Aquarium Fish Pond Supplies
Aquarium supplies are an essential element in building and maintaining a fish pond of any size, whether you're raising Koi or just enjoying some small goldfish. You can prolong the life and quality of the aquarium itself and will keep your fish healthy and content if you make sure to use the proper supplies. Although the types of supplies needed for your fish pond can at times vary based on what type of fish you own or the specific home you've made for them, there are still some essentials in every pond owner's repertoire.
What are some basic pond supplies needed?While there are always a variety of water feature extras you can include in your fish ponds, most of them have some needs in common for proper care of your fish. If you're wondering which supplies to include in your first aquarium purchase, consider at least some of these on the checklist. You can always consider extras such as a fountain or other water feature once you've covered all the basics.
- A pond pump
- A pond filter system
- A lid - The lid is an essential piece that has other benefits besides protecting and keeping your fish inside the pond area. The lid also serves to reduce evaporation of the water inside your tank, which increases overall quality of life for your fish.
- Plants - Plants provide not only decoration for your pond but are good for helping to oxygenate the water for your fish. Note that some algae growth is natural and healthy, but you'll need to take care that it doesn't become overgrown.
A pond pump is an essential component in any list of pond aquarium supplies. Some things you should consider before you purchase your first pump are the flow rates you'll need and the size of the pond. Since you'll likely already have the base of the pond purchased or built before you purchase the necessary pump to go with it, make note of the dimensions. This does not mean the length and width but rather the volume of water the container will hold. As a rule, smaller or relatively average ponds may be able to use a submersible pump. Units that hold more water will likely require external pond pumps instead. You should remember to measure the height of the waterfall in your tank as well—that is, the water from the surface of your pond to the top of the waterfall where the water spills from the pipe feeding it.
How do you choose a pond filter?There are many types of pond filter systems out there for your fish pond, and you should consider the details of the aquarium and pump you have in order to select the correct filtration system. You first need to determine how many gallons of water your pond holds. Once you know this, look for a filter that will cycle all the water in the tank at least four times daily. Filters will require regular monitoring and maintenance to keep them clean and change filters when needed to keep your fish healthy and any fountains running smoothly, so be sure to keep a stock of pond supplies.