A BACKYARD FISH POND

Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,

frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These

ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4

feet in diameter. These may be built in patio

containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your

backyard may be done by adding water gardens and

ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and

interest but also a natural and relaxing environment

as well.

A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal

point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up

with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best

view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make

it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not

place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle

it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding

the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.

Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that

it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will

provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs

that need water and land. Make sure that electricity

is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a

water re-circulating device.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen

leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide

less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to

sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow

well in full sun and others do not.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into

the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even

if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners

come in different shapes and sizes. They even include

built in waterfalls or any design based on your

preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in

building larger ponds. In determining the size of the

PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and

depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum

depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the

length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down

the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The

thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to

punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool

liner. However, it requires more expertise to install

and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond

liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small,

other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many

may break down easily once prolonged exposure to

ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may

prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly

wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right

depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then

landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from

the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.

Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants

and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week

before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!