how do i start a small pond

How to Create a Small Backyard Pond

• 1. Decide Where to Put the Pond Ponds need partial sun and partial shade. ...
• 2. Purchase Pond Liners Both hard and flexible pond liners are available for your pond. ...
• 3. Dig the Pond and Install the Pond Liner After you've dug the hole, remove all stones and protrusions to protect the liner. ...
• 4. Consider Aeration and Filters for Clean Water ...

Full Answer

What do I need to make a small backyard pond?

You will need:

• gravel
• large stones
• logs
• rainwater
• pond plants (check out our suggestions below)
• a large container

How to build a mini pond?

dig a hole deep enough to hold your container so that the top is level with the ground remove any sharp rocks and line the bottom with sand sit the container in the hole and fill the gaps with loose soil build a pile of rocks and bricks in the bottom, scatter the pebbles and add the plants. Fill with rainwater

How to build a pond in your own yard?

Part 2 of 2: Adding Equipment, Accessories, and Landscaping Download Article

1. Spread a 1.2 in (3.0 cm) layer of sand over the base of the pond. ...
2. Install an EPDM pond liner that is at least 4 ft (1.2 m) larger than the pond. Purchase a liner that is the right size for your pond.
3. Add a water feature to help aerate the pond. ...
4. Install a pond filter if you plan to add fish. ...
5. Add a pond heater if there will be fish in the pond. ...

More items...

How much to build a pond?

How much does it cost to build a 1/2 acre pond? Usually, an average size pond costs $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot, and the overall average cost ranges between $1,241 and $5,487. But most homeowners prefer to pay approximately $3,359. You can also build a pond within a cheap budget. But in this case, you have to compromise with many things.

How do you start a mini pond?

0:233:02How to make a mini pond - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo start with you're going to need some sort of container. We chose this up cycled oak whiskeyMoreTo start with you're going to need some sort of container. We chose this up cycled oak whiskey barrel which has been chopped in half to form a bucket. Still complete with subtle pity flavors.

What do I need to start my pond?

Tips on Opening Your Pond in the SpringInspect the Pond and Surrounding Area. ... Clean Out as Much Debris as Possible. ... Check Pumps and Filtration. ... Test the Water Quality. ... Consider Using Supplemental Bacteria. ... Evaluate Fish Health. ... Add Plants to the Pond.

Can you just put fish in a pond?

You should wait at least 72 hours before putting fish in your new pond. Even if only the water is new. This way the water temperature and chemistry can level out. Drastic changes in either can have a serious impact on the health of your fish.

How deep does a small pond need to be for fish?

Four feet of water will prevent excess water evaporation and keep predators from eating the fish. Steep, hard-to-climb banks will also deter predators. In warmer climates where the pond will not freeze, 4 feet is plenty. In temperate climates with mild to cold winters, 7 to 8 feet deep is preferable.

Do I need to treat pond water?

DO – Treat your pond with a bacterial product on a regular basis. Beneficial, aerobic bacteria are the foundation to any ponds ecosystem, it keeps algae at bay by eliminating any excess nutrients in the pond.

How do you keep a pond clean without fish?

How To Get A Clean Pond In 5 Easy StepsAerate Your Pond. Whether you have a small decorative pond, a koi pond, a larger pond or even a small lake, aerating and/or agitating the water definitely help keep your pond clean. ... Invest In A Pond Rake. ... Add The Right Plants. ... Add Colorant. ... Add Beneficial Bacteria.

What is new pond syndrome?

If you see too much ammonia or nitrite, it's new pond syndrome. Fish that float near the surface gasping for air, randomly bump into things in the pond or seem lethargic and not hungry will need attention. These are all signs of fish in distress, so you'll need to take action.

What do you stock a pond with?

To properly balance your pond, you should stock your pond with three prey fish, like perch or bluegill, for every predator fish, such as bass. This pond stocking strategy will ensure that predator fish will have a bountiful selection of prey, while still giving the prey fish a sporting chance to mature and reproduce.

How do I know if my pond is ready for fish?

Be certain the pond is settled before adding fish. Use a water tester to check the PH levels of the water. Ideally, your pond should be between a 7.2 and 7.8 PH level. Wait for your plants to begin growing in your pond to ensure they will survive being transplanted.

Do ponds need pumps?

Do I Need A Pond Pump? Ideally yes, if it's a fish pond then you should always have one, whether it's to circulate the water or to feed a filter, it's going to be beneficial. If it's a wildlife pond then you do not need a pump as wildlife such as frogs prefer a bog type habitat.

How deep do ponds freeze?

18″ to 24″ deepThis is very important as water can easily freeze 18″ to 24″ deep depending on weather conditions. If your pond is not quite deep enough to beat out the ice then an indoor home for the winter is the better bet. Also consider the type of fish in your pond.

Can a fish pond be too deep?

So for fish production, too shallow sometimes can be a good thing. Too deep, on the other hand, would be unusable for fish. These deep areas, anything in excess of eight feet, generally has low oxygen levels, they're not an appropriate area for bedding, so it's kind of a dead zone of a pond.

How do you set up a backyard pond?

How to Build a Backyard Pond: A Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Excavate the area. Kolin Smith. ... Step 2: Level the pond's edges. ... Step 3: Prepare the base. ... Step 4: Line the pond. ... Step 5: Fill the pond. ... Step 6: Install the pump. ... Step 7: Create a rock border. ... Step 8: Secure and conceal the hose.More items...

How do you prepare pond water for fish?

Preparing Your Pond for FishPlant several types of plants that grow above and below the water. ... Eliminate the use of potentially harmful chemicals. ... Fill the pond with clean water from the sink. ... If you have a large pond, look into having a pump and filter set up.

How deep does a pond have to be for winter fish?

During the coldest parts of winter, your pond must not freeze all of the way through. There should be enough unfrozen water at the bottom of the pond for your fish to ride out the winter. As a rule of thumb, ponds need to be at least 18 inches deep, ideally 24 inches or more, to overwinter fish.

Do I need to add bacteria to my pond?

The bacteria you already have are just as beneficial as the ones you can buy. Stop using chemicals and UV treatment systems in your pond and start enjoying the benefits of a natural pond which is designed to keep bacteria happy, and algae levels low.

How big should a pond be?

Decide how big your pond will be – When building small ponds, the ponds will need to be at least 2 feet (0.5 m.) deep. How wide it will be depends on the space you have in your garden. At a minimum, a miniature pond should be 3 feet (a little under 1 m.) across, but 4 feet (a bit over 1 m.) or more would be better. 3.

How to keep a miniature pond clean?

This will help to keep the pond healthy and clean. Avoid placing the pond where runoff from rain will run into the water. This may wash debris in and a miniature pond simply will not be able to function correctly with too much foreign matter.

How to keep water plants in a pond?

Dig your pond – If you plan on keeping water plants in your miniature pond, dig down 1 foot (0.5 m.) and then start digging down the rest of the way 1 foot away (0.5 m.) from the edge of the pond. This will create a shelf to place your water plants . 4. Line the pond – You can line small backyard ponds with any thick, pliable, waterproof plastic.

How to get rid of chlorine in pond?

6. Fill with water – Fill the pond with water and turn on the filter or fountain, if you are using it. Allow the pond to sit for one week before adding fish or plants. This will allow the chlorine in the water to evaporate.

Can you use goldfish in a pond?

You can use goldfish from your local pet store . The fish will grow to fit the size of the pond very quickly. 8. Enjoy! – Sit back and enjoy your miniature garden pond. Now that you know how to build a small pond, you can add one of these lovely features to your own backyard.

Can you use native plants in a pond?

NOTE: The use of native plants in a home water garden (referred to as wild harvesting) can be risky if you have fish in your pond, as most natural water features are host to a plethora of parasites. Any plants taken from a natural water source should be quarantined overnight in a strong solution of potassium permanganate to kill any parasites prior to introducing them into your pond. That being said, it is always best to obtain water garden plants from a reputable nursery.

Step 1: Choose the right location for your pond

Find an area of the garden that can accommodate the size of your desired pond. A preformed pond shell should be light enough to move around the garden while searching for the best location. If the shape’s outline is irregular, test for the best fit by playing with different orientations.

Step 2: Use stakes or poles to mark the desired area for the pond

Once you’ve determined the exact location and orientation of the pond, you can use upright stakes, poles, or sticks to mark its edges. This is a fairly foolproof way of staying true to the preformed shell’s surface area. If the shell’s edges are irregular or are overhanging, the stakes should be taller than the height of the shell.

Step 3: Create an accurate outline with sand or spray paint

Now that the stakes firmly mark the circumference of the preformed shell, you can create a linear outline for the pond. This should clearly mark the outermost edge, along with any narrower levels of the shell. The resulting outline should be a fairly accurate 2-dimensional depiction of all concentric features of the shell.

Step 4: Double-check pond dimensions and prepare to dig

You can use a tape measure to double-check the pond outline’s dimensions. Before digging, you will need to establish the required depth of the hole, along with the depth of each level. Use a tape measure to vertically measure each level, along with the overall height, of the preformed shell. Add 2 – 3 inches to the depth of each level.

Step 5: Begin digging outward from the center of the outline

Once you have obtained the necessary depth measurements, you can begin digging! Use a sturdy garden shovel and a wheelbarrow to remove soil from the center of the outline. If you dig from the edge and move to the center, you will unfortunately lose the sand/paint markings for the concentric levels.

Step 6: Continue digging towards the outermost edge

Keep in mind that the pond hole should have a depth allowance of 3 inches and a surface area allowance of 2 inches. This likewise applies to each shelf level. Once you have dug out the inner/deeper sections, you can begin breaking up the soil along the outermost edges. Remember to remove any substrates that fall into the base of the hole.

Step 9: Line the bottom of each depth level with wet sand

Once all bottom surfaces have been levelled, line each with a layer of sand. The sand makes for a nice sturdy base to support the preformed shell. It also creates a smoother and more evenly solid surface. If your hole’s depth allowance is 3 inches, it follows that the layer of sand should be 3 inches thick.

How are in ground ponds made?

In-ground ponds can be more natural looking and are usually made by excavating the soil and installing a pond liner made specifically for this purpose.

What fish should I put in a pond?

10 Pond Fish. If you live in a cold climate like I do, you will need cold-water fish for your pond. Koi and goldfish are popular choices but there are lots of things to consider first. Big fish will—sometimes—eat smaller fish, so there’s that. And some different types will not get along with others.

How do pond pumps work?

Pond pumps are designed to be submersed in pond water with an electrical cord that runs externally to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) electrical outlet power outlet. These pumps draw in water through a vacuum action and send it out again, often through an output hose, or to a waterfall or fountain.

How to keep pond water clear?

To help keep pond water clear, there are liquid bacteria products that boost the good bacteria in the water. These come in a squeeze pump and get added as needed according to the instructions. The older a pond gets, the more it will naturalize, and this can mean algae will build up, especially in the hot weather.

How to add chlorinated water to a pond?

Once you have fish, plants, and other wild things like frogs in your pond, adding chlorinated tap water will be two-step process: first you fill a large tub and leave it for a day, then you can add the water to your pond. You can also speed it up with dechlorinating tablets.

How deep should a pond be for frogs?

A good minimum is two-feet deep, and it’s very good to have areas at least four feet deep if you have fish, frogs, or turtles. The greater depth keeps the pond animals safer from predators. And, the deeper the water, the less likely it is to freeze up in winter.

What is the best location for a pond?

The ideal location for a pond is in partial sun, but not under trees that shed leaves. Too much sun encourages rapid algae growth. Too little sun and the aquatic plants will be slow to grow or flower.

How to maintain a pond?

To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin.

How many cubic feet are needed for a pond?

Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond—about 7 feet by 4 feet—to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place.

How long is a fish pond watertight?

Look for one that's weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated "fish-safe" if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come.

How deep should a pond be for goldfish?

Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you're adding fish you'll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish—18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi.

What is Dan's pond?

Dan's pond attracts birds, frogs, butterflies, and crickets (no mosquitoes, though, thanks to the moving water). It also attracts Dan and Gloria. The couple often sip their coffee there while watching the sunrise, and lounge by the gurgling water after dark. "My wife is actually really glad I did this," says Dan.

What is a free form pond?

A free-form pond like Dan Gibbon's can be customized for any landscape, with different rocks, plants, shapes, and waterfalls. But we'll give you some helpful points on placement, size, and materials.

Why do you need to slope the sides of a pond?

As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner.

How to plan a pond?from wikihow.com

Knowing the location of underground utilities is essential so you can plan to put your pond in an area away from electrical and water lines. Use a search engine to find the dig line number for your area.

What is the best way to dig a pond?from wildlifetrusts.org

It is better for wildlife if you put the pond in a warm, sunny area – tadpoles, dragonflies and plants with thrive in these conditions. First, mark out your pond on the ground with a rope or hosepipe, and then get digging! Ensure that the sides are level as you dig by placing a plank across the pond ’s hole with a spirit level on top.

How much does it cost to build an inground pond?from empressofdirt.net

An 8×10-foot inground pond, made with a pond liner kit, complete with a waterfall and 2000 gph (gallons per hour) pump, lined with rocks from a landscaping business, and stocked with aquatic plants and goldfish could cost between $2,000 and $5,000 US.

What is backyard pond?from thebackyardpond.com

The Backyard Pond, LLC serve Phoenix and surrounding areas throughout AZ. We are a full service Japanese Nishikigoi Dealer that offers a wide variety of services and products. Since 1996 our family owned and operated pond company has maintained our reputation of excellence by not compromising on the quality that we provide.

How to stop sand from dispersing in pond?from wildlifetrusts.org

To stop the sand substrate dispersing, rest the nozzle of the hose on a plastic bag to absorb some of the energy . If you do fill your pond with tap water then leave it so stand for a few days before adding it in. As the pond fills up, the liner will stretch. Back fill the trench around the edge of the pond with soil.

What is a waterfall pool?from homestratosphere.com

A wide waterfall cascades into the main pool. A small, shallow blue pool of water at the bottom of a cascade of stones. Water trickles down through the stones, creating the crystal clear pool at the bottom. A beautiful backyard pond on a secluded lot.

How deep should a koi pond be?from wikihow.com

For a koi pond, you will need a depth of at least 3 ft (0.91 m). Deeper ponds are able to maintain more consistent temperature ranges. This is ideal if you are wanting fish.

How to get live plants in a pond?

If you want to include live plants in your pond, it is a good idea to get the plants in first so they can establish their roots while the tank is cycling. Choose more robust, heavier-leaved plants instead of delicate ones. The fish go for the roots first, so floating plants don't last long.

What is the secret to maintenance free ponds?

The secret to maintenance-free ponds is in developing a healthy, balanced ecosystem that virtually takes care of itself. Each actor in the pond drama plays a role that is complimented by each other player. Ponds, like aquariums, need a little help to get started.

What bacteria grow in a pond?

Now that you have clean, toxin-free water, you need to start some beneficial bacteria growing in the pond and in the filter. Anaerobic (oxygen loving) bacteria literally eat and digest organic waste products, turning them into nitrates and fertilizers for plants. There will be plenty of waste to de-toxify.

Can lilies grow in a pond?

Avoid tree-shaded or potentially tree-shaded areas if you wish to plant lilies in your pond. The lilies will thrive in the direct sunlight and shade the water surface from the UV light which is conducive to algae growth. Trees can provide too much shade and also present a nuisance when they shed their foliage into the pond.

Do ponds need help?

Ponds, like aquariums, need a little help to get started . Unlike aquariums, it is easier to develop the care-free ecosystem in a large volume of water than in a small tank.

Is it bad to fill a pond with water?

Filling the pond with water (or even topping it off as it evaporates) introduces dangerous chemicals into the water. Chlorine and Chloramine are toxic to fish and not healthful for plant growth. Some water even contains heavy metals. Always treat new water with toxin-neutralizing products.

How to make a koi pond?

Building your own koi fish pond in your garden can sound like a difficult task, however, with a bit of planning and patience, it won't take too long at all! Plan out the size and depth of the pond first, and then dig the hole and line it with a pond liner. Install all of the necessary equipment such as a filtration system and an aerator to keep the koi happy and healthy.

How do I install a filtration system for a koi pond?

Set up the filtration system box right next to the koi pond. Dig it into the ground slightly. Install the individual parts in the pond as per the installation directions.

What is the best replacement for a pond heater?

A pond aerator is an ideal and economical substitute for a pond heater. The size of the pond aerator that you need depends on the size of your koi pond. Know the volume, shape, and depth of your koi pond before you purchase an aerator and choose one that is designed for the size of your koi pond.

How long should I let koi pond water float?

Keep the koi in the water and in the plastic bag that they were purchased in. Float the plastic bag in your koi pond for 30 minutes so that they can adjust to the temperature change. Then add a bit of pond water into the plastic bag, tie it up, and let it float for an additional 30 minutes to help the koi adjust to the pond water.

How many fish can a koi pond hold?

This is an ideal and popular size for a backyard, hobby koi fish pond. A pond of this size generally holds 10 mature fish, giving them enough space to thrive and for the pond to not look overcrowded.

How to get rid of chlorine in koi pond?

1. Fill the pond with water. Use a garden hose to fill up the koi fish pond. If the water isn't fresh or spring water, use a dechlorinator, a carbon charcoal filter, or a water conditioner to remove the chlorine. You can purchase these chlorine treatments from pond or fish supply stores.

How to keep koi healthy?

Ensure the pH of the water remains between 7 and 8.6. Use a water testing kit to test if the pH and dissolved nutrients are at the right levels for the fish. Adjust the parameters of the water if the testing kit shows that it is necessary. This helps the koi to stay happy and healthy.