subject: How To Build A Fish Pond [print this page] Author: Alison Benjamin Author: Alison Benjamin
Would you like to have a tranquil place in the garden where you could sit, relax and contemplate? It may be time to look at the possibility of building a fish pond and stocking it with fish. A garden pond can be easy to construct, be lovely to look at and add value to any home.
Designing Your Fish Pond
Before you grab a shovel and start digging spend some time evaluating the location of the pond. Does the area get enough sunlight? If you want to grow plants in your pond many of them water lilies for example will require sunlight. Do not choose a low-lying location where runoff water from rain or hosing accumulates. Runoff water can easily contaminate a fish pond, causing algal growth and disease in fish. Choose a location that will accommodate seating. There is little point in placing your fish pond in an area of the garden that is inaccessible.
Another consideration is overhanging trees. Falling leaves and debris from trees can contaminate the pond or create an unattractive mess in the bottom.
Once you've chosen the location the next step is to determine what shape the pond will be. There are several types of liners available to install in your fish pond. One type is a pre-fabricated liner where the shape is already created. This is made from a durable material, and can be placed directly into the ground. More flexible liners can also be used and may be a better choice when a particular shape is desired. They are more like a cloth, and need to be unrolled and placed in the pond and then secured. Underneath both types, an underlay of old rugs or other material should be added to protect the liner from stones or other sharp objects.
Another consideration when building a fish pond is what type of fish would you like to stock in your pond? If you would like to raise Koi fish, the pond needs to be deep enough to allow for these fish. In a Koi pond, the fish will need a depth of at least three feet. However, if you do not have the space or the depth for a Koi pond then consider a gold fish pond. These graceful and colorful fish are long living and provide a great deal of pleasure and they will be happy in a shallow pond.
Any fish pond would be incomplete without plants. Some states have restrictions on certain water plants, like water hyacinths. These plants are not allowed to be sold or stocked in a pond. Make sure you understand which plants are legal in your state. Pot the plants according to their needs but place a layer of gravel or small rocks on top of the soil to help retain the soil in the pot and to protect the plant roots from the fish.
A fish pond can become a key feature in a well-landscaped garden providing a relaxing and calming environment for family and friends.About the Author:
