A Close Look at Pond Equipment - Comparisons, Information, Installation and Instructions


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Pond Equipment Comparisons / Installation / Instructions / Information

A Guide to Help You Choose the Right Equipment for Your Koi Pond, Water Garden or Goldfish Pond Project

This section has not been completed but don't let that stop you! There is loads of information on it already. Keep coming back because it is being updated with new information often.

We know how confusing it can be to find the right equipment for your pond construction or repair project. There is so much out there that it can make you dizzy! The Pond Doc is here to help you wade through all the manufacturer "hype" and get down to the brass tacks of finding the best equipment at the right price for your koi pond, goldfish pond or water garden.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to equipment components for backyard ornamental ponds because every pond is as unique as it's owner. That is why we devote so much time to providing information on selecting equipment. Choosing the equipment is only part of the battle. Knowing how to install it and use it to its full potential is information that's hard to come by. We're working on getting that info to you as well.

We'll be adding more as we go so keep coming back for the additions. Although it's not quite finished yet, we have enough to get you going. The Pond Doc is here to help you along the way. Just call him at (770) 663-6325 or email him if you don't find what you need.

Component	Component Description	Equipment Profiles & Articles

Aerators	Aerators are responsible for adding dissolved oxygen to the water. This is important for koi or goldfish ponds that are serene with little splashing. Aeration is added also when treating the pond with chemicals. Pond Aerators are basically air pumps that are bigger than those you buy for aquariums and they are designed for outdoor use.

	The outlet used for pulling water from the floor of the pond to an external pump. Re-circulation drains can either be installed into the floor of the pond or sit on top of the liner, depending on the type of drain purchased.

	There are basically 3 types of filtering: Mechanical, Biological and Pre-Filtering. Most filters provide more than one of these 3 functions. Mechanical filtration refers to removal of solids. Biological filtration refers to providing a home for nitrifying bacteria and a Pre-Filter simply protects the pump by trapping large debris.

	Hoses and Pipes are used to transport the water from the pond through the equipment components then back to the pond via either a fountain, jet, waterfall or spillway. They come in several sizes. There are basically 3 types of hose and pipe used in pond construction: Flexible, PVC Flexible and PVC Hard Pipe.

	Eduction Jets are installed into the wall of the pond by using bulk head fittings. They are used to guide water that returns to the pond to eliminate "dead spots", create flow and push organics toward the bottom drain for easy removal.

Lighting	Underwater lighting adds an element to the pond that is beautiful and functional. Care should be taken, however, that the proper lighting is used and no electrical current is allowed to enter the water.

	Liners basically hold the water. There are several options for lining the pond including rubber flexible liners, rigid plastic liners, concrete, spray-on coatings and gahnite. The most commonly used liner is 45 mil EPDM rubber.

	Look here when you can't find what you are looking for.

	A pond builder will use basic plumbing skills when building the pond. There are many plumbing parts that may be necessary including PVC and flex hose adaptors, reducers, elbows, tees, bulk head fittings, etc. We can help you learn to install them and use them properly.

	No pond is complete without a pump. The pump is the most important piece of equipment on a pond. There are literally hundreds of pumps from which to choose. Some are built for submersible use while others are external. Some can be used both ways. You'll need to know what kind of flow you can expect from each kind of pump so that you can make an educated decision on the right pump for your pond.

	Skimmers are used to continually "rake" fallen leaves or other floating debris off the top of the pond. In winter a skimmer can prevent super-cooling of the pond so a skimmer is an excellent option to consider. Skimmers are available in side-skimmer styles and fish-safe units. We, of course, prefer the fish-safe skimmer...

	Ultraviolet Water Clarifiers (aka UV Lights or Sterilizers) are used mainly for their ability to clear up green water although they also can be used to kill bacteria. Choosing a UV is difficult because the manufacturers tend to overrate their UV's effectiveness. Allow us to guide you through the UV purchasing process. Proper installation of the UV is the key to it working like it's supposed to. Sometimes a by-pass is needed - sometimes not.

	There are several types of valves that are used on garden ponds. Ball Valves and Gate Valves control the amount of water and can even turn off the water entirely. Hudson Valves "turn on" the water to refill the pond if the water level gets too low. Check Valves prevent water from flowing backwards which can harm pump impellers and cause a lot of aggravation.

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