The key to owning a low maintenance water garden is to install a balanced ecosystem which for starters, includes a good circulatory/filtration system (BIOFALLS, pump, and skimmer) to keep the water moving and flowing.  This helps keep the water clear and clean.  Then you must have a sufficient number of fish and water plants, which compete for the ecosystem's nutrition, and basically starves algae out of your pond.

You also need to have a sufficient amount of rocks and gravel, and introduce beneficial bacteria to the water on a regular basis.  All of these elements together make up a balanced ecosystem that actively encourages Mother Nature to clean up after herself, and minimize the time required to maintain your water garden.

If all of these elements are introduced into your water garden in the correct proportion, they form a natural, organic, holistic, balanced ecosystem.  They work together to systematically maintain your water garden naturally instead of artificially (i.e. instead of you doin' it).  This allows you time to relax with your family and friends, and just enjoy the many benefits of water gardening.