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Building A Backyard Pond? No Prior Experience Is Necessary!

A water pump is a pond essential providing oxygen for the water.
A water pump is a pond essential providing oxygen for the water.

A  goldfish pond in your backyard is a wonderful addition to your home. You may have seen a design and decided that you would like to create your own backyard pond project.

Building a backyard pond is not too difficult!

It does require a little hard work and planning. Before starting your project there are a few things that you need to consider.

  • Choose a location. Ensure that your goldfish pond gets enough sunlight. Shaded parts around the pond are essential.
  • Determine the shape of your pond. Indefinite shapes are preferable.
  • Consider the size. The depth of your pond should be at least 3 feet deep.
  • Decide whether you are going to build the entire pond yourself or hire professionals to do all or some of the tasks.

Once you have your concept clearly defined you can get started.

Step-by-step plan for your backyard pond

  1. You’ll need to clear the area. Using a rope as your guide when digging can be very helpful. Use measuring devices to ensure size and depth are correct and meet specifications that were originally planned.
  2. Level your pond. Ensure that you’re able to install electrical outlets and PVC conduit where the filter and pump cords will run through. You’ll need to choose either a concrete base or to use a pond liner. (Click here to find out about more about pond liners and whether that is the best choice for you.)  If using concrete you’ll need cement to create the base. Ensure that the entire area is covered. Once the cement is dry you can start filling it with water.
  3. After filling the pond with water, you can start installing all the necessary equipment for your backyard pond.
  4. Other equipment to use would include a monitor for the temperature and the pH levels. The ideal pH level for goldfish is 6.0 to 8.0 while the ideal temperature is between 40 to 45 degrees celsius. During winter, goldfish are most likely to survive as they can easily adapt to cold temperatures provided that there is enough oxygen.
  5. Landscaping: To beautify your backyard pond you may want to landscape the area. You can add rocks both big and small. You should definitely add plants in and around the pond. Plants can be helpful in maintaining the desirable temperature for your pond.
  6. Water lilies are the most common plant used and a great addition. Koi pond fountains are dramatic and add a spectacular feature in your backyard pond. If your pond is large, then adding a bridge is a really nice idea. Children love it because they can stand over the pond and watch the fish swim under the bridge to the other side. When I was a child it kept me busy for hours!
  7. The time has come to start adding your goldfish to the pond. Check that the temperature is right for your fish.  Begin releasing the fish into the pond.
  8. Remember ..
    • Never overcrowd your pond with a lot of fish. Logically bigger breeds of goldfish need bigger ponds.
    • Never overfeed your fish as this can pollute the water, which will eventually decrease the oxygen level of the pond.

I get hours of enjoyment from my backyard pond and I’m sure that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a great way to relax.

Click here to buy a filter for your pond at the best price from amazon.

Click on this link for a water pump.

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