December 20, 2004

Outdoor Fish Ponds – A Fish Pond Versus A Water Garden

Outdoor Fish ponds are designed to hold a much heavier concentration of pond fish than water gardens are. The latter is designed purely for the enjoyment of aquatic plants, and perhaps a very few goldfish. Fish ponds do require a little more design consideration and a few more pond supplies.

First of all they must always have very good filtration and the best way to ensure this is to have quite large pond pumps. An outdoor fish pond should have a bottom that is sloped to the center of the pond with drains to remove silt, debris and waste. A water garden does not have to have a sloped bottom.

Fish Ponds Require A Little Extra Maintenance

A garden pond with fish also requires a little more maintenance such as chemicals for fish health, and algaecides which can be damaging to your plants. The best way around the addition of these maintenance chemicals is to remove your plants during treatment time.

Another consideration is that pond fish like to eat plants and root around in the plant pots' soil in their search for more food! You should be careful to select sturdy pond plants and buy large stones to place on top of the soil in the plant pots to discourage the fish from rooting around in them.

Perhaps the best solution to the dilemma of deciding between building fish ponds or water gardens is to have one of each. This way you can enjoy both, without having to worry about the pond fish destroying your pond plants, and you will not have to bother with removing the plants during chemical maintenance times for the fish.

Go ahead and spoil yourself; build a fish pond or a water garden in your backyard, or build both! Remember to go shopping online for pond supplies if you are looking for the best selection of up-to-date pond accessories at the best prices.  You will be amazed with the online selection of pond liners, pond pumps, heaters, filters, plants, fish and more!

About The Author:
Nikki Jade is a successful author and the talented publisher of many websites, a1-best-garden-supplies.com included. Providing a wonderfully researched resource for your garden supplies needs, including pond supplies, arbors & trellis, bird feeders, bird houses, garden lighting, garden sheds, greenhouses, sundials, weathervanes, specialty garden items and more.

By: Nikki Jade
Website: http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com