Having a fish pond in your garden creates visual appeal. People are drawn to the sound of water as it offers a feeling of serenity and beauty; the soothing sound of water in motion from your very own pond sets your garden alive. Gardens that contain water features are admired by many and your fish pond can become the focal point of your backyard. However, there are some things that you should consider before thinking about constructing your very own back garden fish pond.
Firstly you should consider the climate of the area in which you live. Fish tend to hibernate at the bottom of the pond during the winter months and they naturally stop eating when the water temperature goes below 45 degrees. It is therefore necessary that if the climate in your area is cold most of the time, i.e. you experience bad winters, then you really do need to make a deep fish pond. If you live in a location where the pond may freeze over completely then you must ensure that a hole is created in the ice to keep the fish alive. Additionally, if you have aquatic plants in your pond, these should be removed and placed indoors as they may die during the cold weather.
Another thing you should consider is the filtration system of your pond. When water is moving, i.e. from a small waterfall or fountain, it creates a filtration all of its own due to the action of the flowing water. Your pond filtration depends on the design of your system and the climate of the area in which you live. Although you may not need a filter for your garden pond, it is always wise to consult someone who is knowledgeable concerning pond filtration. Many stores that provide supplies for garden ponds stock biological and cartridge filters that you may need and will be suitable for your particular garden pond, you may also discuss your requirements with the staff in store who should know and will point you in the right direction.
As with everything, when you are going to start a new project, you really do need to educate yourself and find out about the essentials and exactly what equipment you will need. This is even more true when you are building a fish pond.
You will need to establish whether your garden will be able to hold a fish pond. You will need to consider whether the climate is compatible and whether you are prepared to regularly maintain the fish pond when needed. You should also take into consideration the availabilty of supplies such as water, filtration and electricity and decide whether you are going to build a large pond or a small one.
Deciding on the location of the pond in your garden is something that should be considered wisely. You will need to place your pond in an area where there is virtually no shade and will have the sun shining on it. Do not place your pond underneath trees as you will find that it will be horrendous to clean due to the falling leaves. Placing your pond where run-off water tends to flow will cause your pond to become murky and dirty so this is something else that you should consider.
The average depth of a garden fish pond is usually between 18" to 24" and you should determine the depth of your pond based on this. Once you have made the outline of your pond, you can start to dig it, making sure that you provide easy access to the pond during cleaning. Taking these steps will also be ideal for holding potted plants just above the water. Make sure also that the bottom is levelled as you dig.
You will also need to have an appropriate pond liner. To get the right size, take the width of your pond and add twice to it the depth of the pond and then another 24 inches. To measure the length is done using a similar formula. Drape the liner over the pond, arrange it and place stones around the edges then you can fill it up with water. As you fill the pond, fold large creases neatly and remove all wrinkles to make it less noticeable.
Once your pond is full, place in any filters, pumps and lightings and connect to the electrical supply. Add your plants and fish and you are ready to go!
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