A lot of people who see a pond in a yard, like the looks of the water feature it and wonder what it would take to build one in their backyard.
Not a bad idea, fish are fairly easy to keep in a pond and are enjoyable to watch.
Reading the forums on the subject and tells us that the path to the perfect pond is often filled with errors and strewn with mistakes. but, it doesn’t have to be that way with some thoughtful planning and research.
Learning how to do the job and getting good information is the first step to avoid making common and costly mistakes. Koi and goldfish are common in backyard pond fish. They grow very large in a pond and require more than just water. They require good water, food and sometimes the pond needs maintenance.
If this is your first time building a pond or keeping pond fish, then take heart. There are literally tons of information available online that can help guide you along the way. Some of it’s excellent and some of it’s not so great. At any rate, there are a few things that you will need to do before you get started.
Building A Pond
Here are five things I think you’ll need based on other DIY projects I’ve done:
1. Time – plenty of time, so be flexible with your deadlines. Making a fish pond is not something that can happen overnight. Like most other DIY projects, a good rule of thumb is to estimate how much time you think it will take, then double it. Things seldom go as planned and there will usually be changes made during the construction that will probably take more time.
2. A plan. Planning is the one thing that cannot be stressed enough. I have seen several ponds that were just a hole in the ground and then things are added to make the pond a good habitat for fish, such as foliage and shade.
Every fish pond should have a good filtration system to keep the water clean and maintain the quality of the water. There should be plants that can provide shade and food and water treatment. It’s kinda like having a swimming pool.
It may be necessary to consult with a professional to make sure you get the right size filtration components and design for the size of your pond. Clean water is is really necessary to keeping healthy fish and be able to see them in the water.
3. Money is probably the most important thing you need to build your pond. Your plan should include all the equipment and utilities that can be installed while you are building the pond and supplies for keeping fish in it after it is built.
Go back to number 1 after you estimate your time and expenses, double those figures. That way, you might not have any surprises along the way and maybe even have some money left over.
Only a few projects I’ve ever started didn’t cost more or take more time than I estimated.
4. Patience is one thing you should never, never run out of. Many things can cause delays while the pond is under construction and there can be many things that will some stress. Sometimes stress can’t be avoided and you might have to say “Oh, well” and just keep going.
This is especially true if the pond is a DIY project. My experience with outdoor projects is that the weather seldom cooperates and if you have contractors , they may overbook and some may not show up when they are supposed to.
Be patient and do as much as you can by yourself.
5. A good sense of humor may keep you from loosing your mind. The perfect fish pond takes time, planning and patience to get the end result you have in mind. Focus on what you will achieve the end result and use the problems as an opportunity for learning and experience. There will probably be things that you have little control over and your sense of humor will help reduce your stress and keep you focused on what you are doing.
Remember this, A fish pond can be a wonderful addition to any yard, balcony or patio. They can be made in any size, shape or depth to fit any yard and keep any kind of fish. If you want a pond, then by all means, build one. But keep the five things in mind and you’ll have a successful project that you can enjoy for a very long time.
CLICK HERE and get a copy of “The Beginner’s Guide To Raising Healthy Koi” for more great information on how to build a pond and keep healthy fish.