How to Create an Indoor Fish Pond
Building an indoor pond for your fish can be a daunting task if you don't plan it out first. There are several things you must consider, including the size of the pond, type of fish you will house, lighting conditions, heating needs, safety precautions (for both people and fish), filtration and structural integrity of the install area. Once all of these have been properly assessed construction can begin. The construction process should only take a weekend but may take longer if integrated electronic controls are included or if structural modifications need to be made to the home to accommodate the pond.
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Things You'll Need
- Marking chalk (spray chalk)
- Demolition tools (these will vary depending on the flooring you are cutting through)
- Fill sand
- Preformed pond liner or rubber pond liner
- Water pump
- Filtration system
- Heater
- Lighting (Halide, High output T5 fluorescent or adequate natural lighting through a skylight or window wall)
- Rocks
- Dechlorinator
- Plants
- Fish
- Fencing or clear mesh
- Aquarium tubing
Instructions
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Planning
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1
Determine where you would like to have your pond located. This area should be able to support the weight of the water in your pond. This usually means having a pond on the ground floor of a home that is not above a basement area or in the basement itself.
If you choose an area without solid ground support check with a contractor or structural engineer to determine if your building can support the weight. For an approximate weight value multiply the size of your pond in gallons by 8.35 lbs then add another 10 percent to adjust for the force of the water while moving.
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2
Draw out a plan of exactly where you want the pond in the home. Make sure to route it around any underground piping, electrical conduits or drainage systems. If you are not sure where those are located consult the blueprints of your home. (If you don't have them they should be available at the local town hall or through the builder).
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3
Clear the room that you will be building the pond in. Cover any furniture that is being left in the area.
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4
Mark out the outline of your pond with spray chalk along with any areas required for filtration devices and water pumps.
Setting up the Liner
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5
Dig out the area for your pond. This will require cutting through any flooring materials in the room as well as the dirt beneath. It is suggested that you make two or three different levels in the pond to accommodate plant life and different varieties of fish.
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6
Remove any large or jagged rock from the pond area.
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7
Pour 1 inch of sand into the pond base and spread it so it is uniform.
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8
Lay out the rubber pond liner or premolded form. Anchor the liner in place with several large rocks around the exterior and in the very center of the bottom.
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9
Cut the liner so 1 inch of excess remains around the edge of the pond. If you are using a preformed pond skip this step. Cover this lip edge with smaller decorative rocks to hold it in place and keep it from curling when the pond is filled.
Installing Pond Components
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10
Lay out the water pump, filtration system and heater (if you choose to have one). Also place and aquarium tubing or return lines that will be necessary.
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11
Assure that the electrical needs of this equipment are met. No more than two components should be plugged into one outlet and preferably first into a surge protector.
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12
Install the equipment. Check to make sure all of them can run at the same time by turning them on quickly and then back off again. Running a filter system without water can damage the motor.
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13
Place the lighting system. It is important that the system either be hung directly over the pond or placed in another area where it won't be touched accidentally. These lights (depending on the variety) can get extremely hot. If you are using natural light sources like skylights or a wall of windows then you may omit this step.
Filling the Pond
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14
Fill the pond with water. The easiest way to do this is to run a hose from an outdoor spigot into the pond and let it fill.
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15
Treat the entire filled pond with dechlorinator. The amount depends on the size of your pond.
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16
Place plants and rocks in the pond for aesthetics.
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17
Turn on all of the components and make sure everything is working properly. If there is a problem this will be your only chance to fix it before adding fish. If everything is working properly wait for the pond to come up to temperature and then add fish.
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18
Install a fence around the perimeter of the pond or a clear mess cover to prevent any other animals (or small children) from disturbing the fish.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a pond chemical test kit and keep a close eye on the pond for the first 60 days. During this time the pond will go through its initial nitrogen cycle which will include an ammonia and nitrite spike. If you are planning on keeping sensitive fish do not add them until after the 60-day mark.
Goldfish and koi don't need heaters to survive in an indoor pond. The ambient temperature of the home is well within their preferred range.
If your pond is particularly deep consider adding a buffer zone of plants around it to deter small children or pets from getting too close. There is a significant drowning risk in open areas of water in the home.
