You may be feeling apprehensive about owning a pond of your own if you’ve heard any of the common pond myths. Many of the reasons people might not want a pond actually happen to be myths that simply are not true! Rather than a maintenance nightmare, a properly designed and installed pond provides incomparable beauty and relaxation that no other gardening element provides. Pond ownership is a true pleasure you don’t want to miss!
Myth: Mosquitos will use your pond as a breeding ground
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Water in a well-designed pond has lots, if not constant movement. Also, ponds support fish, frogs, toads, and other wildlife that are natural predators of mosquitoes!
Myth: Predators will hunt and eat all your fish
Sure, there are predators that would love to snack on your fish, but there are many modern solutions available to keep your fish safe! You can install a built-in fish cave or faux log fish cave which creates a safe retreat for your fish to hide in. A great way to deter predators is by using decoys such as a floating alligator or a blue heron. Additional solutions include netting that covers your pond and the criss-crossing of fishing line over your pond. Both have proven effective methods for keeping herons from wading in pond waters.
Myth: There should never be algae in your pond
In proper proportions, algae is considered beneficial and reflective of a healthy pond ecosystem. A completely algae-free pond is unnatural! There are simple explanations for an overabundance of algae. Your pond may be receiving too much sunlight or is oversaturated in nutrients. You can combat algae by integrating more aquatic plants. They consume the nutrients that attract algae in the first place. And don’t forget, your fish enjoy snacking on algae that cling to rocks!
Myth: Ponds require water testing and corrective treatment daily
Rivers, lakes, and oceans aren’t tested and plenty of wildlife thrive in their waters! If your pond isn’t chemically dependent, then there is nothing to test. A balanced pond with menial maintenance should remain healthy throughout the year. Granted, there might be outside forces that can alter water chemistry, but as a rule, you won’t need to test your pond water.
Myth: Small ponds require less maintenance
The bigger the water feature, the easier the maintenance! It is actually much easier to achieve a healthy, stable system with more water, not less. Small water features don’t have the flow or capacity necessary for long-term stability. This is not to say small ponds cannot achieve balance. A properly designed pond will become more stable with each passing year as plants, bacteria colonies, and other vital life become established, regardless of size.