How to Make a Natural Fish Pond

Ponds with water lilies require 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day.

A natural fish pond in the backyard is a great conversation piece. Ponds attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Pond Armor states that natural fish ponds follow the curves of nature. They usually contain stones or even a beach. Plants are used around the perimeter to give the impression that the pond is there naturally and was not recently built. The Natural Resources Conservation Service states that it will take at least one weekend to install a natural fish pond with a PVC liner. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) liners are ideal for natural fish ponds as they allow you to build your own natural shape.

Things You'll Need

• Rope
• Shovel
• Sand
• PVC pond liner
• Large rocks
• Decorative natural rocks
• Cattails
• Water lilies
• Filter
• Pump
• Dechlorinator

Instructions

1. Choose a location for you pond. If you are planning on growing pond plants like lilies, ensure that the location will receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. Lay a rope on the ground in the desired shape of your pond.

2. Excavate the pond. Slope the pond to a depth of 3 feet. Make 1-foot wide tiers at various depths on the sides of the pond to allow for planter placement.

3. Add a 1-inch layer of damp sand to the bottom of the excavation to prevent the plastic liner from getting punctured. Spread the PVC liner over the entire hole. Let it drop gently into the pond's shape. Hold it in place with a few large rocks.

4. Fill the pond with water slowly. As the water fills, remove the large rocks to allow the liner to fully take the shape of the new pond. Smooth out wrinkles in the liner by gently pulling it. Take your shoes off and walk on the liner to smooth it out.

5. Place decorative natural rocks around the pond to secure the liner in place. Landscape around the pond with plants that naturally grow near ponds. Place cattails on the tiers and water lilies on both tiers and bottom of the pond.

6. Install a filter and pump by following the manufacturer's installation instructions. Place the filter and pump in a location that will ensure that water is circulated throughout the whole pond. Do not place it behind rocks or other obstructions. Purchase a filter that is sufficient for the quantity of water you have in your pond.

7. Add dechlorinator to the water before adding fish; follow the dosage instructions on the dechlorinator bottle. Slowly increase the population to your desired amount by adding one or two fish per week. This allows time for the necessary bacteria to build up their population to support the fish population.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider adding native fish to the pond instead of decorative goldfish and koi. Consider raising tilapia for food.

• Remove rocks and other sharp objects from the bottom of the excavation to prevent punctures to the pond liner.

References

• Pond Armor: How To Build a Garden Fish Pond
• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Backyard Pond