Adding A Fish Pond To Your Backyard

ADDING A FISH POND TO YOUR BACKYARD A BACKYARD FISH POND BACKYARD

FISH PONDS –

A HOW TO BACKYARD FISH BUILDING BUILDING YOUR FISH POND

BACKYARD POND INSTALLATION

CONTENTS 1.

A Backyard Fish Pond

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2.

Backyard Fish Ponds - A How To

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3.

Backyard Pond Building

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4.

Backyard Pond Installation

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5.

Building Your Fish Pond

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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.

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ADDING A FISH POND TO YOUR BACKYARD

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 recirculating 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.

Backyard Fish Pond

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Expose the pond to sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plants 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!

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BACKYARD FISH PONDS – A HOW TO

Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard.

These projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.

But if you are really certain to have your own fish pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully place your pond in it without having to take up too much space and dominate your yard.

Let your pond serve as the focal point of your backyard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to the people walking around the house.

Location If you wish to place it in the corner part of the yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish will seem as a surprise to the visitors.

But if you want to place it in the center, it is best if you place the pond at ground level or a little above it.

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Backyard Fish Ponds - How To

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Fish Types Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes swim around every day can also serve to be therapeutic.

But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not live long in this kind of environment and they are also extremely expensive.

Goldfish are compatible with the size of your pond, however, their longevity might not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.

Maintenance Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how you can maintain and build it depending on your preferences.

You might find that maintaining an indoor aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor pond.

Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather because of the advantage of the sun all year round.

Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them stay in the pond during winter time. it is best to transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not applicable.

A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an individual how much energy, time, and money you are willing to devote to the beautification of your backyard.

It does not matter how large or how small it is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful things.

You will not only impress a lot of people but yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.

In order to make your fish pond more appealing, decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall natural feeling.

If you cannot afford landscaping projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.

This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors and guests.

Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty time and again.

Make sure to add water to it periodically. It is also important that you get rid of fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant appearance.

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BACKYARD POND BUILDING

Backyard ponds are once thought to be owned by only the wealthy and filthy rich individuals.

That was then.

Now, backyard ponds can be built by even the simplest homeowners. These can liven things up and can be a good conversation starter for guests and visitors.

It will not only provide a beautiful and visually appealing backyard but a relaxing one as well.

From cozy and small to rich and lush, back yard water gardens can range from almost any design you want.

Just a little background about building a back yard pond and the right materials is enough to create your own private oasis.

Step 1 - Decide Where Your Pond Will Be Situated.

Look for an area in your yard where there are little trees. Falling leaves are a big no-no to your pond since it can make maintenance an everyday job.

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Backyard Pond Building

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Place your pond in an area reached by the warmth of the sun.

Aquatic plants need the sun to grow. However, stay away from too much heat since this can cause some plants such as lilies to die.

Another advice is to place your pond in a high area. This can prevent runoff water to accumulate and overflow your pond causing murkiness and further maintenance.

Step 2 - Lay Out The Area Of Your Pond.

If you want to design your pond to the size you want it to, trace the perimeter of the pond using a bendable material like a garden hose.

If you are satisfied by the size and shape of your pond, mark the area using a spray paint or any marker.

Step 3 - Use A Pond Liner Pond liners are used to prevent water from the pond, fishes, aquatic plants, and other pond contents to escape the pond.

In the same way, it also prevents non-pond materials to enter and cause dirt or excess nutrients to the pond.

Pond liners range from pre-formed liners to PVC liners. If you are willing to spend the extra cash, using cement will also be applicable.

Pre-formed liners are usually utilized by small ponds.

These can be bought at pond supply outlets and can be easily installed after digging the pond.

However, if you want to create the design and size you want, PVC liners would work best.

These are usually used for large and complex ponds.

Other types of liners are available. It is best to ask for advice from your local pond contractor about this stuff.

Step 4 - Dig Your Pond Dig your pond according to the width and depth that your prefer. Place rocks on the edges of the pond liner and fill in spaces with gravel.

Do this part diligently and carefully. Camouflage the area with stones, pebbles or plants.

Step 5 - Assemble The Equipment Place the filters, lighting, and water supply. Make sure that these will all function well.

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ADDING A FISH POND TO YOUR BACKYARD

Connect them to the electrical supply and place them in locations that will suit them best. Do not forget to make a drainage system for the pond.

Step 6 - Just Add Water Now is the time to fill the pond with water.

Observe if there is any leaking. Clean out the area first and then add clean water for your pond.

Place the plants in their rightful places in order to create a beautiful appearance. Let the plants settle for at least a week and then it is appropriate to add the fishes.

Add fish one at a time.

Fill the pond with just the right amount of fish. Consider the size of the pond and your fish.

Make sure they are compatible.

And now, sit back and relax. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

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BACKYARD POND INSTALLATION

A backyard fish pond offers a aesthetic addition to your landscapes. Installing projects such as these will offer tranquility and relaxation to the whole family as well.

However, building, constructing and taking care of ponds are not as easy as you think.

Much effort, planning, and money must go into these. It is important that you think things through before deciding on installing your very own back yard fish pond.

Building fish ponds are not as simple as installing it and letting it go afterwards. It is a consistent and constant endeavor, much like a hobby.

Maintenance should be done periodically. Following some of these guidelines may aid you in installing a do it yourself backyard fish pond.

First Tip: Utilize A Plastic Fish Pond Liner For Your Pond In separating the fish pond from the surrounding soil, it is better to use a plastic liner (PVC liners work best).

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ADDING A FISH POND TO YOUR BACKYARD

It prevents the escape of the aquatic plants, fishes, and other pond contents from the fish pond.

In accordance to this, it also prevents the entry of nutrients from the soil or other non-pond materials.

This will make maintenance and cleaning easier since you will only have to deal with the mess and dirt of the pond itself and the fish that live there.

In building the pond of your preferred size, pond liners are the option to choose. Usually, they are utilized for large ponds that do not have pre-formed sizes available.

However, it is imperative that you choose the right size of the pond liner. Pond lines or liners are used for any size of pond. The sizes available for this kind of pond is 10’ x 15’ to 20’ x 25’ or larger.

This can allow you to build a pond to your preferred size either by using them individually or by connecting together two or more pond liners with an adhesive especially made for this material.

A cement pond liner will also do, however, this option is more expensive and may require extra labor in constructing.

Backyard Pond Installation

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Second Tip: Avoid Low Lying Areas Installing your fish pond in an area where runoff water from your lawn flows is one big nono.

This runoff water will only accumulate in your fish pond, causing it to overflow and become dirty as well.

This is one of the common mistakes of do-it-yourself pond projects. Maintaining a fish pond is difficult enough without excess dirty water coming from your lawn.

On the contrary, installing the pond in an area a little above the ground or in high parts of the lawn will prove to be easier to maintain.

Third Tip: Provide Sufficient Sunlight.

This means that placing the pond in shady areas will not enhance the growth of the aquatic life.

On the other hand, placing it in an area where too much sun shines will just cause them to die.

Place your pond where there is enough sunlight to seep through. Most aquatic plants need sunlight to grow, but some do not.

Research on what plants suit your weather best.

Fourth Tip: Water Your Plants.

Adding a variety of aquatic plants may decrease the excess nutrients in the pond. They will also hamper algae growth that makes the pond murky and dirty.

Consulting your local pond professional is also an option.

Not only will they provide advices to make your project work, they may also make your work easier to do.

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BUILDING YOUR FISH POND

A pond may offer a number of benefits.

It can be cool and relaxing, visually appealing and it can provide the local wildlife a watering point.

For Starters It is imperative to know the reason why you are building this pond before the actual construction.

Some individuals just wanted to put up these kinds of projects without considering the comfort and safety of the inhabitants of that pond.

Evaluate first these things before assembling your pond.

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Building Your Fish Pond

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You can ask for advice from your pond professional or read books that are concerned on pond kits and the techniques of construction of ponds. Consult your local pond contractors who have experience regarding this field.

Now you can build your own fish pond following these planning stages: 1. Consider The Location Choose a site where your pond is not near existing large trees.

These vantage points will prevent root problems as well as minimizing the problem of falling leaves in your pond that may cause decaying and poor water quality.

Pond plants such as water lilies need sunlight to grow.

It is best to place your pond where it can be exposed to sun but not too much as it can over heat during mid-afternoon or on hot days.

A semi shaded place with a good amount of light coming through is sufficient enough.

Temperature extremes should be minimized on the pond.

If you intend on raising and keeping fish, it is important to make the pond as deep and as large as practical.

However, deeper ponds may need to be fenced to prevent accidents.

2. Design With Purpose Consider electricity supply for pumps, filters, and lights when designing your pond. It is also important to look into the water supply and drainage.

Ponds must have an overflow area - a place located below the rest of the pond height) to control where the excess water should go. Overflowing may be caused by overfilling the pond with water or from heavy rain.

Screen your overflow paths to prevent any escape of small plants, fishes and its eggs and snails during water additions and heavy rainfall.

This may also protect the local waterways from any possible escape.

This is especially important if there are non-local fish in the pond.

3. Complete Preparation Requirements It is essential to clean and rinse ponds before using it since fish and other water plants are sensitive to contaminants.

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ADDING A FISH POND TO YOUR BACKYARD

Curing concrete ponds combined with water changes, scrubbing, filling, and painting with vinegar is also important.

Allow chloramines and chlorine to dissipate especially if you used tap water to fill the pond.

One can also utilize a commercial chlorine neutralizer from pet shops to solve this problem.

Ensure that all equipment such as fountains, waterfalls, filters, and lights are working satisfactorily before adding the fish and plants.

It is also better if you allow at least one week for the plants to settle in the pond before adding the fish.

Clean up the pond regularly for dead leaves as this will add unwanted excess nutrients to the water and decay it as well.

Observe Proper Maintenance A said, keep the pond clean of fallen vegetation and dead leaves.

The frequency of cleaning will depend on the amount of vegetation falling into the water and on the tome of the year. Do the cleaning at the beginning of spring before the temperature of the water starts to rise.

Feed your fish and clean up the filters periodically.

Add water in the pond periodically. A normal garden hose will do. However, no more than 1020 per cent should be added at any time because of the chlorine levels in tap water.

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