How to Make a Garden Fish Pond

A private garden pond

A garden should be a relaxing escape from the world. Adding the sounds of flowing water and the relaxing view of coasting fish might be just the extra touch your garden needs to transform it into the perfect oasis. Garden ponds can differ greatly in size, shape and function. Some garden ponds are quite large and house Koi fish, while others are small homes for water plants and maybe a few goldfish. Small ponds are fairly easy to install and can really add something special to your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic pond liner
• Spray paint
• Garden shovel
• Level
• Gravel
• Pond filter
• Large river stones of varying shape
• Garden hose
• PH testing kit
• Water plants
• Goldfish
• Flowers

Instructions

Putting in the Pond

1. Pick a level area of ground in your garden to make the pond.

2. Place the pond liner on the ground where you want the pond, and outline the area with spray paint.

3. Use a garden shovel to dig the area to exact shape of the pond liner.

4. Place the pond liner in the hole, and use a level to ensure the pond is straight.

5. Add any extra dirt underneath or dig away any excess dirt if the pond is not level.

6. Add about 2 inches of gravel to the bottom of the pond.

7. Install your pond filter at one of the edges of the pond. For small garden ponds, submerged filters work well. Place the filter where it will not be obstructed, and place the exhaust hose at the bottom of the pond.

8. Build caves and create shady spots using large stones.

9. Fill the pond with water using a garden hose, and turn on the filter.

10. Follow the instructions on the pH testing kit to ensure the water in your pond is safe and appropriate for goldfish and plants.

11. Add any water plants you want, following the specific planting instructions for that plant type.

12. Add the goldfish to the pond.

13. Encircle the edge of the pond with flat river stones to hide the plastic liner.

14. Plant flowers around to pond to give it a natural feel.

Tips & Warnings

• If a plastic pond liner is too expensive, you can try using a child's plastic pool. There are many kinds of pond filters, from underwater filters that resemble those in a fish tank, to flowing waterfalls that add a certain ambiance to your pond. Keep in mind that waterfalls will require more space and assembly. If you want your filter to be bio-friendly, there are ways to make filters by using a 1-gallon flower pot. Drill a large hole in the bottom of the pot, place it in the pond, and fill it with lava rock. Leave the top 2 inches of the pot sticking out of the water. Use a pump or waterfall system to keep water flowing into the top of the pot. As the water flows out through the rocks into the pond by way of the hole in the pot, the water is cleaned.

• Make sure your pond is level or the water will not stay in the pond properly, and the filter will not be as effective. Make sure you use plants that your fish won't eat and that aren't poisonous to the fish. If you live in an area that freezes, a pond liner may not work for you, because your pond will not be deep enough and your fish will freeze.

References

• Build Eazy
• Ask Missy Boo
• Pond-O-Mania