BUILDING YOUR FISH POND IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

A pond may offer a number of benefits. It can be cool

and relaxing, visually appealing and it can provide

the local wildlife a watering point.

For Starters

It is imperative to know the reason why you are

building this pond before the actual construction.

Some individuals just wanted to put up these kinds of

projects without considering the comfort and safety of

the inhabitants of that pond. Evaluate first these

things before assembling your pond.

You can ask for advice from your pond professional or

read books that are concerned on pond kits and the

techniques of construction of ponds. Consult your

local pond contractors who have experience regarding

this field.

Now you can build your own fish pond following these

planning stages:

Consider the location.

Choose a site where your pond is not near existing

large trees. These vantage points will prevent root

problems as well as minimizing the problem of falling

leaves in your pond that may cause decaying and poor

water quality. Pond plants such as water lilies need

sunlight to grow. It is best to place your pond where

it can be exposed to sun but not too much as it can

over heat during mid afternoon or on hot days. A semi

shaded place with a good amount of light coming

through is sufficient enough.

Temperature extremes should be minimized on the pond.

If you intend on raising and keeping fish, it is

important to make the pond as deep and as large as

practical. However, deeper ponds may need to be fenced

to prevent accidents.

Design with purpose.

Consider electricity supply for pumps, filters, and

lights when designing your pond. It is also important

to look into the water supply and drainage.

Ponds must have an overflow area (a place located

below the rest of the pond height) to control where

the excess water should go. Overflowing may be caused

by overfilling the pond with water or from heavy rain.

Screen your overflow paths to prevent any escape of

small plants, fishes (and its eggs), and snails during

water additions and heavy rainfall. This may also

protect the local waterways from any possible escape.

This is especially important if there are non local

fish in the pond.

Complete preparation requirements.

It is essential to clean and rinse ponds before using

it since fish and other water plants are sensitive to

contaminants. "Curing" concrete ponds combined with

water changes, scrubbing, filling, and painting with

vinegar is also important.

Allow chloramines and chlorine to dissipate especially

if you used tap water to fill the pond. One can also

utilize a commercial chlorine neutralizer from pet

shops to solve this problem.

Ensure that all equipment such as fountains,

waterfalls, filters, and lights are working

satisfactorily before adding the fish and plants.

It is also better if you allow at least one week for

the plants to settle in the pond before adding the

fish. Clean up the pond regularly for dead leaves as

this will add unwanted excess nutrients to the water

and decay it as well.

Observe proper maintenance.

A said, keep the pond clean of fallen vegetation and

dead leaves. The frequency of cleaning will depend on

the amount of vegetation falling into the water and on

the tome of the year. Do the cleaning at the beginning

of spring before the temperature of the water starts

to rise.

Feed your fish and clean up the filters periodically.

Add water in the pond periodically. A normal garden

hose will do. However, no more than 10-20% should be

added at any time because of the chlorine levels in

BACKYARD POND INSTALLATION

Aesthetic Appeal

A backyard fish pond offers a aesthetic addition to

your landscapes. Installing projects such as these

will offer tranquility and relaxation to the whole

family as well. However, building, constructing, and

taking care of ponds are not as easy as you think.

Much effort, planning, and money must go into these.

It is important that you think things through before

deciding on installing your very own back yard fish

pond.

Building fish ponds are not as simple as installing it

and letting it go afterwards. It is a consistent and

constant endeavor, much like a hobby. Maintenance

should be done periodically. Following some of these

guidelines may aid you in installing a do it yourself

backyard fish pond.

First Tip: Utilize a plastic fish pond liner for your

pond.

In separating the fish pond from the surrounding soil,

it is better to use a plastic liner (PVC liners work

best). It prevents the escape of the aquatic plants,

fishes, and other pond contents from the fish pond. In

accordance to this, it also prevents the entry of

nutrients from the soil or other non pond materials.

This will make maintenance and cleaning easier since

you will only have to deal with the mess and dirt of

the pond itself and the fish that live there.

In building the pond of your preferred size, pond

liners are the option to choose. Usually, they are

utilized for large ponds that do not have pre-formed

sizes available.

However, it is imperative that you choose the right

size of the pond liner. 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 pond liners with an adhesive

especially made for this material.

A cement pond liner will also do, however, this option

is more expensive and may require extra labor in

constructing.

Second Tip: Avoid low lying areas.

Installing you fish pond in an area where runoff water

from your lawn flows is one big no-no. This runoff

water will only accumulate in your fish pond, causing

it to overflow and become dirty as well. This is one

of the common mistakes of do-it-yourself pond

projects. Maintaining a fish pond is difficult enough

without excess dirty water coming from your lawn.

On the contrary, installing the pond in an area a

little above the ground or in high parts of the lawn

will prove to be easier to maintain.

Third Tip: Provide sufficient sunlight.

This means that placing the pond in shady areas will

not enhance the growth of the aquatic life. On the

other hand, placing it in an area where too much sun

shines will just cause them to die. Place your pond

where there is enough sunlight to seep through. Most

aquatic plants need sunlight to grow, but some do not.

Research on what plants suit your weather best.

Fourth Tip: Water your plants.

Adding a variety of aquatic plants may decrease the

excess nutrients in the pond. They will also hamper

algae growth that makes the pond murky and dirty.

Consulting your local pond professional is also an

option. Not only will they provide advices to make

your project work, they may also make your work easier

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BACKYARD FISH POND

Backyard Centerpiece

Homes with waterfront views and accents are admired by

many. This is because being around water offers a

feeling of beauty, allure, and serenity. Putting up

your own water accent in your backyard, such as a fish

pond, will also add that visual appeal. Make your yard

alive with the soothing sounds of water in motion.

Make your fish pond the focal point of your backyard.

However, there are some considerations before

constructing one:

Climate

Consider the climate of your area. If your weather

experiences winter times, then it is best if you make

you fish pond deeper since the fish tend to hibernate

at the bottom of the pond and naturally stop eating

when the water temperature goes below 45 degrees.

If you live in a location where the pond will

completely freeze over, it is imperative that a hole

be created in the ice to help the fish remain alive.

In this case, aquatic plants should be removed and

placed indoors since they may not survive the cold

temperature.

Filter

Consider the filtration system of your pond. There is

what you call natural filtration where it is provided

by the action of the moving water. If this is the

case, considering the design of your system and the

climate of your area, then you do not need a filter

for the pond.

However, to know what is best for your pond, consult a

pond professional concerning filtration. There are

cartridge filters and biological filters available

from shops that provide pond supplies.

Now, to get your backyard pond started:

First step. Make intelligent decisions by educating

yourself.

Do not push through water gardening or pond building

without knowing the essentials about it. Know what

equipment are needed to be used. Find out if your yard

is appropriate to hold such an accent. Is the climate

compatible with your pond? Are you up for the regular

maintenance it needs? Take into consideration the

availability of supplies such as electricity,

filtration, and water. Decide what type of pond are

you willing to make, is it a small one? Or a large

one?

Second step. Decide on the location of your pond.

Locate your pond in an area where the sun will be able

to shine on it. Do not place it under the trees since

it will cause a cleaning nightmare due to the falling

leaves. Do not place your pond where runoff water

tends to overflow. These will accumulate in your pond

making it dirty and murky.

Determine the depth of your pond. The average depth of

a back yard pond is between 18" to 24" usually. Make

the outline of your pond and start digging it. Make

steps in order to provide easy access to the pond

during cleaning. These steps will also be perfect for

holding potted plants just above the water. Make sure

that the bottom is leveled as you dig.

Third step. Get hold of an appropriate sized pond

liner.

In order to get the right pond liner size, take the

width of your pond and add twice the depth of the

pond, and then add 24 more inches. Measuring the

length will be done using the similar formula. Now,

drape the liner over the pond. Arrange it and place

stones around the edges. Fourth step. Fill it up with

water.

Start filling the pond with water. Fold large creases

neatly and remove wrinkles as you fill the pond with

water to make it les noticeable.

Fifth step. Install the needed equipment.

After filling it up with water, place filters, pumps,

and lightings to the pond. Connect it to the

electrical supply. Then add your fish and plants, and

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

BUILDING A FISH POND FOR YOUR OWN BACKYARD GARDEN

DIYs

Building the perfect pond for your backyard garden can

be a do-it yourself activity or you can hire a

professional to do it for you. It's really not that

hard but does require some research and certain

knowledge about landscaping in order to get it right.

You need to get a good book and read up on it or ask

some friends and professionals about the idea of

building a pond in your garden. For now, here is a

brief discussion on how to build that pond that you’ve

always wanted in your garden.

Situate the Pond

Basically the first step to building a pond is to find

a suitable spot to dig a hole in your garden. The size

and depth of the pond should be proportional to size

of your garden. A liner will also be needed for the

pond. You can buy and place a prefabricated fiberglass

piece or have the choice free forming your pond with

rubber roofing material or similar to it. In any case,

a liner is a must for ponds to keep the water from

draining.

If you are planning to breed fishes in the pond, you

need to consider the depth. You have to make sure that

the pond is deep enough for the fishes. In colder

climates, the pond should be deeper than the frost

line and making sure that the fishes have still enough

room to go to.

Ponds should not be placed near trees, shaded, or low

areas. Plant life, especially lilies, and fishes need

the warmth of the sun. Falling leaves can also

accumulate fast and cause a cleaning nightmare. Low

areas cause large volume of rainwater runoff to enter

the pond. Rainwater runoff may contain chemicals

coming from pesticides and fertilizers which can be

harmful to pond plants and fishes.

Filtration

Building a pond also requires the owners to put some

thought on how to filter off the waste that

accumulates in it. A good thing to remember is that

the bigger the water area the better it can handle the

waste coming from the fishes. Keep in mind that you

will need to put some kind of substrate or gravel so

that a bacteria bed can build up and help maintain the

water in good quality. You can buy good filters and

gravel in your local pet stores.

If you are building a pond to keep a school of gold

fish or other kinds of fishes, wait until you have

covered the bottom with gravel and placed a good

filtering machine. Like an aquarium or a fish tank,

you should introduce a fish to the pond one at a time.

Allow some time for the environment of the pond to

adjust with the population. If you dump all of the

fish you intend to place in the pond, they probably

would not survive the environment because the natural

filtering of the bacteria will not be able to handle

the waste of the fishes and their food.

Filters can also help to ensure that your pond doesn’t

become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes

lay their eggs on still waters, so anything that

agitates the eggs will help prevent the pond to become

a breeding ground. Filters help maintain the waters

clean but regular cleaning is still needed to maintain

the quality of the pond.

BUILDING YOUR OWN BACKYARD POND

A Landscape Masterpiece

A backyard pond is the kind of structure that can turn

your average backyard into a landscape masterpiece.

The pond is sometimes considered to be the centerpiece

of a yard. As the variety of inexpensive kits

increases in the gardening market, backyard ponds have

become popular to the public. Backyard ponds were a

luxury for only those who could afford it in the past.

However, with the current facilities available and

some effort from the home owners, building that

perfect backyard pond has become a luxury for all.

Unfortunately, in the rush of home owners to integrate

ponds into their home landscaping, several do-it

yourselfers have made mistakes. Building a pond is not

as easy as the market has made it to be. There are

several important factors to take into account before

and during the construction of the pond. The following

are some guidelines on how to build that perfect the

smart way. Remembering these key points will help in

reducing those mistakes that do-it yourselfers usually

make.

Tips and Tricks

First, let your backyard decide. The first question

that comes to mind is where to make the pond? In most

cases, home owners just find an open spot in their

yard and immediately start working. The result? Still

your own plain backyard with a pond. Home owners have

to integrate the pond into their existing landscape.

The pond will fail to compliment the overall design

and feel of the property. In situations like these,

the presence of a pond can actually diminish the

beauty of a home landscape

When considering in constructing a pond, take the time

to pick out a design and suitable spot that will

flatter the over all design of the yard. Don’t just

simply grab that shovel and dig on the first spot you

can find. Do a little research and if you still feel

that your own judgment and unique design is not

enough, ask some friends or your family members to

help you out. Remember two heads are better than one.

Second, consider the elements of your backyard. If you

are considering on breeding fishes, you may want to

rethink about placing that pond in a shaded area.

Warmth is an important element in maintaining fish

population. If the pond is placed near a tree, you may

find yourself in a position where you are constantly

cleaning leaves off the pond. The environment

surrounding your backyard will have a great impact on

the appearance and maintenance of the pond.

Lastly, size does matter. You need to make sure that

the size of the pond will meet your goals. Some may

build a small pond and place a variety of aquatic

plants and animals only to find out that the pond

cannot satisfy the necessities of the plants and

fishes. Another thing to consider carefully is the

depth of the pond. This is especially true for

landscapes in colder climates and ponds containing

fish. If the pond is built too shallow, it could

freeze completely. Proper depth should also be

considered when talking about size.

Building a backyard pond in you home can definitely

make it more attractive. It is a great way of making

out door living more colorful and enjoyable. If built

correctly, it can add a certain luster to the beauty

of a property and can raise the property’s value.

However, if done poorly, your backyard pond can be

BACKYARD FISH PONDS: A HOW TO

Aesthetics

Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is

adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard. These

projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling

and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.

But if you are really certain to have your own fish

pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there

are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully

place your pond in it without having to take up too

much space and dominate your yard.

Let your pond serve as the focal point of your back

yard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the

yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to

the people walking around the house.

Location

If you wish to place it in the corner part of the

yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish

will seem as a surprise to the visitors. But if you

want to place it in the center, it is best if you

place the pond at ground level or a little above it.

Fish Types

Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful

and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes

swim around everyday can also serve to be therapeutic.

But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place

large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not

live long in this kind of environment and they are

also extremely expensive. Goldfish are compatible with

the size of your pond, however, their longevity might

not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.

Maintenance

Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how

you can maintain and build it depending on your

preferences. You might find that maintaining an indoor

aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor

pond.

Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and

fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather

because of the advantage of the sun all year round.

Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to

grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them

stay in the pond during winter time. it is best to

transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not

applicable.

A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an

individual how much energy, time, and money you are

willing to devote to the beautification of your

backyard. It does not matter how large or how small it

is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful

things. You will not only impress a lot of people but

yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a

luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.

In order to make your fish pond more appealing,

decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will

attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall

natural feeling. If you cannot afford landscaping

projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.

This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors

and guests.

Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it

project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty

time and again. Make sure to add water to it

periodically. It is also important that you get rid of

fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant

appearance.

Lastly, consult your local pond professionals before

building a pond yourself. Do not hesitate to ask

questions as this will benefit the inhabitants of the

FISH POND IN BACKYARD FISH POND

Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,

frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These

ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4

feet in diameter. These may be built in patio

containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your

backyard may be done by adding water gardens and

ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and

interest but also a natural and relaxing environment

as well.

A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal

point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up

with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best

view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make

it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not

place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle

it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding

the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.

Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that

it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will

provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs

that need water and land. Make sure that electricity

is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a

water re-circulating device.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen

leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide

less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to

sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow

well in full sun and others do not.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into

the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even

if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners

come in different shapes and sizes. They even include

built in waterfalls or any design based on your

preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in

building larger ponds. In determining the size of the

PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and

depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum

depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the

length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down

the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The

thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to

punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool

liner. However, it requires more expertise to install

and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond

liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small,

other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many

may break down easily once prolonged exposure to

ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may

prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly

wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right

depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then

landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from

the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.

Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants

and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week

before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

BACKYARD POND BUILDING

Backyard Masterpiece

Backyard ponds are once thought to be owned by only

the wealthy and filthy rich individuals. That was

then. Now, backyard ponds can be built by even the

simplest homeowners. These can liven things up and can

be a good conversation starter for guests and

visitors. It will not only provide a beautiful and

visually appealing backyard but a relaxing one as

well.

From cozy and small to rich and lush, back yard water

gardens can range from almost any design you want.

Just a little background about building a back yard

pond and the right materials is enough to create your

own private oasis.

Step one. Decide where your pond will be situated.

Look for an area in your yard where there are little

trees. Falling leaves are a big no-no to your pond

since it can make maintenance an everyday job. Place

your pond in an area reached by the warmth of the sun.

Aquatic plants need the sun to grow. However, stay

away from too much heat since this can cause some

plants such as lilies to die.

Another advice is to place your pond in a high area.

This can prevent runoff water to accumulate and

overflow your pond causing murkiness and further

maintenance.

Step two. Lay out the area of your pond.

If you want to design your pond to the size you want

it to, trace the perimeter of the pond using a

bendable material like a garden hose. If you are

satisfied by the size and shape of your pond, mark the

area using a spray paint or any marker.

Step three. Use a pond liner.

Pond liners are used to prevent water from the pond,

fishes, aquatic plants, and other pond contents to

escape the pond. In the same way, it also prevents

non-pond materials to enter and cause dirt or excess

nutrients to the pond. Pond liners range from

pre-formed liners to PVC liners. If you are willing to

spend the extra cash, using cement will also be

applicable.

Pre-formed liners are usually utilized by small ponds.

These can be bought at pond supply outlets and can be

easily installed after digging the pond. However, if

you want to create the design and size you want, PVC

liners would work best. These are usually used for

large and complex ponds. Other types of liners are

available. It is best to ask for advice from your

local pond contractor about this stuff.

Step four. Dig your pond.

Dig your pond according to the width and depth that

your prefer. Place rocks on the edges of the pond

liner and fill in spaces with gravel. Do this part

diligently and carefully. Camouflage the area with

stones, pebbles, or plants.

Step five. Assemble the equipment.

Place the filters, lighting, and water supply. Make

sure that these will all function well. Connect them

to the electrical supply and place them in locations

that will suit them best. Do not forget to make a

drainage system for the pond.

Step six. Just add water.

Now is the time to fill the pond with water. Observe

if there is any leaking. Clean out the area first and

then add clean water for your pond. Place the plants

in their rightful places in order to create a

beautiful appearance. Let the plants settle for at

least a week and then it is appropriate to add the

fishes. Add fish one at a time. Fill the pond with

just the right amount of fish. Consider the size of

the pond and your fish. Make sure they are compatible.

And now, sit back and relax. Give yourself a pat on

the back for a job well done!