How to Set Up a Fish Pond

An outdoor fish pond.

A fish pond can be a beautiful addition to the backyard and can bring a sense of tranquility to any outdoor setting. Unfortunately, setting up even a basic fish pond, without any bells and whistles like waterfalls or springs, can be an extremely difficult task that will take lots of patience and most likely cost a few hundred dollars. If you're willing to put the time into it, however, the reward is well worth it.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Dechlorinator
• Pond liner
• Pond net
• Heavy, decorative stones
• Sand
• Shovel
• Water test kit
• Yarn
• Spray paint
• Leveler
• 2-by-4 board

Instructions

1. 

   A stretch of yarn lets you outline your proposed pond.

   Lay out the yarn on the plot of land you wish to build the pond in the proposed shape of your pond. This will provide the basic outline for when you begin digging.

2. 

   Spray paint a more permanent outline.

   Spray paint the outline over the yarn, making the shape of the pond more permanent.

3. 

   A leveler will make help you ensure the edge of the pond is nice and level.

   Start digging and removing the top soil and sod about 3 inches around the outside of the outline. When finished, place a 2-by-4 board over the width of the pond and place the leveler atop it to make sure its edge is level.

4. 

   Digging is the toughest part of building a pond.

   Start digging out your pond from the center. The walls should slope at about a 30-degree angle down into the depths of the pond. You should dig about 2 inches deeper than your pond will eventually be. Toss the excess dirt off to the side and remove it later with a wheelbarrow or buckets.

5. 

   Sharp rocks can tear open your pond liner.

   Remove any objects in the bowl that may tear the pond liner, like stray twigs or sharp rocks. Smooth out the dirt by pounding it down with the flat side of the shovel.

6. 

   A layer of sand will help keep water in the pond.

   Lay a 2-inch deep layer of sand down across the bottom of the pond. This will help create a more level surface and help prevent draining.

7. 

   A pond liner usually looks like a very strong tarp.

   Lay in the pond liner. This liner is what will hold the pond water and should fit in the bowl you dug. Put the heavy decorative stones around the edge of the pond liner to hold it down.

8. 

   Use a standard garden hose to fill your pond.

   Fill the pond with water using your garden hose then add in the proper amount of dechlorinator--the dosage will be labeled on the package. The dechlorinator will help remove harmful chemicals.

9. Install a pond filter. These come from several different manufacturers and are usually free-standing units that are placed on the bottom of the pond. They use a spongy filter medium to trap debris and are plugged into a nearby power outlet. The filter should obviously be the appropriate size for your pond.

10. 

    Koi are a popular choice for outdoor fish ponds.

    Test the water parameters using the test kit. If they are appropriate, it is safe to gradually begin adding fish.

References

• FIsh Pond Info: Setup
• Practical Water Gardens: How to Install a Performed Garden Pond
• Aqua Fish: Fish Pond Filtration And Set Up