1. Where should I place my pond?

Almost all water plants prefer a sunny location. Four to five hours (minimum) of direct sun is needed before most water lilies will bloom. It is also preferable to avoid overhanging tree limbs if practical since they can cause extra maintenance with dropping leaves and/or branches. If blooms are not a major concern, your water garden will adapt fine to any location with at least a filtered sun. In fact, light shade during mid afternoon is desirable during extreme heat spells.
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2. How can I control Algae?

Your water garden may go through a "green pea soup" phase before your plants become well established. This is normal, harmless to fish and plants and will clear up as your plants grow and absorb the nutrients algae needs to survive. Do not drain your garden and put in fresh; water, it will just repeat the same green water phase until a balance is reached.

The green film you may see form on the sides of your pot below water is normal, desirable and a sing of a healthy pond. Once balanced your pond should remain clear enough to see near to the bottom. Any excessive string algae can be scooped out occasionally. Tadpoles and snails may also help.
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3. What temperature should I keep my pond water at?

Water temperatures above 85 degrees can be detrimental to fish and plants. During extreme heat spells (90 degrees +) it is best to partially shade your garden during mid-afternoon. Placing a few potted plants around the perimeter to shade the sides of the pot is also effective. A more permanent solution is to sink your water garden into the ground or cut an insert into a wooden deck to lower the side out of direct sun.
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