<font color=red>QUICK TIPS</font> Containers Provide Alternatives to Ponds

If you don't offer pond or waterfall installation or maintenance, consider a smaller, but just as trendy, option. Container water gardens are all the buzz and could be the way to pull in some extra revenue. They offer an atlernative to homeowners who don't have the space or money to devote to a full-on pond. Create them separately or work them into an existing garden.

Jungle Labs offers some tips to point you in the right direction:

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• Begin with a waterproof pot or galvanized container that is at least two feet high and approximately 36 inches in diameter. The selection is limitless, so have fun with colors, materials and patterns.
• You will also need three different types of plants: oxygenators, which provide oxygen in the water; floaters, which provide screen for fish and prevent algae growth; and marginals, which give height and form to the pond. In addition to the plants, you will need a five-pound bag of gravel.
• To ensure proper water quality, you will also need a water conditioner, a complete water treatment that makes tap water safe immediately by removing chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals and adds vital electrolytes for good fish and plant health.
• Lastly, a filter will be needed, as it will serve as the biological foundation in your container pond. A small sponge filter is best, but it will require an air pump, tubing and close access to electricity.

Now that you have all of the materials, you can begin to construct the container pond, taking these steps:

• Place potted plants into the container/pot. Keep the plants in their original planters to prevent their roots from growing too large and taking over the pond.
• When placing plants, set the marginals toward the back (to hide tubing); floaters in the middle and the oxygenators in the front.
• Position the filter snugly between two of the planters on the bottom of the container to keep it under water and not visible.
• Now pour rocks into the bottom of the container and over the filter. Fill until the bottom of the plants are covered. This not only hides the filter and planters, but it looks more inviting. The rocks also create a natural biological foundation that keeps your water clean and clear.
• Fill the container with water two inches from the top. Dechlorinate the tap water; this makes the water safe immediately for plants and fish.
• Plug in the filter and turn it on.
• Add one or two small fish if the client desires.