If you’re setting up a pond for the first time, you will need a few things to get you started. You may be wondering if you need a pump for a pond or if it's just an optional item. They are often vital to having a healthy pond, though they aren’t a strict necessity in all cases. Below, we discuss whether a pond needs a pump and the many benefits that they provide.
Do you need a pump for a pond?
When setting up your pond, you will find that there are various essentials that you need to get it thriving. A pond pump is one of those things, as it helps to keep your pond clean and provide a healthy environment for its ecosystem. There are many ways in which a pump does this, and there are many reasons why, more often than not, you will need one.
Below, we go into detail about the various benefits of pond pumps and what makes them so important:
Water circulation
Stagnant water that hasn’t been circulated is problematic for ponds, as this causes the buildup of algae. Not only does this give your pond an unpleasant green colour and smell, but it is also bad for your pond’s fish. This
leads to your pond developing harmful bacteria and suffering from reduced oxygen levels, which can be lethal to fish. As a result, keeping your pond’s water well-circulated with a pump is highly important for the well-being of your pond pals.
Continuously flowing water is a large contributor to clean, algae-free water. If you’re wondering ‘Will a pond pump keep the water clear?’, the answer is a definite yes.
Aeration
As with us humans, oxygen is essential for the survival of fish and any other aquatic beings that are in your pond. In addition, oxygen encourages healthy bacteria to develop in your pond, which will further clean your pond.
A pond pump is key for this, as it helps to aerate the water to increase oxygen levels. Aeration with the help of a pond pump is especially important in ponds that aren’t naturally oxygenated with plenty of plants and in ponds with larger numbers of fish.
Use with filters
Often, pond pumps are used with pond filters to maintain the hygiene of the pond. These work by pumping water through the filter, which then cleans the pond by clearing debris, removing waste products, and eliminating harmful bacteria. Often, these are cleaned through a combination of biological, mechanical, and UV filtration. With the combined use of these two devices, your pond will remain a highly clean environment.
Water features and decoration
As well as improving your pond water’s cleanliness for your finned friends, pond pumps are also needed if you have an interest in pond features. For example, fountains, waterfalls, and streams all require a pump for continuous water flow. As a result, a pond pump can help to establish a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing look to your pond that it otherwise wouldn’t have.
When you wouldn’t need a pond pump
Using a pond pump should be a priority for the vast majority of those with a garden pond. However, it isn’t always the case that one is needed in some specific circumstances. These instances are as follows:
Creating a wildlife pond
A wildlife pond is a pond that exists with minimal human intervention. As a result, these ponds will typically sustain themselves through natural ecological processes and the growth of plants. These types of ponds have a more wild and uneven look that may suit your preferences, though a more decorative and maintained pond will require a pump.
Smaller or decorative ponds
If you are creating a pond that is smaller and features little to no animal or plant life, a pond pump may not be needed. You can keep your pond water healthy and clear by manually removing debris and with the help of a couple of plants. However, doing so with a pond pump and filter is far easier as a hands-free method.
In summary
So, does a pond need a pump? The answer is generally likely to be a ‘yes’ for you. Pond pumps are a highly convenient and effective way to keep your pond a healthy environment for your fish. Without one, your pond can become an uninhabitable place for your fish and cause them harm, so ensuring you have one for your pond is essential.
There are some instances in which you may not need a pond pump. If you don’t intend to have very many, or any fish at all, in your pond, you can rely on occasional manual cleaning. Alternatively, you can also have a wildlife pond, though this may not suit everyone’s preferences. However, these instances are less common, and we would typically recommend using a pond pump to keep your water sparkling clear.
Quality pond pumps and filters at Closer Pets
At Closer Pets, we have a range of cutting-edge pond pumps and fish pond supplies to keep your pond at its best. Our pumps are available in a range of sizes to help you find the option with the ideal flow rate for your pond. Additionally, they are designed with anti-clog filters and to be highly energy efficient, making them an excellent choice.
If you’d like to find out about our pond pumps and how they can benefit your pond, get in touch with us today, and a member of our team will be more than happy to help you.