Practices - Water Quality
| The greatest concern amongst water gardeners is the quality of the pond water, for it is upon this that the success of the pond is judged. Poor quality water can be detrimental to both plant and fish life, and heavily algae-laden water is visually unappealing. There can be fears about the condition of the water such that the pond is not properly enjoyed as it is being constantly conditioned and tested, but on-going monitoring, if only by careful observation, is essential.
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 Heavily algae-laden water is visually very unappealing.
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 The best quality water results from a natural balance.
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The best quality water is achieved when a pond has a balance of plants, fish and other aquatic life. A self-sustaining world where all are successful and yet inter-dependant upon one another. This is quite possible to achieve if the pond is not too small, is sited correctly, and has a well considered internal profile that permits all the plants and fish that are introduced to live in harmony. For the decorative water gardener it is the ideal solution. In a fish pond that is devoted to keeping fish rather than growing plants or for ornamental purposes, the situation is different.
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| A large population of fish in a relatively confined area can quickly result in poor water quality. To avoid such conditions it is essential to introduce a filtration system. This can be a simple mechanical and chemical system, but most fish keepers acknowledge that the best results are from biological filtration or a combination of biological and mechanical systems. Algae problems are common to most ponds, even some of the best ordered features having at least a temporary algal bloom during spring when the sun has warmed the water.
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 A large fish population reduces pond water quality.
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 The careful selection of planting compost is important.
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This is when the algae spring to life, and before competition for dissolved nutrients in the water has been engaged by the higher and more developed submerged plants. Much can be done to reduce algal problems by taking care over the selection of growing mediums for the aquatic plants, for it is an excess of nutrients in the water that encourages their proliferation. Proper formulated aquatic composts and a feeding regime based upon a slow release fertilizer administered as a pill or sachet close by each plant reduces algal risks considerably.
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Occasionally major problems occur in a pond when the water becomes badly polluted, perhaps as the result of an accumulation of organic debris, such as fallen leaves, or maybe a dead fish or a small mammal that has taken a tumble into the pond. In such circumstances swift action has to be taken and the offending source of pollution removed, even if it means that the pond has to be emptied completely. In most cases this is necessary, for water that is polluted in such a way cannot be easily restored to good health.
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 Polluted water in a pond can only be remedied by total replacement.
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