Aesthetic Appeal
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). 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.
Second Tip: Avoid low lying areas.
Installing you fish pond in an area where runoff water from your lawn flows is one big no-no. 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.