Building Natural Ponds

Table of ContentsIntroductionNatural vs NativeChapter 1: Understanding a Balanced EcosystemOxygen CycleNutrient CyclepHAlgaeAnimalsTrees and ShrubsPlantsMicrobesMaintaining Balance in the EcosystemChapter 2: Environmental BenefitsPond EcosystemBreeding Site for AmphibiansDragon Flies and MosquitoesBirds and MammalsWater conservationEnvironmental AwarenessLess LawnPermaculture Food SourceChapter 3: Natural Looking DesignsChapter 4: Planning and DesignLocationLegal IssuesAccess to electrical PowerSizeDepthWater SourceTreesPond linersHuman AccessRocksPlanting Shelves and Shape of the PondPlantsExcavated SoilOther ConsiderationsChapter 5: BuildingSite EvaluationSoil TypeInstalling a Ready Made PondFlexible Pond LinersDigging the Hole for a Flexible LinerPreparing the Hole? Installing the Pond LinerFootings for a Dock or BridgeAdding WaterProtecting Planting ShelvesStones for The Planting ShelfLeveling the Pond EdgeAdding the SpillwayAllowing for InflowEdging the PondAdding the Finishing TouchesChapter 6: FishFish CareHobby FishGoldfishKoiMosquito FishGolden OrfeGame FishLargemouth BassBluegillRedear SunfishChannel CatfishFlathead MinnowRainbow TroutChapter 7: PlantsThe Importance of PlantsPlantingFertilizingStarting SmallToo Many PlantsPlant Pests and DiseasesUndesirable Pond PlantsWorkhorse Water PlantsIrisWater LiliesMarsh MarigoldCattailAcorus calamusSagittaria latifoliaPontederia cordataCyperus alternifoliusChapter 8: Maintenance and TroubleshootingDon't Do These ThingsCheck pHAdding BacteriaMeasure AmmoniaMeasure Oxygen LevelsCleaning the PondReducing AlgaeAdding WaterRemoving OrganicsWinter CarePond LeaksChapter 9: Large Scale PondsSpecial Types of PondsIrrigation PondAquaculture PondLivestock PondGeothermal PondRecreationRegulations and PermitsWater SourceWellSurface RunoffSpringStreamLiner OptionsGeneral Construction ConsiderationsAerators and FountainsConstructing DamsDesigning the InflowDesigning the OutflowPlantsShoreline PlantsWater PlantsEutrophicationChapter 10: Pools, Bogs and Rain GardensNatural Swimming PoolRegulationsSizeSwimming with the FishesSafetySwimming in WeedsMuddy BottomStagnant WaterMaintenanceEntering the PoolBogBog FilterRain GardenBack matter