what do i need for an outdoor fish pond

What Equipment Do I Need to Keep My Fish Alive in the Pond?

• Pond filter. When it comes to pond filtration systems, there two types. ...
• Pond skimmer. Irrespective of whether you are creating a pond or not, a skimmer is a method of filtration. ...
• Skimmer Net. ...
• UV Steriliser. ...
• Aerator. ...
• Thermometer. ...
• Water test kits. ...

Full Answer

How do I Keep my Pond Looking Good?

The bigger the better. The more water it will hold the more plants and fish it will support which means less effort on your part in keeping it looking good. You will need to maintain your pond so that it does not become overgrown. Plants and fish multiply quickly.

How do I choose the right water plants for my pond?

Consider sun and shade. The more direct sunlight the pond receives each day, the more choices of water plants you have. If you plan to add fish to the pond, balance the sun with some shade during the hottest part of the day by adding water lilies or lotus pads, plants or shrubs, or a portable shade screen.

What can you put in a fish pond in the winter?

When ice forms on the pond during winter, keep a hole cut in the ice. This allows oxygen to enter the pond for your fish to breathe. Water lilies, lotuses, irises, water hyacinth and water lettuce are plants that thrive in ponds. Regularly check the water pH to monitor the toxicity level of ammonia and nitrates.

What do you need to build a fish pond?

The temperatures need to be consistently above freezing. Fertilize aquatic plants. Service any air pump equipment. Renew permits if needed. This depends on your county or state. Knowing how to build a fish pond is a great way to add life and vibrancy to your property.

What do you need for a DIY fish pond?

4:2911:20CHEAP DIY Pond Build for Outdoor Fish! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then some sort of bacteria starter or a quick start i just had some of this api. Quick start onMoreAnd then some sort of bacteria starter or a quick start i just had some of this api. Quick start on hand after you have all your equipment you're going to want to find a spot to place your pond.

What equipment do you need for a pond?

Ponds without fish need no equipment, unless you are keen on a waterfall or fountain, in which case you will need a pump and possibly a few other items, especially if green water becomes a problem. Fish-keepers need far more kit, not just to keep the pond attractive, but to promote the health of their charges.

How deep should an outdoor fish pond be?

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.

How do I get my pond ready for fish?

To help ensure your fish live long, happy lives, prepare the pond with these tips:Plant 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 do you manage a small fish pond?

1:418:46Pond Management - For better fish growth - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGood management and stocking properly will grow nice fish. You want to go to the next level startMoreGood management and stocking properly will grow nice fish. You want to go to the next level start feeding with pellets. We sell a pellet. And you can buy it at your local feed stores.

Do ponds need a pump?

In most cases, you cannot have a backyard pond without a pump. You'll need a pump to keep your pond's water flowing, properly oxygenated and clean of algae and unwanted bacteria. Pumps are especially necessary in ponds that contain fish such as koi and goldfish.

How many fish should I have in my pond?

Here are some basic rules determining how many fish your pond can sustain: Rule 1: one 6″ fish for every hundred gallons of water. Rule 2: 1″ of fish per 10 gallons of water. Rule 3: 1” of fish for every square foot of surface area (24” deep pond)

How deep should a pond be for fish to survive winter?

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.

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.

Can fish live in shallow ponds?

Even though some fish may live in shallower ponds, they will not grow as fast nor as large as they would in better habitat. In addition, they are vulnerable to winter and summer kills. Fish ponds should be 1/2 acre or more in water surface area.

What is the average depth of a pond?

Pond Depth and Volume Measurement For a typical bowl-shaped pond the average depth can be estimated as 0.4 times the maximum depth. So, a pond with a maximum depth of 12 feet would have an average depth of about 4.8 feet.

How shallow can a goldfish pond be?

Goldfish ponds need to be at least 2 feet (60 cm) deep, while koi ponds should be at least 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) deep. What is this? If you live in a very cold climate where the surface of the water is likely to freeze over winter, it's best to make your pond at least 3 feet (90 cm) deep.

How deep should a pond be?

Ponds longer than 6 feet on a side and deeper than 18 inches require so much digging and other heavy work that they are best left to pros. Smaller ponds are good DIY projects, but let pros handle the plumbing and electrical work.

How wide should a shelf be in a pond?

Rather than slope the sides of a pond right down to the bottom, make a shelf about 18 inches wide and 18 inches below the water's surface all around the pond's edge. This shelf serves as a platform for plants and a convenient step for anyone who falls in.

What is the best EPDM for ponds?

The best choice for most ponds, 45-mil-thick EPDM comes in sheets up to 50 by 200 feet. Durable, UV resistant, and flexible to -40 degrees F. Not to be confused with roofing EPDM, which has additives that kill fish.

How tall does a spear pond grow?

Hollow stems carry oxygen to the root zone, and to fish, year-round. Perennial; spear-like foliage grows up to 10 feet tall.

What is a formal pond?

Type: Formal. Defined by geometric shapes, this style of pond is often edged in expensive mortared stone or poured concrete. Perfect for a reflecting pool in a formal garden, it also makes a fine showcase for fish. Plantings are sparse or nonexistent.

How much does it cost to put an air bubbler in a pond?

Place an air bubbler (about $40 ; Pond Biz Pond Supplies) or a floating pond heater (about $47; Gold Crest Distributing) into the corner of the pond to keep a portion ice-free and maintain a proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

How long do koi live?

Koi often live for 40 years or more and grow up to 3 feet long, depending on the pond's size. They must be fed regularly; you can even train them to eat from your hand. They'll survive winters as far north as Maine.

Why do fish ponds need to be kept clean?

Fish ponds will need to be kept clean. Some of this will be accomplished by the addition of various chemicals, such as dechlorinators and some of it accomplished via natural means.

What do aquatic plants do in a pond?

Adding aquatic plants, for example, helps keep the water fresh. These plants consume the nutrients required by algae and help keep the water free of this nasty, odorous type of growth.

How deep should a pond be in zone 5?

In zone 5 or colder, a pond should be at least 3 feet deep to avoid the fish being frozen out. Koi are larger fish and, thus, need more room.

What is a fish pond?

A fish pond is one of the most delightful additions that anyone can make to their garden. When creating such a feature, keep in mind that one is actually creating a small ecosystem. The fish will need adequate room in which to move, will need a place to hide below the freeze line when winter comes and, depending on which type ...

Where should the shelf be in a fish pond?

Another shelf should be located at just below the surface around the perimeter of the pond. The deepest point should be in the middle of the largest pool, if there are two, or directly in the center if one is creating a simple circular shape. For fish ponds which are long and narrow, most builders prefer to make a three level floor consisting ...

Where should a sandbox be located?

Ideally, it should be visible from the house. If it is located in a particularly extensive garden, one may choose to locate it with regard given to its being visible from any part of the garden rather than toward being visible from the house.

Does shade affect fish ponds?

Keep in mind that, depending on what type of plants one plans, shade will be a huge factor. The water temperature will be much lower if the fish pond is located in perpetual shade. This will affect both the fish and the plants. Though it may sound counterintuitive, one does not want water running into their fish pond.

Install a Pond With a Shell Liner

The instructions below describe building a two-tier pond with a waterfall. We’ll use a preformed shell liner for the pond and a flexible pond liner to create the waterfall. The pond water will circulate by a pump and filtration system. We’ll add decorative rock and plants to landscape around the pond.

Create a Pond With a Flexible Liner

As an alternative to a pond made with a preformed shell, you can use a flexible liner and create a pond in a custom shape. General steps are below, but always follow the instructions for your pond products.

Maintaining Your Pond

There are a variety of treatment products available to keep your pond a clean and safe environment for plants and animals, including:

Why is it hard to maintain a pond?

There is usually a constant flow of water, so unless your pond has a leak or your have the funds to set up a constant overflow, this is harder to maintain. Also, wild systems will lose fish constantly to predators and other diseases that you do not want to subject your pet fish too.

What happens if you don't clean your pond?

If you don’t clean it regularly or thoroughly, pockets of anaerobic bacteria can start to grow, and it their ever disturbed, release hydrogen sulfide that can kill all your fish. However, we have come to find that most pond owners don’t clean their substrate regularly. Having a plain bottom makes cleaning easier!

Why are fish so poorly suited to living in the wild?

They are poorly suited to living in the wild because brightly colored fish are easiest to spot and eat. Don’t pretend to go “all natural” because you don’t want to clean your pond. If you don’t want to do it, hire someone to do it for you.

Why do fish die in ponds?

Your pond will smell like rotting eggs and your fish can die from this toxic substance.

Can a pond vacuum work on rocks?

Cons: Your pond vacuum will work slightly better if the substrate is too large to fit up the hose . If the stones are too heavy, you will have a very hard time cleaning between them. Multiple layers of stones will be more likely to collect debris than only one layer of rocks.

Is it bad to clean fish?

Cons: Your lack of cleaning effort creates a dangerous health hazard to your fish. Dense planting and layers of debris and fish waste create layers of bacteria that lose contact with oxygen in the water. These anaerobic bacteria use sulfur as a food source.

Is a bare bottom pond good for fish?

A bare bottom is the best pond substrate? Yes, a plain bottom is aesthetically unpleasing, but a bare bottom pond is easiest for most owners to clean. Whatever substrate you have, rocks or stones or something else, as long as you clean it regularly, it is fine for your fish.

What type of fish should I use for a garden pond?

2. Choose Koi fish for your garden pond. Koi fish are the second most common type of fish to be found in garden ponds. They are a resilient breed of fish but may require filtration systems to be kept healthy. Koi fish can survive for years in well maintained ponds.

How to keep fish healthy in pond?

Add oxygenating plants. Keep your fish happy and healthy by maintaining a high oxygen level in the water of your garden pond. There are plants you can purchase that will naturally add oxygen to the water of your pond without any additional equipment. Anacharis is considered the best plant for oxygenating purposes.

What is the best plant for oxygenating ponds?

Anacharis is considered the best plant for oxygenating purposes. It is commonly recommended that you add one bunch of anacharis for each square foot of your garden pond to keep the water oxygen levels optimal for fish. Water sprites also serve as capable oxygenators but are not quite as effective.

What fish can live in a pond?

Goldfish are the most common and most popular choice of fish for garden ponds. Goldfish are hardy fish that require very little supervision and often do not even require a filtration system for your pond. Goldfish can live for years in well maintained garden ponds.

How to stock a pond with fish?

In order to stock your garden pond with fish, you will need to make sure the pond is large enough to support the fish you intend to introduce. Fish need a certain amount of space, as well as variation in depth.

How long do koi fish live?

Koi fish can survive for years in well maintained ponds. Koi fish can grow to be up to 2-3 feet and even weigh as much as 35 pounds in large enough garden ponds. Koi fish regularly live to be fifty years old in well maintained garden ponds.

How to make sure fish survive in pond?

In order to do so, you will need to check the level of water in your garden pond regularly and add chemicals if necessary to restore the PH balance.

Considerations for Planning Your Pond

Before purchasing supplies for your pond, decide whether you want an in-ground or above ground pond. Also consider your area’s climate. This will help determine how deep your pond should be to support aquatic life in the winter.

How to Choose a Site for Your Pond

Now that you've decided to make your own fish pond, it's time to decide where it goes. Choose a location that's close enough to your home that you can enjoy the view.

Choosing Aquatic Life for Your Pond

When you’re learning how to build a fish pond, consider your location. The climate you live in is the most important factor when choosing pond plants and fish.

Building Your Pond

Once you’ve decided on the type of pond, its location and the aquatic life, you’re ready to make your fish pond.

Adding Fish to Your Pond

Gradually introduce your fish to the pond water. Add just a few fish at a time over a few weeks for best results. The water temperature also needs to be what the fish prefer:

Landscaping Around Your Pond

Hardscaping and landscaping elevate your pond to the next level. Anything hard, like river rocks, stairs or a patio is considered a hardscape. Elements that mimic an ecosystem, including trees, plants and waterfalls, are landscaping. Fish pond ideas inspired by nature often end up both stunning and successful.

How to Maintain Your Pond

Routine maintenance will keep the fish and plants living in your pond healthy. Have essential pond treatments on hand to keep your pond’s ecosystem balanced.

2. Goldfish

The name goldfish encompasses a wide variety of fish, and most of them will do well in your outside pond. Like koi, these fish can get quite large and will need a deep pond if you plan for them to live outside year-round.

3. Chinese High Fin Banded Shark

The Chinese high fin banded shark, also commonly referred to as a hi fin banded loach, is a cold-water species that can grow up to four and a half feet in length.

4. Channel Catfish

Also known as channel cats, these North American natives are popular as pond fish and for angling. If you plan on stocking your pond more for fishing than aesthetics, these could be the perfect fish for you.

5. Sturgeon and Sterlets

There are several species of freshwater sturgeon of varying sizes. These giant fish can reach a max size of over 7 feet and are not recommended for anything other than the largest home pond. They thrive in cold water and are a popular species for fishing.

6. Golden Orfe

Golden orfe are native to Europe, where they are a popular game and pond fish. Here in the US they are kept for the same reasons but are a bit more uncommon.

7. Fathead Minnows

If you aren’t quite sure what you want to stock your pond with yet or plan to stock it with sport fish, fathead minnows are a great choice to get your pond going.

8. Mollies

If you are limited on space, but still want a nice pond in your yard, there are a few smaller species that work well.