So you want to build a fish pond. OK then. Let’s get started. Obviously planning is crucial. If you are like me, you’ve saved pictures and articles over the years. Time to pull them out and to list the elements you would like. Questions to answer as you begin to plan are how large will your pond be? What kind of pond construction do you want? Lined or concrete? What kind of filter system and how large? Perhaps the most important question is how large is your budget? That of course, will be the determining factor of your final pond construction and its features.
We had an acre (very rare in the urbanized Metro Valley of the Sun!) with which to play and plan. We immediately decided that we wanted the pond to be close to our patio and to become an extension of that area. We also knew that we wanted a rather large pond with a stream and waterfall feature. A large pond to eventually accommodate many fish and a stream and waterfall that would help to oxygenate the water.
We started with garden hoses to lay out our dream project.
Then we graduated to marking the ground and using contracting stakes. Then we sat back and contemplated for at least a month. We fiddled here and there and modified the layout several times.
Joyce, for my koi pond I found the need to double the normal suggested filtration due to sudden algae bloom in the summer. I lost about half of my koi and some water lilies the first summer I had my pond. My filter (recommended size for the size of the pond) was not enough when the temperature got hot so I added a second filter that I would run during the summer.
My second filter I built myself. It was a bio-filter that used lava rock and a pad at the bottom. The water was pumped into the bottom of the filter and flowed out the top through a spillway that went to the waterfall. This filter was setup with a bypass for cleaning or when not needed, i.e. winter, it could be drained.
I used water lilies and water hyacinths as well as duckweed to help keep the oxygen level good for the fish and requiring very little fertilizer or chemicals.
Paul,
Thanks for your very good comments and observations. I have a 3 filter system and will explain more about it in an upcoming blog. I think we should visit each other’s ponds sometime. Would love to see yours.
Joyce,
I enjoyed my pond for ten years. It was a pleasure and comfort. I enjoyed taking care of it throughout the year.
About four years ago I could no longer take care of it due to family and health problems so I had it filled in and the yard re-landscaped. The landscaper had a friend that took care of koi ponds here on the west side and had a customer, an assisted living facility, that was having problems with their pond. I donated all my plants, fish, etc. to the facility to help rebuild their pond.
Paul,
I’m sorry to hear that you no longer have your pond. I suspect you miss it- but not the maintenance. It’s good to know that the makings of your pond are making other people happy and relaxed.