1. Fish enjoys shade over direct sunlight. Placing your waterfall or pond in a location that has direct exposure to sun may not be the best choice for health of the fish.

2. Pool depth is critical when it comes to adding fish to your water feature. A typical Koi pond should not be shallower than 20 inches. Ideally, a Koi pond is about 30 to 40 inches deep. However, it should certainly have shallow edges for feeding the fish and watching their beauty shine through the water.

3. The purpose of having ideal depth of about 20 inches is to meet the temperature needs of fish. For example, during hot weather, fish prefers to hide in deep waters to avoid the hot surface water. Similarly, during cold weather, Koi fish go deeper in the water when the surface water freezes. They need to hide in the deeper ends of the water to escape animals like cat or raccoon.

4. A Koi pond requires some type of pump for aerating and filtering the impurities in the water. There needs to be something in place to check and maintain the ammonia composition of water.

5. Fish need oxygen. In order for fish to be healthy, it needs to absorb sufficient amount oxygen from the water passing through their gills. To make sure that they’ll get the needed amount of air, the surface area of pond needs to be as large as possible. Adding a fountain or waterfall aids in aerating the pond, which in turn results in healthy life quality for the fish. A small air pump can aid in aeration as well.

6. Filtration is one of the best ways to deal with ammonia. Natural filtration can be achieved by adding plants like hyacinths. Mechanical filtration by using zeolite is an alternative.

7. The best time to introduce new fish to the pond is late spring or early summer. When introducing new fish to the pond, consider placing them in quarantine pool for three to four weeks. This helps in monitoring the fish for any unusual diseases or allergic reactions.

8. Most of the fishes can only eat small amount at a time. It is important to add lot of water plants if you plan on creating a self-sustaining eco-system. A balanced pond contains a lot of water plants, some insects, algae – all which are edible by fish. A typical Koi fish needs to be fed by about 5 minutes.

Before installing your backyard pond, there are a few things to think about. First, you need to do some research about water gardening in your state. For example, how should you treat your pond in the winter? Some of these types of questions are going to be different depending on what part of the country you live in. Talk with the people at the store where you will be purchasing your fish, as they will have a good idea of the answers to your questions.

The first thing you need to do is decide where you will put your backyard pond. Keep in mind that your pond will need access to electricity. You do not want to hurt the look of your pond by having bright orange extension cords running all over your yard! If you wish to put a pond where there is no electrical access, consider having an outlet installed. Next, you will want your pond to be located where you can see it from your deck or patio. This will allow you to get the most enjoyment out of your pond.

There are many different types of pond liners on the market today for backyard ponds. Some are preformed, and all you have to do is dig a hole. Flexible vinyl pond liners allow you the most creativity in the shape and design of your pond. After you have chosen your location, it is time to dig the hole! You will want your pond to be between 18-24 inches deep. Create a ledge around the outside wall to place potted plants on. This ledge should be about half as deep as your pond. While you are digging, make sure your edges are all level.

Once you are done digging, it is time to install your liner. Drape the liner over the pond, and place some stones around the edges to hold it in place. Then, start filling the pond slowly with water. As it fills, smooth out wrinkles and make any creases large and neat so they will be less noticeable. After the pond is full, trim the liner so there is a foot or so of excess around the edges. Place decorative stones around the edge to create a more natural look. Large, flat stones look really nice for the edge.

Now that the structure of your backyard pond is complete, install your filter and pump per the manufacturer’s instructions. Now the fun can begin, it’s time to get creative! Start adding fish and plant to the pond. You may want to consider making a waterfall feature. The dirt you dug out of your hole will make a good foundation for a nice waterfall. Whatever you choose to do, before long you will have a beautiful retreat right in your own backyard!

You may ask, “Why a water gardening pump?” After all, the same set up is seen in lakes, large ponds, rivers, etc. And they do not need any pumps! The difference is that what you have in your garden is man-made, and therefore requires special care.

Water needs to circulate if it has to remain fresh. The water gardening pump helps it to do that precisely. The living organisms in the water and the aquatic plants get enough oxygen because of constant water circulation. Experts even refer to this pump as the “heart” since life in the water garden cannot be maintained without its help!

Which insect loves to breed in water? Mosquitoes! That is, if the water is allowed to stagnate. This piece of equipment becomes enemy number one by not allowing them to breed, since it keeps the water constantly circulating!

Where the actual buying of the water gardening pump is concerned, the variety available in the market can make your head whirl! You could go round finding out about each manufacturer. Or you could look them up on the Internet. Whatever it may be, some time has to be spent in researching the market.

There are basically two varieties of water gardening pumps available-external and submersible. As their names suggest, one is kept outside the water while the other is submerged underneath.

The following hints could help you in purchasing just the right type of pump for your needs:

(1) The water garden has to be thoroughly planned out before going in for the purchase of a pump, not vice-versa.

(2) If the pump can pump half of the total volume of water every hour, it is good enough.

(3) Pumps are dependent on climate too. Algae grow easily in warm areas. So, sponge suctioning pumps should not be bought for such climates.

(4) It is a little difficult to be sure of the exact specifications. So it would be wise to pick up one size larger than actually needed. This pump will “work with vigor”.

(5) Consult someone who is well versed with water gardening pumps before you go in for the actual purchase.

(6) Each water garden should have its own separate pump. For instance, what is installed for a pond cannot be used for a fountain too. Even separate fountains need separate pumps.

(7) Some fountains come equipped with their own pumps. So if you are not interested in an elaborate display, you could go for one of those.

(8) What is the budget allotted for the water gardening pump? Here the costs should cover initial amount, electricity costs, and maintenance. Each manufacturer would have given a set of instructions with each pump. Go through them and decide which pump falls within your budget.

Make your pond deep

Depth of your pond is very important. You pond should be at least 4 feet deep, however it is best to provide for your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your fish are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who can empty your pond. Deeper fish pond also helps to maintain water temperature in the middle of summer

Koi really love a lot of room to swim

Small ponds are no good for koi. Remember, with time they can grow quite large and they will need a big space. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that as time goes you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a large garden pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is a good size for a garden fish pond, bigger would be even better.

Provide some heating in colder months

Unlike tropical fish, koi don’t suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper heater for backyard ponds will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that like most fish koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster

Plan some shade for your koi

When selecting where to place your pond, make sure it is out of direct sunlight. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond makes sence – not only they add beauty to the overall look of your pond, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your pond under trees. Cleaning a garden pond of fallen leaves is a nightmare.

Plan to install a bird net

There are many birds of prey that will enjoy eating your koi. Don’t give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to protect it with a net.

Keep insecticides away from your pond

When planning your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can destroy your beautiful fish.

Pumps, filtration systems and other fish pond accessories

Several accessories are nessesary for healthy garden fish pond. Ideally you should get a water pump, filtration system, pond water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your pets might feel unwell. Koi pond filtration systems are pricey, so as an alternative you can make your own homemade filters.

11 Tips before building a backyard water garden or backyard pond

From The Pond Warehouse who has over 13 years of experience in ponds and water gardens, building and owning a pond, water garden or pond-less waterfall can be an awesome and rewarding experience to enjoy. The Pond Warehouse strongly suggest you think through this list of 11 Tips before beginning your backyard water garden or back yard pond project.

1. Pick an area in your yard that you can make a pond or water feature look natural, preferably not a low area in the yard.