They will also feed upon mosquito larvae, thus preventing a mosquito problem. Water, of course, is the most important ingredient. While most backyard gardeners have something smaller than a stockpond in mind, the size of the pond should not be less than 250-300 gallons. The water must circulate during hot weather, and a re-circulating pump can be attached to a pond fountain, bubbler, or waterfall. The higher the fall of the water above the pond s surface, the more powerful the pump needs to be.
Some gardeners prefer two pumps, increasing the visual and sound effects of their aquatic garden.
Water that spurts or bubbles even just six inches above the surface will cool and oxygenate the water. Many time, the fish will play in the water source as it cascades back into the pond. All water, of course, must be returned to the pond, and adding water with a hose on a hot summer day compensates for evaporation. Most gardeners, being the gardeners they are, want the beauty of plants to make the pond a true aquatic garden. Many plants are available and conductive to water culture.