Garden ponds and other water features are natural elements that beautify any environment. They create a peaceful atmosphere and bring life to their surroundings. There are many options for adding water to an environment. First, a water feature must be chosen. A water feature can be anything from garden ponds to waterfalls to stone garden fountains. Most water features require an air pump to maintain the quality and movement of the water. So another choice is whether to have an electric or solar water feature.
Air pumps for ponds perform several important functions. They work in any type of pond to keep the water clear. By increasing the oxygen content of the water, pond air pumps increase the performance of biological filters. In addition, the air flow helps to grow beneficial bacteria, leaving less room for harmful bacteria. These beneficial bacteria also reduce algae by competing with it for the same foods. All of these features contribute to the clarity and health of a pond.
When it comes to keeping fish, a pond air pump provides other benefits in sustaining the health of the fish. Higher levels of dissolved oxygen in the water can reduce fish losses and even increase the population. During the winter, air pumped directly into the water provides aeration to protect the fish. This works better than trying to keep a hole in the ice to provide air for the water.
Pumps are not just for ponds, though. They also work with water gardens, outdoor garden fountains, indoor fountains, waterfalls and filtration devices. The proper pump is determined by the type and size of a water feature and the flow rate needed. The flow rate is measured in gallons per hour (gph). A water garden will only use a gph that is half of its gallon size. On the other hand, a koi pond air pump will have to work harder to remove the wastes the fish produce, so its gph should be twice the gallon size of the pond. Also, the more fish there are, the higher the flow rate will need to be.
Another consideration in choosing an air pump is the power source. Traditionally, pumps are powered by electricity. However, solar powered pond pumps are also available. Solar pumps can reduce costs because the energy is free. A solar pond pump typically has a solar panel not attached to the pump itself. This means that solar pond pumps can be used even with cloudy water because the solar panel can be placed wherever the sunlight is strongest. A solar water pump can be used in the same way as an electric pump. Any water feature can be solar powered: a garden fountain, pond or waterfall. So a traditionally powered fountain could become a solar fountain by changing the type of pump used. By using environmentally friendly solar pond pumps, solar fountains and other solar water features can not only beautify their environment, but preserve it as well.