Aquatic Plants Function For Koi Pond

AQUATIC PLANT FUNCTION -- Aquatic plant has a function as a counterweight balance eco-system. Aquatic plant also make water garden or koi pond beautiful. They aid in the absorption of excess nutrients as well as beautifying any waterscape.They improve the water quality of your freshwater tank while enhancing the natural beauty of your koi pond and providing shelter and security for your fish.



Aquatic plants are also extremely important to the health of your Koi pond. Aside from providing shade and shelter for your pond fish, they also increase the oxygen in the water and help reduce algae. There are three types of aquatic plants that primarily provide shade and oxygen to the water. It is never too late to add plants. Here are a few suggestions:

Floating Plants

Ideally about 60 percent of the water's surface should be covered, allowing ample oxygen production and keeping water temperatures stable from morning to night. Common floating plants are: Water Lilies, Lotus, Water Hyacinth & Water Lettuce.

Oxygenating Plants

These submerged plants provide essential oxygen and act as a natural biological filter, benefiting the entire pond ecosystem. One bundle of oxygenators is recommended for every square foot of pond surface.
Some popular varieties are: Hornwort or Coontail, Elodea, Dwarf Sagittaria and Jungle Vallisneria.

Marginal Plants

Marginal (or bog) plants are used along the pond perimeter for a natural, relaxed design. They add some shade and absorb nutrients to keep pond water healthy. They grow best in shallow water and should be submerged to a depth of ten inches. Usually marginals are placed plastic planters along a shallow shelf within the pond's edge or planted directly into the shelves of a rock bottom pond.

Source:
http://stillwatergardensnw.com/watergardenplants.aspx

Common examples of marginals are:

Water Hawthorn, Umbrella Grass, Canna Hybrids, Irises, Lizard's Tail, Cattails, Reeds & Sedges