners.
We stock Butyl, Aquacare, PVC & Tetra Pondtex. In most cases you
will find your required liner is a stock size, but if not then we can
order it for you.
Pumps
With over 70 different models to choose from, from most leading manufacturers
including Oase, Interpet, Hozelock, Fishmate & Tetra there is certain
to be one to suit your needs.
Filters
A filter is a device to help keep the pond crystal clear by eliminating
the waste nutrients on which the algae which cause green water feed.
Filters can be divided into two main types :-
i) Pressurised Canister filters -The main advantage with this type of
filter is that it may be buried adjacent to the pond, where it can easily
be hidden, or used within the pond itself. The main drawback with this
type of filter is their comparatively small size, they therefore require
more frequent maintenance than other, more traditional filtration systems.
ii) Tank filters - Although there are a wide variety of "tank filters"
on the market, which vary widely in the sophistication of their design,
and in the types of filter media they use, the basic principles behind
their function are consistent. A pump within the pond, pumps water to
the filter box. The water then flows through the filter media where
beneficial bacteria break down the fish waste before the water returns
to the pond. In some cases multiple media such as brushes & foams
are also incorporated into the design to trap large particles of dirt
& debris. The main advantage with this type of filter is that if
an adequately sized filter is used it will require little maintenance,
they are also fairly easy to clean. The main drawback is that they tend
to be quite large and therefore require care to be taken if the filter
is to be successfully hidden. Water flows out from these filters under
gravity, it is therefore necessary to ensure that the outlet is higher
than the pond into which the water is flowing. It is also important
to ensure that the outlet is not restricted as this could cause the
unit to overflow. In practice most people use the spoils from the excavation
of the pond to construct an adjacent rockery. The filter can then be
hidden in the rockery, with the filter outlet feeding a waterfall to
return the water to the pond. Have a look at our display pools for more
ideas on how to disguise this type of filter unit.
UV units
Unfiltered ponds will often turn into something akin to pea soup. This
is caused by the growth of microscopic free swimming plant cells known
as algae. The algae use sunlight & waste nutrients in the water
to grow & multiply. Pond filters work by using beneficial bacteria
to compete with the algae for nutrients. As the filter matures, the
large numbers of bacteria it contains eventually remove all the nutrients
from the water and the algae die out; the result a crystal clear pond.
U.V. units also keep the water clear by killing the algae, but rather
than starving the algae they kill by exposure to ultra-violet light.
Pond water passes through a clear tube close to a special flourescent
bulb which produces high levels of UV light, this kills the algae by
destroying it's genetic material & damaging the delicate flagella
it uses to swim. Using a UV unit in conjunction with an efficient biological
filter will give rapid and consistent water clarity and will keep clear
a larger pond than the filter on it's own could manage. It is important
to realize that there is more to water quality than simply clarity.
Dead & decaying algae can rapidly pollute a pond making it dangerous
for fish & other wildlife. A UV unit should therefore only be used
with a efficient biological filter. When a filter is first installed
on a pond, it is best not to use a UV unit for four to six weeks whilst
the bacteria establish themselves. It is also worth bearing in mind
the additional costs of using a UV; apart from the cost of the electricity
it consumes, there may be extra cost in installing the necessary wiring.
It is also necessary to regularily replace the flourescent tube, we
suggest that they are renewed at the start of each season.
We stock a wide range of UV's including TMC, Tetra, Hozelock & Oase.
Pond Treatments
The best way of ensuring a good, healthy pond is not by the addition
of lots of chemicals. Instead ensuring good water quality by not overstocking
with fish, or over feeding them; and ensuring that all livestock introduced
is healthy in the first place, will reduce the need for chemical treatments
to the minimum.
In the event that you do encounter problems, our experienced staff will
be happy to advise on the best treatment for your needs. we stock a
wide variety of pond treatments including a comprehensive range of effective
blanket weed remedies.
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