An "ecosystem pond" is a man-made pond designed to mimic a natural aquatic environment, where various plants, animals, and bacteria interact to create a self-sustaining system that requires minimal maintenance, relying on natural filtration processes like plants to clean the water and support a diverse range of wildlife, including fish, frogs, and insects; essentially, it aims to replicate the balance found in a natural pond ecosystem.

Key points about ecosystem ponds: 

Natural filtration: They use aquatic plants to filter water naturally, reducing the need for chemical treatments or complex filtration systems. 

Biodiversity: Designed to support a variety of plant and animal life, including different species of fish, amphibians, insects, and beneficial bacteria. 

Low maintenance: Due to the self-regulating nature of the ecosystem, they generally require less upkeep compared to traditional ponds. 

Components: Typically include a mix of submerged, floating, and marginal plants, rocks, gravel, and a variety of fish species to maintain the ecological balance. 

A properly-designed pond will not attract mosquitoes, as mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to produce their offspring. Most backyard-ponds have constantly moving water, between the skimmer and the waterfalls/streams.

Additionally, any mosquito larvae that manage to hatch will either be sucked into the skimmer or eaten by the fish. If your pond does not have a skimmer and/or fish, consider getting a pump and fountain combination. This should create enough water movement to discourage mosquitoes from visiting your pond.

Pond installation cost ranges from $10,000 to $40,000K + for backyard ponds with waterfalls, plants, and fish. To enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water, most homeowners pay an average of $15,000 per project.

A typical ecosystem pond should be at least 24 inches (2 feet) deep to support a healthy ecosystem, with some areas potentially deeper depending on the types of plants and animals you want to attract, but generally, a maximum depth of around 1 meter is considered suitable for most garden wildlife ponds; deeper ponds might experience oxygen depletion issues. 

A pond ecosystem stays clean primarily through a natural filtration process where plants absorb nutrients from the water, while bacteria break down organic waste, all while a healthy balance of aquatic life helps to maintain the ecosystem; this often includes a combination of mechanical filtration (like skimmers) to remove debris and biological filtration where beneficial bacteria convert harmful compounds like ammonia into nitrates, keeping the water clean and clear. 

Key elements contributing to a clean pond ecosystem: 

Aquatic plants: Submerged and floating plants absorb excess nutrients from the water, preventing algae growth and providing oxygen for other organisms. 

Bacteria (decomposers): Beneficial bacteria break down organic matter like decaying plant and animal waste, converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates. 

Mechanical filtration: Skimmers and other physical filters remove large debris like leaves and twigs from the water surface. 

Biological filtration: Special filter media provides a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and perform their cleaning function. 

Fish population management: Maintaining a balanced fish population prevents overfeeding and excessive waste accumulation. 

How it works: Nutrient uptake by plants:Aquatic plants utilize nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the water column for growth, effectively removing them from the system. 

Decomposition by bacteria: When organic matter like dead plants or fish waste settles to the bottom, bacteria break it down, releasing essential nutrients back into the water cycle. 

Oxygenation: Plant photosynthesis provides oxygen to the water, which is crucial for aquatic life. 

Important factors to consider for a healthy pond ecosystem: 

Pond size and design: Proper pond size and shape can optimize water flow and filtration efficiency. 

Water quality monitoring: Regularly testing water parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels helps identify potential issues. 

Maintenance practices: Regularly removing debris, cleaning filters, and controlling plant growth are essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

For a healthy pond ecosystem, good plant choices include oxygenating plants like water lilies, coontail, pickerelweed, and water lettuce which produce oxygen and filter impurities, as well as marginal plants like Japanese water iris and bog plants that thrive at the pond's edge, providing shelter and food for wildlife; it's best to choose native plants to maintain a balanced ecosystem and avoid invasive species. 

Key points about good pond plants: 

Oxygenating plants: These submerged plants are vital for producing oxygen and keeping the water clean by absorbing nutrients that algae would otherwise use. 

Floating plants: These can be beneficial in new ponds as they absorb CO2 directly from the air and grow quickly. 

Marginal plants: These grow at the pond edge and help stabilize the shoreline. 

Native species: Choosing native plants is generally preferred as they are well adapted to the local climate and less likely to become invasive. 

For a basic ecosystem pond in a backyard, aim for a minimum surface area of around 100-200 square feet, with a depth ranging from 2 to 3 feet at its deepest point, allowing for different plant shelves and varying water levels to support a balanced ecosystem.

Key points to consider: 

Depth variation: Include shallow areas for marginal plants and a deeper section for fish to shelter in. 

Larger is better: A larger pond generally promotes better water stability and requires less maintenance. 

Plant life: Sufficient plant cover is crucial for oxygen production and filtering water. 

Fish population: Match the fish species and quantity to the pond size to avoid overcrowding.