A pond can do wonders for your backyard. In addition to boosting your landscape’s aesthetics, it can help make your outdoor area more relaxing and inviting. A well-designed pond also provides food and shelter for wildlife, supporting the local ecosystem. So, is it necessary to add plants to a pond? Yes! Aquatic plants are vital to maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem.
Sweetwater Landscapes is a pond company that crafts aquascapes that extend beyond just aesthetics. We’re Located in Santa Rosa, a city inside one of the most climate-diverse counties in all of California, Sonoma County. We understand how to create thriving ecosystems that make your home look lively. Here’s why you should consider adding plants to your pond.
They Oxygenate Pond Water
During photosynthesis, the submerged plants in your pond release oxygen directly into the water and remove excess nutrients and carbon dioxide. Therefore, the right submerged plants can help maintain dissolved oxygen levels throughout your pond. This boost in oxygen will give your fish a healthier living space. The oxygen produced by aquatic plants can also improve the efficiency of your biological filtration, as beneficial bacteria need oxygen to break down waste.
They Keep Your Water Clean and Healthy
Algae can make the best ponds look unappealing and can also deprive your fish of essential nutrients. Algae need direct sunlight to live so not only do plants keep your pond cool by blocking direct sunlight they’re also halting algae formation. High nutrient concentrations from buildup or sludge, uneaten fish food, and fish waste can cause algae to bloom and affect water quality. Plants remove excess nutrients, including nitrates and phosphates, from pond water, helping maintain a healthy pond.
Will Your Fish Eat the Plants in Your Pond?
Both goldfish and koi eat aquatic plants, but are less likely to make them a part of their diet if they’re well-fed. If the fish in your pond keep eating plants, consider adding submerged plants, like hornwort. In addition to oxygenating pond water, hornwort can help create hiding and breeding areas for fish.
Different Types of Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants can be classified into four main groups – floating plants, deep-water emergent plants, marginal or bog plants, and submerged plants.
• Floating plants have leaves that float on water.
• Deep-water emergent plants are rooted in the soil. Their basal portions typically remain beneath the water surface, whereas their stems, leaves, and flowers emerge above it.
• Marginal plants grow on the margins or edges of ponds.
• Submerged plants have most of their vegetative mass below the water surface.
All these plants remove excess nutrients before algae can thrive and provide shade to fish.
Sweetwater Landscape is an established pond company in Santa Rosa. Our Landscapers create awe-inspiring ponds with science rooted in their design. Want to transform your backyard or patio into the jewel of the neighborhood? Call (707) 887-0140
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