Solar Ponds Keep Water Clean And Aerated

In order to maintain adequate fish habitat throughout the winter months, the use of solar ponds is continuing to grow. Initially designed to reduce salinity in the water near coastal towns, they are now used to improve aeration during the winter months as well as provide continuous pumping action to keep water pumps performing without the need to electric power.

Larger ponds may accumulate algae on the surface, which can quickly overtake the surface of any pond or small lake, reducing the amount of sun and oxygen available for aquatic life. With solar ponds, pumps operate by solar power and charged batteries can automatically be switched to keep the pumps going all day and all night. This reduces the amount of algae growing in the water pumping the water into the air can add precious oxygen for the fish and other underwater life.

Many lakes will lose oxygen at the bottom, as will some farm and family ponds, reducing the amount of life in deeper waters. With solar ponds incorporating water pumps near the bottom of the body of water, air is pumped into the water, restoring the life that once was available. With air in the bottom, aerobic bacteria will quickly consume any dead organisms that float to the bottom of the pond, helping to keep it clean and from floating to the surface.

Restore Life To Dying Bodies Of Water

As ponds get older, the aging process slows its ability to fight off attack by algae and aeration of solar ponds can help breath new life into degraded lakes and ponds. It can also reduce the number of dead fish all year long as well as promote aquatic plant growth, a major food source for fish. Additionally, the air pumped into the water on top and on the bottom helps promote healthier fish growth.

Water will be clearer and cleaner and will keep the solar ponds open throughout the year for livestock and other wildlife that depends on the water source. Ammonia, phosphates and nitrites tend to accumulate in ponds causing a stagnant appearance and smell and constant aeration can reduce that drastically.

Organic pollutants are attracted to still ponds, stifling fish growth, reproduction and the number of fish the size of the pond can support. Aeration done with the help of solar ponds can reduce the pollutants, organic and inorganic, making the pond more hospitable to fish and other welcome wildlife.

For the person that would like more than the natural elements of the pond alone, perhaps some aquatic life, then turtle ponds should be considered .  Turtle ponds can be delightful spaces that can enchant the whole family and the entire neighborhood.
An excellent starting point would be to begin researching what species of turtles will thrive in the area that you live in. It is possible to create a pond for nearly every type of turtle.  Even a tortoise, that is considered a “land” turtle will enjoy a shallow pond.  The tortoise would most likely not spend the majority of its time swimming in the pond so an adequate amount of land would need to provided for the tortoise.  A water turtle like a Red-eared slider will spend the majority of their time swimming in the water, so they would need less land.   It would be wise to speak with an associate at a neighborhood pet store or possibly do some research on the internet to determine the right chocies for the species of turtle that will inhabit the mini paradise.
After the selection of the turtle breed is done, the next step would like be the selection of the space or area that you will install the turtle ponds.   When creating the pool be sure to make some gradually sloping edges so that the turtles can get in and out of the turtle pond with ease. Rocks or sticks can be used to construct natural looking ramps.  Spend some time planning the area for the turtle pond.  A well thought out  design will insure that your turtle ponds are the home of happy, healthy turtles.  Give thought to the type of liner that will be used.  Many breeds of turtles have sharp claws so be sure to select a liner that is thick.  The drawback on some of the pre-formed liners is the fact that they have pre-formed shelves or levels which are usually not best suited to turtles.  The thinner, more flexible liners can be shaped more easily but are much easier to tear.  Look at all the options and make any modifications that will be necessary to make the turtle ponds into a safe environment so that the turtles will thrive in their home.
It will be important to install fencing around the new turtle ponds.  This will prevent any turtles from wandering away, and it will keep any pond predators out.  Remember that turtles are usually small.  It is possible that their legs or even their heads could become entangled in the mesh fence.  They also dig very well, so frequently check the fencing.  Depending on the area, a mesh covering may be needed over the top of the turtle ponds to keeps birds away.
A really fun part of making turtle ponds is the ability to create a tropical feel.  Be careful to select plants that are not toxic.  The turtles will likely enjoy a little  snacking on the pond plants that are in their new environment.  Place some  rocks around the edges of turtle ponds to provide the turtles with plenty of opportunity to enjoy a sunny day. 

How cool is this?!? A floating alligator pond decoy that uses solar power to light his eyes.  Amaze your friend and scare off predators.  This fake alligator for ponds will be sure to please everyone.

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Waterfall Ponds – Enjoy the Sound of Nature in Your Yard

Imagine sitting in your yard on a balmy summer night with the stars blinking overhead.  Hearing the soothing sound of water rustling nearby can increase the serenity of the moment.  One way to bring that sound closer to home is by installing waterfall ponds near your favorite spot in the yard. A water feature can be installed near a deck, close to the house or just about anywhere on your property where space allows.

Once you have decided where you would like it located, contact your local utility department to make sure there are no buried utility lines in the area where you will be digging the hole for the waterfall pond’s location. While you will need to make sure you have a grounded power outlet available, you do not want to connect it by accidentally cutting  a line with your shovel. 

Early in the project have an electrician install the appropriate outlet that you will need to plug in the water pump for your waterfall pond. Also, be conscious of its position when put in the ground to insure that any overflow from the pond with not reach it. 

Level And Protect Liner with Sand 

Placing several inches of sand in the bottom of the hole that you prepared prior to placing the plastic lining inside can serve two purposes. One, it can help protect the waterfall ponds liner from possible damage from any rocks in the bottom of the hole. Second, when the liner is in place, check that it is level from all sides. If any adjustments are needed, remove the liner and adjust the level of the sand. 

Since the use of waterfall ponds is typically for decoration as opposed to a fish pond, it will most likely only be operated while you are enjoying the sights and sounds of a working waterfall. The route designed for the water to flow must be carefully thought through and a means to recapture the water will help keep water bills down and the area surrounding the waterfall ponds dry. 

To prevent the water pump from burning up, you will want to keep a close watch on the water level, don’t let it get too low.  Remember, it is mostly for decoration and turning it off when not in use is prudent, and it should also be turned off when you are not going to be home or if on vacation. In general, listening to the sounds stemming from waterfall ponds can be soothing experience that you may want to share with friends.