What is a Natural Ecosystem and why do I need it?

A natural ecosystem is taking the essential working parts of nature and bringing them into uniformity with your pond system so that it will work as efficient and chemically free as nature. There are five ingredients to a natural ecosystem that has been researched, designed and engineered by the incredible people at Aquascapes Inc. the number one pond supplier in America. I will list each part and discuss later in the article how they work together to bring about a very natural low maintenance pond.

1.  Filtration

There are two types of filtration: biological and mechanical. The biological filter is a place where beneficial bacteria break down and remove excess nutrients from the water. This filter is housed in the BioFalls. The mechanical located in the Skimmer box filters large debris from accumulating on the pond floor and houses your pump.
2.  Rocks & Gravel
Rocks and gravel not only protect your liner from UV degradation but it also adds surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Plus it adds a very natural looking decor that can be priceless.
3.  Re-circulation
It is as simple as it gets. Moving water adds oxygen to the water benefiting fish, plants, and water quality!! The pump circulates the water by pulling it into the skimmer box and pumping to the BioFalls.
4.  Fish
Fish are an integral part of the ecosystem. It has been perceived that fish increase pond maintenance in reality they help decrease pond maintenance by feeding on string algae and bottom feeding at the pond floor. The added bonus of fish is their pet value as the make for great pets that will give you years of enjoyment.
5.  Aquatic plants
The true filters of Mother Nature, plants are excellent at feeding off the excess nutrients in the water thus depriving algae of its food source. They add a character dimension of the pond that you cannot duplicate with their variety of shapes, vibrant colors and textures that are second none. Proper coverage is critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
So why does all FIVE of these elements need to be present? Let me break it down for you into what is known as the Constantly Revolving Ecosystem.

  • The Fish nibble on everything including plant life.
  • This in turn causes the fish to produce waste that falls to the bottom of the pond where other forms of natural debris has also fallen.
  • From here the debris is broken down by microorganisms and bacteria colonized on the rocks and gravel on the bottom floor.
  • Once broken down, these substances are absorbed as nutrition by the plants
  • Plants grow and the cycle begins again

The natural ecosystem is chemical free, instead bacteria is added to help balance the cycle so that maintenance is kept to a minimum allowing mother nature to do what it does best!