So, you want a fish pond. You’ve decided you want to build said fish pond, and now you need to know how to make it happen. While it might seem daunting, creating your own backyard fish pond is a lot simpler than you think—and the end result is a conversation piece that brings you just that little bit closer to nature.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from deciding on a location to choosing the right fish for your climate. We’ll also give you tips on maintenance and troubleshooting, so you can rest assured that your fishpond will be a success. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to start building your very own backyard oasis.
Benefits of Building a Backyard Pond
If you love playing around in your backyard, be that by gardening, landscaping or building, a fishpond is the perfect way to set your home apart from your neighbours. Better yet, your property will become a hotspot for local wildlife that may want to have a quick drink or bath. A pond reunites you with nature and gives you endless hours of entertainment as you watch birds, insects and other animals pay your home a visit.
Planning Your Garden Pond
The first step in creating a fishpond is to plan it out. This means deciding on the size, shape and location of your pond. You also need to think about the type of fish (if any) you want to stock it with, as well as the plants and other features you want to include. It’s best to have your pond somewhere with a decent amount of shade, so it doesn’t get too hot under the Aussie sun.
It’s a good idea to sketch out your ideas so you can get a better idea of what you’re aiming for. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, you can always hire a professional to help you with the planning and installation.
While planning it’s also important to think of how your fish will live inside it. Make sure they’re given plenty of space and even hiding spots so they can get out of the sun, or flee from potential predators.
Digging Your Backyard Fish Pond
Now that you have chosen a location for your fish pond, it’s time to start building the structure.
To begin, dig a hole that meets your desired size requirements. It only needs about one to two feet (30 – 60cm) deep to house smaller fish, but if you’re planning to have things like koi, you will need to plan for something that’s at least 3ft deep by 6ft long.
Next, set your pond liner and smooth it out as best you can. Anchoring the corners with large rocks will help you flatten out all the creases. There are natural alternatives for liners, so if that’s something you want, we recommend doing more research into it, as it can be more complicated to set up.
From there, you’ll want to fill the bottom of the pond with water to make sure the liner fills properly. Then you can work on building around the pond, by cutting and covering any liner bits that are above the surface. Once the liner is set properly, you can get to work with basic landscaping by adding rocks, or flattening the solid around the pond. Hold on for a bit before adding plants or things that can block off access to the pond because there’s a bit of set-up left.
Filtration and Water Circulation
When installing a fish pond, it’s important to consider the filtration and water circulation systems. This will ensure that your fish have a healthy environment in which to live and that the water in your pond remains clean and clear.
There are a few different types of filtration and circulation systems to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs. Some systems require more maintenance than others, so you’ll need to decide what’s best for you based on your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to spend on upkeep. Usually, these can be set up once the basic structure of your pond is set up. You can cover any pipes or cords with plants, or even dig over them.
Pond Accessories and Plants
Now that you have your fish pond set up, it’s time to add the fun stuff to make it more inviting and aesthetically pleasing.
You can add decorations, such as rocks, waterfalls and plants, to enhance the look of your pond. These items also provide habitats for wildlife and can help with keeping the water clean and oxygenated. Plus, they are great hiding places for fish.
Some of the most popular aquatic plants for ponds include Waterlilies, Irises, Elodea, Hornwort and Water Hyacinths. Make sure to pick plants that are native to your area or suited to your local environment so they have a good chance of flourishing.
One final tip: avoid using any ornamentals or decorations made of plastic or toxic substances in your fish pond. It is important to create a naturally safe and healthy habitat for the fish and other creatures that will live there!
Stocking the Pond With Fish
Now that your fish pond is ready, it’s time to choose your fish! There are lots of options available, so you have to decide which types of fish best suit your pond and local environment.
When selecting your fish, consider the size and shape of the pond and the temperature of the water. In Australia, you’re more than likely only going to be able to keep tropical fish, thanks to our warm outdoor temperatures. For smaller fish, you can have things like guppies, goldfish, white clouds and rainbow fish.
If you have the space for larger fish, you can fill your pond with koi, carp and some large pond owners go as far as having Australian bass. Just note each fish type thrives in different conditions, temperatures and oxygen levels, so research if your pond’s climate is the right fit.
For easy cleaning, it may be worthwhile to have a few catfish in your pond. These bottom dwellers eat algae and moss build-up. Most algae-eaters start placid when they’re small, but are known to become territorial when they get larger. Because of this, it’s advised to only have them in ponds that are big enough for the other fish to avoid where they live at the bottom of the pond.
It’s also important to consider how much space you have in the pond for the number and size of fish, as well as their needs for food and oxygen. Too many large fishes can overcrowd a pond. It may be better to use smaller varieties that are also enjoyable to watch. If you’re unsure, we recommend going for a mix of larger and smaller species that won’t overpopulate the pond–you can get advice from local pet stores or an aquarium expert who knows what kinds of fish can coexist in harmony.
Non-Fish Options
Some pond owners want to use their ponds for a variety of different creatures. Your personal, backyard ecosystem can also be a home for turtles, frogs, shrimp or yabbies.
If you intend to keep turtles, make sure you check your state’s laws, as it is illegal to keep turtles in Qld without a licence. A turtle pond also requires extra fencing as turtles are known to wander.
Maintenance Tips for Your Pond
Once your new fishpond is installed, you’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it remains clean and healthy. Here are a few tips:
Check the water quality regularly. Ammonia, nitrates and nitrites should be kept at a minimum to avoid any issues with cultivating healthy bacteria colonies. Invest in a water test kit; they’re not expensive and will let you know right away if the water quality is off.
Clean the filter media often. This will help prevent the build-up of debris and keep things running properly.
Maintain an adequate pump size for your pond size. If you have too small of a pump, then it won’t be able to adequately circulate the water, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the water and unhealthy fish.
Remove any dead leaves or other debris from the pond as soon as possible. This can reduce excess nutrients that can cause algae blooms, which can have negative consequences for ponds of any size.
Compliment Your New Pond With A Patio
When you finish your new backyard pond, what better way to enjoy it than watching from under a stunning new patio? At SEQ Patio Group, we’re backyard renovation specialists. We want as many Aussies to start enjoying their yard as possible. So, if you want a new patio or pergola to compliment your garden pond, contact us today.
