inverts in freshwater ponds, and orchids

[reefy_joe]

Hi Dr. Shimek,
Thank you for all the articles. If I could just venture (slightly) off of reefkeeping for a moment... I see alot of people around here with ponds, water gardens, etc. but I have never heard anyone stress the importance of invertebrates, a sand bed, and so forth in these or in freshwater aquariums for that mattter, even if only to reduce the unsightly appearance of greenwater that always occurs in outdoor ponds. Is there a reason, or is this just overlooked?

Also, do all orchids have a relationship with fungi, or just those in Montana?

Thanks,

 

[rshimek]

Re: inverts in freshwater ponds, and orchids

Hi Joe,

Originally posted by reefy_joe

Is there a reason, or is this just overlooked?

Sand beds and their associated inverts would work well in in fresh water ponds, however.... Most animals don't live in fresh water, and the major invertebrate fauna of fresh water are larval insects of many sorts. Setting up a "deep sand bed" in fresh water would involve the need for a lot of inhabitants that would at some later date hatch out to either fly away or bite the owner.

Also, do all orchids have a relationship with fungi, or just those in Montana?

All orchids have the fungal relationship; it is characteristic of the group.

 

[reefy_joe]

Interesting... Thanks!!