Fish pond in your own backyard

FISH POND - IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Location

Decide first what part of the backyard you want to

your fish pond to be situated before going out and

buying anything. Select an area where it is far from

the trees since many aquatic plants, like lilies, need

a sufficient amount of sunlight to grow.

Choose an area where there are no falling leaves that

can make cleaning a nightmare. Do not place your pond

on low areas since large volumes of rainwater might

run off and accumulate in the pond during rainy

seasons. Not to mention, these runoff water might

contain fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful

materials.

Place your pond in an area where it can be best

appreciated and seen. The sense of building a pond is

for you to enjoy it. Select a location where it can be

best viewed (i. e. the sitting area or a patio in the

garden).

Types of Pond

After choosing where you want your pond to be located,

it is now time to select what type of pond you want.

The two types of pond are the following:

ABS plastic preformed ponds are usually used for small

ponds that can contain up to 250 gallons of water.

This type of pond comes in a variety of sizes and

shapes such as hourglass, rock gardens, and kidney.

Waterfalls and formed spillways are also available.

Pond lines or liners are used for any size of pond.

The sizes available for this kind of pond is 10’ x 15’

to 20’ x 25’ or larger. This can allow you to build a

pond to your preferred size either by using them

individually or by connecting together two or more pod

liners with a special adhesive.

These pond liners are very heavy especially the large

ones. They are usually made of rubber. Using pond

liners can be quite a fun and creative experience

since this type may allow you to decide on the shape

of your pond. However, you need to be aware that a 19’

x 26’ liner will not create a pond of the same size.

In choosing the proper size liner, it is imperative to

know the width (W), length (L), as well as the maximum

depth (MD) at their widest points. After which, use

the formula L+(MD*2) by W+(MD*2).

This means that a 10 foot long by 5 foot wide by 2

foot deep pond may require a 14’ x 9’ pond liner so as

to make an edge above the water level. It is important

to let a professional pond developer help in

determining the pond size liner you need.

Dig It

Now that you’ve decided on the location and the type

of your fish pond, it is time to dig it. The average

size of the pond is at least 18" deep at its deepest

point. However, 24" is better. With this depth, the

fishes may be allowed to stay in the pond during

winter time without freezing. Inclusion of planting

shelves in the design will make it easier to place

emergent lilies and plants.

Filtering

After accomplishing the above tasks, it is high time

for you to think about filtration. It may be better to

ask your pond professional about this topic. Just keep

in mind that whichever filter you choose, ensure that

it is cleaned at a regular basis so that the water

will remain clear. Utilizing a filter may also hinder

the mosquitoes from making the pond their breeding

ground.

All Set

And now, all you have to do is add your fish and you

are good to go!