16 · Glossary
Quick reference for the terms used throughout this handbook.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ammonia (NH₃) | Toxic nitrogen waste from fish and decay; first stage of the cycle |
| Bog filter | A gravel-and-plant bed water flows through for biological filtration |
| EPDM | Ethylene propylene diene monomer — flexible synthetic rubber pond liner |
| Marginal | Plant that grows at the water's edge in shallow water |
| Nitrate (NO₃⁻) | End product of the nitrogen cycle; plant fertilizer |
| Nitrite (NO₂⁻) | Intermediate, toxic nitrogen compound |
| Oxygenator | Submerged plant that releases oxygen and absorbs nutrients |
| Regeneration zone | Planted area that biologically cleans swimming-pond water |
| Skimmer | Device that removes floating debris from the surface |
| Trophic | Relating to feeding levels in a food web |
| Turnover | Time for the pump to move the pond's full volume once |
Final thought
A natural pond is never "finished" — it is a relationship. Watch it, learn its rhythms, and it will reward you with years of living water.
How to use this glossary
Terms are listed A–Z. Each entry gives a plain-English definition plus a cross-reference to the chapter where the concept is explained in depth. If you are new to ponds, read chapters 1–7 first, then return here when you encounter unfamiliar terms.