Question: “How best to add pond life?”

The following question was posted:

“We would like to add pond life to our 22′ Growing Dome water tank and aren’t quite sure how to begin..

Ultimately, we’d like a self-maintaining pond with snails, plants and goldfish or koi – perhaps even a turtle or two and some frogs someday (is this ridiculous?)

So far, I’ve only placed a layer of fine play sand at the bottom of the tank and installed the solar waterfall kit from Growing Spaces.

Should plants be added first – and which ones are good to start with?
(I wonder if someone on the web sells a variety plant starter package?)

When can some snails be added – what type and how many?
(e.g. 50 Japanese Pond Snails?)

At what point would it be ready for adding goldfish or koi?

Thanks for any feedback from others who have populated their tanks successfully!”

Answer:

Adding life to your water tank is absolutely essential, and adds to the already peaceful environment of the Growing Dome!

The water inside the tank in our on-site 33′ dome has not been changed for more than 3 years now!  We have created a natural ecosystem that is beautiful and provides nutrients to the water.  We then use the water in the tank to water the plants in the dome, with a watering can.

We have added all types of life to our water tank!  There are fish, water snails, and several types of aquatic plants.  A few great choices of quick-spreading, aquatic plants to start with are:  Duckweed, Umbrella, “Frog bit” plants… to name a few.

Growing Spaces now offers an Aquatic Plant Starter Kit!

$25.00 plus shipping & handling will get you a wonderful mixture of aquatic plants that will spread in no time, creating an environment much like the one pictured above.
Water snails?!  They can go in at any time, before plants are added or after!

Gold fish?! Add at anytime!    (do not feed if the water temp drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit)

With the Growing Spaces Aquatic Plant Starter Kit in addition with gold fish & snails, your water tank should look the one above!

Order your Aquatic Plant Starter Kit!

Call Growing Spaces at 800-753-9333