How to Create a Garden Waterfall for a Goldfish Pond

A garden waterfall can be large or small.

A garden waterfall adds to the tranquility of your goldfish pond. The sound of running water is soothing, and the water flowing into the pond carries additional oxygen to the fish. By keeping the water circulating you are also helping to eliminate algae, which tends to grow in stagnant water. Landscaping the waterfall increases its beauty and helps it to fit into its surroundings. Different approaches can be used to create a garden waterfall, but the main objective is to make one that blends naturally with your goldfish pond.

Things You'll Need

• Rocks
• PVC pipe
• Plants
• Submersible pump

Instructions

1. Evaluate the area around your goldfish pond. Decide if the ground on one side is higher than the rest. If not, you will want to create an artificial hill to be the base of the waterfall. It does not need to be much higher than the pond, but the higher it is the more drop your waterfall will have. You will also need access to an electrical outlet.

2. Bury or hide piping to carry water from the pond to the top of the waterfall. Place a submersible pump in the water (follow manufacturer's directions) and connect it to the pipe. Leave enough pipe at the unattached end to direct water to the top of the completed waterfall.

3. Place large rocks on the raised waterfall base. Distribute them over the area to provide coverage of the dirt. Use enough of them in the planned waterway area to support additional rocks. Leave spaces between them at the sides and back.

4. Add small rocks in and around the larger rocks. Place several flat rocks along the planned waterway. Overlap them, with the top rocks hanging over the lower ones. This will be the path the water will take. Place the last flat rock so that it hangs over the edge of the pond.

5. Place plants in and around the waterfall rocks. Plant them directly in pockets of exposed soil or place pots among the rocks. Add plenty of plants to give your waterfall a lush, garden appearance. Add small rocks and items such as driftwood around the plants to make them appear natural.

6. Plug in the pump and watch the flow of the water. Aim the pipe so that the water runs down the waterway and does not flow off of the edges. When it looks like you want it, anchor the pipe and finish by hiding it with plants and small rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use creative touches such as large barrel halves and antique pump outlets as part of your waterfall. Additional accents can include old-fashioned accessories, a decorative bench, garden gnomes or small animal statues.

• Electricity and water is a potentially deadly combination. Use extreme caution when connecting your waterfall pump to power. Always follow manufacturer's directions. Be sure the outlet you use is grounded.

References

• Landscape Design Advice: Waterfall Designs
• Permaculture Ponds: How to Build a Backyard Waterfall