Roadmap
Roadmap
Looking for a self-sustaining, ecologically balanced pond with clear water and no algae?
With Simon's 6-step plan, you can easily set up your pond yourself.
All essential aquatic plants and products for a biologically balanced pond can be easily ordered through our web shop and delivered quickly to your home.
A clear pond without a pump or filter: it can be done!
You may think that a pond necessarily needs a pump or filter to work properly, but that's actually a misconception. A well-designed pond can look beautiful and keep itself in biological balance without any technical help. If you do it right, the water will stay clear and healthy, and you can even put fish in your pond without any problems.
Do you have a specific pond?
If you have a specific pond we have additional tips for you. Select your type of pond or choose by water content if your pond is not listed. For a small pond of 500 - 10,000 gallons of water, the step-by-step plan continues below.
Simons 6-step pond design plan
Start with a strong substrate foundation, breathe life with oxygen plants, shelter under water lilies, cleanse with robust aquatic plants, balance with Sumpfpflanzen, and boost with vital bacteria. The formula for a perfect pond!
1. Pond substrate
A firm and healthy soil is the foundation of a well-functioning pond. A layer of pond substrate of about 8 to 10 inches not only provides a stable base for your aquatic plants to take root in, but also serves as a natural filter for the pond water. This porous lava rock attracts beneficial bacteria that help purify the water. After creating the pond, it is recommended to add a starting dose of these bacteria. To maintain optimal water quality, you can then add a new dose of bacteria every spring and fall. These bacteria adhere to the porous granules and work with the plants to purify the water. In addition, pond substrate provides stable soil for pond plants to take root without rotting. Thus, a good substrate soil eliminates the need for an additional filter or pump in many cases, as it acts as a large natural filter.
POND SUBSTRATE Pond substrate - 40 liters
- 40 L covers 1 m² ↥ 10 cm
- Heavy duty quality for the best filtration
- Extra porous: optimal plant growth
Step 2. Oxygen Plants
The importance of oxygen plants in a pond cannot be stressed enough, especially if no pump is present. These plants have a purifying function and contribute to clear water. They also provide shelter for aquatic life and help to block sunlight and thus the warming of the water, reducing the growth of algae. Oxygen plants such as hornwort, moss ball and waterweed are not only favorites because of their effectiveness, but are also hardy. Many of these plants take root in the substrate soil and absorb silt as nutrition, which promotes their growth. It is advisable to plant a variety of these species in ample quantities. That way, if a particular specimen does not grow well, it is not a problem; there are plenty of other oxygen plants that can take over the purifying and protective tasks.
Step 3. Water Lilies
It is one of the most famous and beloved aquatic plants: the water lily. Having enough water lilies in the pond is important. They provide a shelter for your fish. In addition, the leaves of the lilies also block sunlight, so the water does not heat up as quickly and there will be less algae growth. Water lilies come in many varieties. You have small ones that can grow at -20 cm, as well as larger ones that you can place at -100 cm. Be aware that water lilies can also drown. This is because if you place them too deep, the leaves can no longer reach the water surface and the plant cannot stay alive.
Step 4. Sumpfpflanzen
Sumpfpflanzen are excellent water purifiers and are an essential part of a natural pond, especially if no pump or UV filter is present. Their effective root systems allow them to grow quickly and absorb nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the water, making them an excellent fit for a natural plant filter. They can be placed in shallow water around the pond, and it is best to work from the center of the pond outward, zone by zone. Recommended species for optimal water quality are large and small cattail, Sumpf schwertlilie, water mint and pikeweed. Thanks to their strong purifying effect, Sumpfpflanzen can provide an alternative to a pump, making it unnecessary.
Step 5. Aquatic Plants
Like Sumpfpflanzen , aquatic plants help in obtaining clear water. With a good root system, they filter the water and reduce waste. Calamus, Japanese cave pipe and pikeweed are good choices for aquatic plants that contribute to a healthy pond ecosystem.
Step 6. Pond bacteria
To give your newly decorated pond a good start, add pond bacteria to the water. The tiny bacteria attach themselves to the pond substrate, among other things, and help keep the water clear and clean. We recommend Bacta Clear, which we developed especially for this purpose.
BACTA CLEAR
- For 1,000 to 20,000 L
- 100% eco: clear water fast
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
7. Extra tip: for when you have a deep pond
In many water features, variation in depth is not considered. If you want to add a shallow area for plants, you can use special crates. These are stackable, making it easy to create a shallow area. Several smaller planters can be placed in one crate.
Expert tip: Simons pond kits
Simon has created the perfect pond kits for you. Each package contains the minimum amount of plants and supplies for a healthy, clear pond without a pond pump or pond filter. Choose additional complementary plants yourself to make your pond unique. Rely on the power of hardy aquatic plants and enjoy a biologically balanced pond.
Complete Pond Package - Small - Red
- For 100 - 500 L
- 19 plants + extras
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Complete Pond Package - Small - White
- For 100 - 500 L
- 19 plants + extras
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Complete Pond Package - Medium
- For 500 - 1.500 L
- 36 plants + extras
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Complete Pond Package - Large
- For 2.000 - 3.000 L
- 93 plants + extras
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
- Unfortunately, a common mistake: the pond is already filled with water while the pond plants have yet to be placed. This makes it difficult or even impossible to place all the plants in a good, sturdy spot. Simon therefore recommends starting first with a thin layer of pond substrate in an empty pond, after which you only allow a small layer of water into the pond. You can now step through the pond with boots on to place the aquatic plants in place in the substrate. Then top up with substrate. Is everything set and firm? Only then fill the entire pond with water.
- If you have a somewhat larger pond, it is smart to work from the inside out. So you start in the lowest zone and work outward step-by-step. You end in the shallowest zone (swamp zone).
- When placing the aquatic plants, also pay attention to what depth is best for optimal growth. This is indicated on the packaging of our pond plants. Do you like a lot of plants? Then place the baskets or crates against each other.
Want more helpful tips?
This is what our customers say!
Excellent 
300+ reviews at 
Nynke Roukema
Great advice and material from Simon for our new pond.
So without any prior knowledge from us now for 3 years a picture in the garden and beautiful clear water 🍀🙏
Selma Grund
Great products and knowledgeable!
Ordered 6 x crab crab, these arrived somewhat short-winged and did not float well in the pond. But with some patience and attention they have now grown beautifully large and are flowering beautifully!
Lex Shoerds
For 30 years I have had a pond. Remodeled this season with some of my old pond water and plants.
Supplemented with clear pond suggestions from van der Velde. The result is better than I ever had: beautiful plants and so clear that I can see the fish down to the bottom.
Really great !!!
Janny Figee
A first patio pond is fun and exciting to experiment with. With the help of the excellent, involved support, the plants from the mini kit have come to life. Thanks to the addition of extra bacteria, I can now easily see a frog swimming in the mini pond. Thanks to Britt for her good advice. Also, the delivery is careful and fast. So far, a beautiful water lily has appeared twice, folding its leaves to go to sleep at night.Just following this cycle is beautiful.
Jeroen van Luik
Without too much experience, I began a sizable pond project. I bought Simon's book, and it helped me tremendously, both in construction and setup. Then I ordered the substrate, bacteria and all the plants, following as much as possible the method described in the book, for a natural pond without pumps and filters.
Tim Lommerse
Very knowledgeable advice, extensive web shop and above all, excellent customer service.
My supplied Cape Lily turned out not to be viable, without any problems a new one was then sent in no time.
Maria Janssen
Can't say that I super liked what I ordered from Van der Velde. Plants, food, ground cover, gravel.
Well packed, fast delivery, and excellent quality!
If you have not ordered anything I would do it quickly, you will not regret it.
Good luck !
Simon van der Velde: Expert on ponds and an advocate of biodiversity and sustainability
Simon van der Velde is an expert in ponds with more than 35 years of experience in designing dream ponds. He is the founder of "Van der Velde Aquatic Plants," a company focused on creating biodiverse and natural ponds without the use of pumping systems and filters. Simon's vision goes beyond creating beautiful ponds; he also wants to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. In addition to his work as a pond specialist, Simon is a passionate nature lover and is committed to preserving nature and the environment. He inspires people to take a sustainable approach to their gardens and the natural environment. Simon's passion for biodiversity and natural lifestyle makes him an advocate for sustainability and a key player in restoring the natural balance in our world.
Pond advice and tips
An example of implementing Simon's step-by-step plan for redesigning an existing pond
Frequently asked questions about a natural pond
One of the best times to plant your pond is in the fall. In that case, the plants experience the winter period and will be stronger for the start of the growing season in spring. In many (online) stores, foil and pond substrate are on sale during the winter period, but pond plants are not. With us, winter water plants are available year-round.
Yes, a pond can stay healthy and balanced without using a UV filter or pump. In fact, aquatic plants are the natural filter to keep the water clean and free of algae such as filamentous and floating algae. With the right composition, even wastewater can be purified to be harmless to the environment. In a small or large pond, a plant filter or swamp filter works with good bacteria, which, among other things, settle on the pond substrate lying on the bottom. They help filter the pond water so you can enjoy a clear pond.
It is possible to keep fish in a pond without a UV filter or pond pump. Pond fish are animals that eat fish food and thus produce feces. Therefore, it is especially important not to put too many fish in your pond. If you do not have a pump or filter, we recommend 20 cm of fish per 1000 liters (1 m3) of water. Therefore, do not choose fish that are too large, such as shubunkin (10-20 cm), golden zipper (2-8 cm) or, the now banned fish, the sunfish (15 cm). Tip: If you keep the number of fish within limits, you won't need to supplement feeding. The animals will then find enough food in the healthy aquatic life in your pond.
If you want to keep fish in the pond, the deepest point should be at least -80 cm. Deeper is always allowed. At this depth the fish can hibernate in peace and descend to the bottom for cooler water in the hot summer months. Read all about keeping fish in the pond.
A natural pond is large and contains no pond liner. Do you have or want a pond in the garden that stays healthy naturally? Then you are talking about an organic plant pond. Plants that fit well are in the shallower areas pikeweed and Sumpf schwertlilie, and underwater you best place a good amount of oxygen plants such as crabweed, waterweed or hornwort. These ensure that the oxygen level in the water is maintained. A beautiful water lily is also an asset to your plant pond.
Is a pond pump necessary?
How do you set up a pond?
- Oxygen plants: the main plant group that absorbsCO2 from the water and releases oxygen to the water. They grow below the water surface.
- Water lilies: they are not only a beautiful addition to your pond, but also very useful. Animals use water lilies for shelter, and the large bulrushes trap heat from the sun to keep the water cooler. This counteracts algae growth.
- Sumpfpflanzen: In the shallower marsh zone are plants that like to have wet feet. The strong roots of these plants contribute significantly to the pond by filtering the water.
- Aquatic plants: these are also water purifiers that should not be missing in the pond. With their root systems they clear the water of waste products.
- Floating plants: this addition of plants helps you keep out sun and algae, and in the process they fulfill a nice ornamental value of your pond.
What plants should be in a natural pond?
- Oxygen plants: the main plant group that absorbsCO2 from the water and releases oxygen to the water. They grow below the water surface.
- Water lilies: they are not only a beautiful addition to your pond, but also very useful. Animals use water lilies for shelter, and the large bulrushes trap heat from the sun to keep the water cooler. This counteracts algae growth.
- Sumpfpflanzen: In the shallower marsh zone are plants that like to have wet feet. The strong roots of these plants contribute significantly to the pond by filtering the water.
- Aquatic plants: these are also water purifiers that should not be missing in the pond. With their root systems they clear the water of waste products.
- Floating plants: this addition of plants helps you keep out sun and algae, and in the process they fulfill a nice ornamental value of your pond.
Benefits of a pond without a pump and filter
- The pond is a biotope that manages to keep itself in biological balance
- You don't have to worry about maintenance or repair of both pump and uv filter
- Pond plants form a natural filter that keeps the water clear
- You save costs for equipment
- Fish are also possible in a pond without a pump
- Bacteria and pond substrate naturally contribute to clean pond water
Disadvantages of a pond pump and uv filter
- Pumps and uv filters are expensive and high-maintenance
- Pond plants can be destroyed by a (too) hard current
- A pond pump along the bank does not offer a pretty sight
- Pond creatures such as salamanders are disturbed by the (too) strong current and will seek refuge elsewhere
- Devices may break down or freeze to pieces
- An underwater pump is difficult to reach for maintenance or repair