Have you ever thought about building a fish pond in your yard, allowing fish to swim happily in the water and making aquatic plants shine brightly in the sunshine? If you have such a dream, then this article is prepared for you. I will teach you how to create your own water park and turn your yard into a vibrant and fun place.
1. Choose the location of the fish pond
The location of the fish pond is very important, as it determines the beauty and health of the pond. You should choose a place close to the house, with sunlight, no rainwater erosion, and no buried wires and pipes. In this way, you can conveniently observe and maintain the fish pond, while ensuring that the water temperature and quality are suitable, avoiding pollution and damage.
Before choosing a location, you should also pay attention to the following points:
Check the regulations and requirements in your area to see if you need to apply for a permit or fence.
Call the local utility department and ask them to mark any buried wires and pipes in your yard to avoid damage during excavation.
Measure the area and depth of the fish pond you want to build in order to purchase suitable materials and equipment.
2. Excavate the shape of the fish pond
The shape of the fish pond can be determined according to your preferences and the style of the yard. Generally speaking, there are two types of fish ponds: underground fish ponds and above ground fish ponds.
Underground fish pond refers to digging a fish pond below the ground and then laying waterproof materials in the excavated hole. This type of fish pond is relatively simple and easy to implement, but it is necessary to pay attention to digging deeper than the frozen soil layer to avoid freezing in winter and affecting the survival of fish.
Ground fish pond refers to building a fish pond above ground level and then supporting it with sturdy materials. This type of fish pond does not require digging too much soil, but attention should be paid to its sturdy construction to prevent collapse or water leakage. You can also purchase prefabricated fish pond kits, but they may not be suitable for fish farming and can only be used as ornamental water features.
Regardless of which type of fish pond is chosen, the following principles should be followed:
The bigger the fish pond, the better. Large fish ponds can accommodate more water, plants, and fish, thereby maintaining a more stable and healthy ecological balance and reducing maintenance work.
The fish pond should have a certain depth. Depth determines the activity space of fish and changes in water temperature. Generally speaking, the depth of a fish pond should be between 0.6 meters and 1.2 meters, depending on the species of fish you are raising. The koi pond should be at least 1.2 meters deep, and the goldfish pond should be at least 0.6 meters deep. If there is an air pump, it can be reduced to 0.45 meters deep.
The fish pond should have steps of different levels. Steps allow you to plant aquatic plants of different heights in the fish pond, and also allow small animals, children, and adults to easily climb out when they fall into the pond. As long as there is 15 centimeters of water, drowning may occur, so safety is very important.
The fish pond should have good water flow. Water flow can carry away dirt from the bottom and increase oxygen in the water, which is beneficial for the growth of fish and plants. Circular or elliptical fish ponds are more likely to generate water flow, and you can also install water pumps and fountains to increase water flow.
3. Laying waterproof materials
There are two main types of waterproof materials for fish ponds: plastic film and prefabricated plastic pots.
Plastic film refers to a soft and durable plastic cloth that can be cut and laid according to the shape and size of the fish pond. This material is relatively cheap and flexible, but attention should be paid to preventing wear and perforation, otherwise it may cause water leakage.
Prefabricated plastic basin refers to a pre formed plastic container that can be directly placed into a dug hole or supported on the ground. This material is relatively expensive and fixed, but it is sturdy and not prone to water leakage.
Regardless of which waterproof material is chosen, the following steps should be followed:
Lay a thick cushion layer in the excavated hole, which can be made of sand, soil, newspaper, or specialized cushion materials. This can protect the waterproof material from scratches from sharp objects such as stones.
Lay the waterproof material on the cushion layer, trying to fit the shape of the fish pond as much as possible, leaving some extra edges for fixing and trimming. If plastic film is used, stones or bricks can be used to temporarily press down on the edges; If a prefabricated plastic basin is used, the gaps can be filled with sand or soil.
Inject water into the fish pond through a water pipe, while adjusting the position and tightness of the waterproof material to adapt to the water pressure and weight. If plastic film is used, wrinkles can be flattened by hand; If a prefabricated plastic basin is used, the edges can be supported with wooden boards or stones.
Use a spirit level to check the levelness of the fish pond. If there is any tilt or depression, adjust it with sand or soil. Ensuring the levelness of the fish pond can make the water flow more uniform and prevent water overflow or leakage.
Trim the excess waterproof material with scissors or a knife, leaving a 10 to 15 centimeter edge, and then cover it with stones or bricks to prevent it from being blown away by the wind or bitten by animals.
4. Decorate the appearance of the fish pond
The appearance of the fish pond can be decorated according to your preferences and the style of the yard. Generally speaking, there are two types of decoration: natural decoration and artificial decoration.
Natural decoration refers to the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, flowers, and plants to create a fish pond that appears to be naturally formed. This kind of decoration is harmonious and beautiful, but it is important to choose plants that are suitable for the fish pond environment and avoid introducing toxic or harmful species.
Artificial decoration refers to the use of artificial materials such as plastic, metal, colorful lights, etc. to create a personalized and creative fish pond. This decoration is quite unique and interesting, but it is important to choose materials that are water-resistant and weather resistant to avoid pollution or damage.
No matter which decoration you choose, you must follow the following steps:
Placing some stones or bricks on the edges and steps of the fish pond can increase its stability and aesthetics, as well as provide some shelter and support for fish and plants.
Sprinkle some sand or gravel in the fish pond to increase its naturalness and cleanliness, and also make it easier for plants to root down.
Planting some aquatic plants in the fish pond can increase its vitality and beauty, as well as provide oxygen and food for the fish. You can choose some plants that are suitable for the climate and water quality of your region, such as water lilies, calamus, cattails, water hyacinth, etc.
Installing some water pumps and fountains in the fish pond can increase its vitality and music, as well as improve water flow and oxygen. You can choose some devices that are suitable for the power and effect you need, such as Amazon, waterfall, spray, etc.
Arranging some flowers, plants, and lights around the fish pond can enhance its color and atmosphere, as well as provide a place for you to relax and appreciate. You can choose some elements that suit your favorite style and theme, such as roses, lavender, solar lights, colored lights, etc.
5. Put in fish and enjoy the fun
The last and most interesting step in the fish pond is to put in the fish and enjoy the fun. You can choose some fish species that are suitable for the fish pond environment and size according to your preferences and budget, such as koi, goldfish, crucian carp, carp, etc.
Before putting the fish in, you should also pay attention to the following points:
Check the water quality and temperature of the fish pond to ensure they are suitable for the fish species you have chosen. You can use specialized testing tools or test strips to measure indicators such as pH, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate in water, or use a thermometer to measure the temperature of water.
Calculate the capacity and carrying capacity of the fish pond to ensure that fish are not excessively released. You can estimate the capacity of a fish pond using a formula: length (meters) x width (meters) x depth (meters) x 1000=capacity (liters). Then, you can estimate the carrying capacity of the fish pond using a rule: 1 centimeter of fish can be raised per liter of water.
Adapt to the temperature and pressure differences of fish, ensuring that they are not stimulated or harmed. You can adapt to temperature differences with a simple method: float a bag containing fish in a fish pond, open the bag every 10 minutes and add some pool water until the water temperature in the bag is the same as the pool water. Then, you can adapt to the pressure difference using a slow method: pour half of the water in the bag, then place the bag on the surface of the water and let the air inside gradually squeeze out until the bag sinks into the water.
Observe the behavior and health of fish to ensure they have adapted to the new environment. You can use some simple criteria to judge whether a fish is healthy: bright color, symmetrical body shape, agile swimming, and strong appetite.
Congratulations, you have completed your own water park! Now, you can sit by the fish pond, enjoy the beautiful scenery, listen to pleasant sounds, feel the fresh breath, and enjoy the fun of life!