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Water Gardens
Water gardens are one of our most popular specialty services. The custom designed water garden incorporates
waterfalls and streams allowing a natural habitat for many varieties of fish and aquatic plants. The
biological filtration system is made up of a biofall (filtering waterfall) and a skimmer to remove debris.
The addition of rock, gravel, and bacteria help break down and remove excessive nutrients to prevent
undesirable algae formation. The use of this system allows the water garden to remain crystal clear and
become an independent ecosystem.
How The System Works
The biofall and skimmer filtration system is the heart and soul of your water garden. The biofall is the
starting point of your waterfall. The biofall is a large filter system that is capable of breaking down fish
waste, balancing nutrient levels, and aerating the pond. The filtration begins by pumping water into the
bottom swirl chamber of the biofall. The water rises though a set of filter mats. These filter mats remove
smaller particles and floating fish waste. The next stage passes the water through nets containing biological
media, typically lava stone, that have a lot of surface area for the natural bacteria and enzymes to colonize
on. Aquatic plants placed at the top of the biofall will root down into the media and provide additional
filtration. Finally, the water cascades over the front of the biofall, aerating the water, while providing a
beautiful cascading waterfall.
The skimmer is designed to collect leaves and debris that fall into the pond. It also serves as a pre-filter
for the pump in order to minimize clogging. The skimmer is buried along-side your pond and continually skims
the surface of the water for debris. The water and debris are drawn through the opening of the skimmer by the
pump that is housed at the bottom to the skimmer. The removable debris net collects leaves, sticks and any
other objects that have fallen into your pond. Below the debris net is a filter pad that prevents smaller
debris, such as dirt and seeds from reaching the pump.
How The System Works
The secret to clear water and a low maintenance water garden is a BALANCED ECOSYSTEM.
The ponds we build incorporate several elements which insure that your pond will be a balanced ecosystem.
If you have built your own pond, below are several tips to improve the aesthetics and achieve this balanced
ecosystem.
1. Add rolled creek stones and gravel to your pond. We install as many as six (6) tons of gravel and
stone in to a small 10ft. x 10ft. pond! This rock and gravel will become the host for the beneficial bacteria
which will keep your water clean.
2. Up size your pump and ensure that it is a high efficiency pump. Low efficiency is much more
expensive to operate. Excellent water circulation is needed for maximum oxygenation. Our smallest pump is
almost 3000 gallons per hour. Bigger is always better.
3. Add a skimmer. Skimmers save labor and make the removal of leaves from your pond much easier. Clean
your skimmer often. If you have a decrease in water quality the skimmer is usually full of debris!
4. Add water plants. Water plants including hardy or tropical water lilies, marginal plants, and
oxygenating grasses all improve water quality, fish habitat, and oxygen levels.
5. Add bacteria. We use at least three (3) types of bacteria in our ponds to keep our water clear. If you
need additional bacteria call the office to purchase more (901) 323-0031.
6. Watch for water leaks. Often gravity will work on the rocks in your waterfall, or the liner around the
pond can settle. If you must add water often, check these areas and correct the problem. New tap water is
not harmful to the plants or fish. However it is difficult to keep in balance.
7. Be careful about adding too many fish. Fish are great and every pond should have some, but never exceed
2-3 inches of fish per square foot of surface area.
Water Garden Kits
Create your own water feature with one of our complete kits.
- Skimmer
- Bio Falls
- High Efficiency Pump
- Liner
- Bacteria
- Check Valve
- Underlayment
- PVC Flex Pipe
- Underwater Lights
- Waterfall Stone
- Skimmer Rock / Lid
- Filtration Media
- Bulk Head Fitting
- Patch Tape
- Expanding Foam
- Silicone
- PVC Glue and Primer
- Owners Manual
A "how to" video is also available to simplify the assembly and installation.
Water garden sizes and kit prices:
| Size | Price |
| 6' x 8' | $1099.95 |
| 6' x 11' | $1149.95 |
| 8' x 11' | $1189.95 |
| 11' x 11' | $1349.95 |
| 11' x 16' | $1459.95 |
Shipping is available for an additional charge.
Stone and gravel (not included in the water garden kit) is available for local delivery.
To order your water garden kit call Greg Touliatos & Associates, Inc. at (901) 323-0031.
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