Clear Water Plan

Small pond

Are you looking for a clear, low-maintenance small pond without a pump or filter?
With Simon’s 6-step plan, you can turn your small pond into a naturally balanced pond.

Choose your pond size:

100 to 400-liter pond

100 - 400 liters

Pond 500, 1,250 liters

500 - 1.250 liters

Pond 1,500–3,000 liters

1.500 - 3.000 liters

pond 3,500–6,000 liters

3.500 - 6.000 liters

6,500–9,000-liter pond

6.500 - 9.000 liters

Large garden pond

10,000+ liters

Not sure how many liters of water your pond holds?

Calculating the volume of your pond
Click on the image for instructions on how to calculate the volume of water in your pond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Ponds

Pond Advice

Yes, a small pond can easily do without a pump or filter, as long as you follow the right approach. By creating a natural balance with plenty of Aquatic plants the right bacteria, the pond can keep itself clear and healthy without any mechanical equipment.

Want to make sure you’re following the right steps? Then go through the pond checklist, where we explain step by step how to set up your pond for optimal performance, so it naturally stays clear and balanced without pumps, filters, or chemicals: pond checklist.

When keeping fish in a small pond, it is important to consider the pond’s size and location. A pond that is constantly exposed to sunlight can cause the water to become too warm for the fish, reducing their chances of survival. During cold months, freezing can lead to a lack of oxygen for the fish, which can endanger their survival. For smaller ponds, it is therefore often advisable to refrain from keeping fish.

However, if you decide to keep fish in a smaller pond, choose species such as the common goldfish, oranda, or shubunkin. Limit the number of fish to prevent overcrowding and disruption of the ecosystem. An overcrowded pond may require supplemental feeding, which can acidify the water and prevent waste from being efficiently removed. This can disrupt the pond’s balance and lead to pollution. To provide a healthy environment for the fish, a smaller pond should have a minimum depth of 60–80 cm and a volume of approximately 500 liters.

Make sure your pond is set up properly to keep your fish healthy. Then go through the pond checklist, where we explain step by step how to set up your pond for optimal results: pond checklist.

When building a garden pond, it is essential that it be between 80 and 100 cm deep and at least 120 cm wide, although wider is always better. This ensures that pond plants and aquatic animals have enough living space. As for the location of your pond, it is ideal if it receives between four and six hours of sunlight each day. Excessive sunlight can lead to an increase in algae. When digging the pond, make sure the deepest part is between 80 and 100 cm. Also, create a shallower edge along the bank to have different depth zones. If this shallow area is about 20 cm deep, it’s an excellent spot for various Aquatic plants. A gently sloping bank also helps animals access the water. Once you’ve finished digging, it’s time to line the pond. Use special pond liner that’s easy to fold, especially in the trickier spots. After this step, you can start decorating the pond.

One of the advantages of having a small pond in your garden is that it requires relatively little maintenance. Start your pond with an 8 Pond substrate to 10-centimeter layer Pond substrate and Pond bacteria beneficial Pond bacteria , such as Bacta Clear, to keep the water clear. Combined with the right Aquatic plants , these elements Aquatic plants a biological balance in your pond, meaning it requires virtually no maintenance.

Use our online pond check to see if your pond is set up correctly: pond check.

For a small pond, it’s best to choose a combination of different Aquatic plants help maintain the ecosystem’s balance. We offer complete pond kits that include everything you need to bring your pond into balance in a 100% natural way, and they’re available in a variety of colors.

Would you prefer the freedom to choose your own plants? Then take the pond check, which explains step by step what you need to set up your pond in the best possible way. This will help you keep your pond clear and balanced without using pumps, filters, or chemicals: pond check.

A pond in the garden: small, natural, or organic

A pond brings tranquility, life, and charm to your garden. Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy Aquatic plants, fish, and flowing water. Whether you choose an ornamental pond, a natural pond, a plant pond, or a bio-pond, each type has its own character and benefits.

Ornamental pond: the centerpiece of your garden

An ornamental pond is all about beauty. Graceful Aquatic plants, colorful fish, and clear water create a vibrant focal point in the garden.
With a depth of 80 to 100 cm, the water remains stable. Cover about half of the surface with floating plants or Water lilies to keep the water naturally balanced. A small waterfall or fountain adds extra ambiance.

Features:

  • Elegant appearance

  • Suitable for fish and Water lilies

  • Optional with a waterfall or fountain

Natural Pond: Life in Balance

A natural pond is a mini-ecosystem that maintains its own balance.
By incorporating different depth zones and Aquatic plants, a natural filtration process is created. Pumps and chemicals are unnecessary: nature ensures clear water.

Advantages:

  • Low-maintenance and durable

  • Increase biodiversity

  • No technical installations required

Plant pond: natural water purification

A plant pond is all about Aquatic plants. They provide oxygen, purify the water, and offer hiding places for small animals.
A plant pond requires little maintenance and fits perfectly into a natural garden.

Tips:

  • Combine oxygenating plants, marsh plants, and floating plants

  • Use Pond soil growing medium at the bottom

  • Leave half of the water surface exposed to light

Organic Pond: The Eco-Friendly Choice

A bio-pond (also known as a biological pond) is the most sustainable option.
The key here is a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires no pumps, filters, or chemicals. Biological plants, beneficial bacteria, and a porous substrate work together to ensure crystal-clear water.

Why choose a natural pond?

  • Completely eco-friendly and environmentally friendly

  • Low-maintenance and energy-efficient

  • A healthy habitat for plants and animals

  • Pure natural water with no additives

The perfect pond for your garden

Whether you choose an ornamental pond, a natural pond, a plant pond, or a bio-pond —every pond brings peace and life to your garden.
With Simon’s Pond Check and the Pond Advice Book, you can easily set up a biological, self-sustaining pond. Avoid mistakes and save hundreds of euros with expert advice.