Chilling an Outdoor Pond
Ponds, freshwater or saltwater, can be added to create an astatically pleasing garden. Whether for a wildlife park, or a botanical garden, ponds can be used to add a splash of excitement. Smaller ponds are easier to regulate, while larger ponds seen in Japanese gardens, botanical gardens, aquariums and zoos, are regulated by industrial sized cooling mechanisms. Plants, fish, even equipment like pumps and filters can be damaged by hot temperatures.
Fish and plants are pretty adaptable, and tolerable to slow temperature change. Ponds without fish can handle temperatures between 65°F-75°F. Ponds with fish can survive 35°F-85°F. Fish start having problems surviving when the water is consistently high. For both small and big ponds, water can be regulated by simple means to keep cool. Some ways are to plant trees by ponds, add shady plants (lilies), add a water fall, or use a pond tint.
To avoid heat permanently, circulation is key. The faster the pump moves the water flow, the cooler the pond will be. Adding a cooling tower, or chiller also is beneficial to keep large ponds constantly the same temperature. Also, picking the right species of fish will determine the temperature of water. Picking tropical fish to survive in Alaska is a bit of a challenge.
