An artificial pond or lake is a delicate eco-system that requires conservation and maintenance and, unlike a natural pond, it is sometimes necessary to give it a helping hand. Artificial ponds and lakes are influenced by many environmental factors; often ponds are too small for their fish stock; acid rain, sun, leaves, fish waste and other organic pollutants impose added stress on the pond eco-system. Pond water contains oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, micro-organisms and much more and it is these elements that, correctly managed, make it a living eco-system and thus a healthy habitat for plants and animals.