Planning an Outdoor Fish Pond
An outdoor fish pond can be a focal point in the landscaping of your yard or it can be a quiet secret in the back corner of your lot. Whichever place you choose to put it, you can contain the cost, ensure the success and reduce the maintenance of your pond with careful planning. Follow these few tips when planning your outdoor fish pond.
- Consider your community - While outdoor fish ponds can be beautiful in any type of environment you need to ensure that there are no covenant or community rules against building one on your property. If you live in the country you want to ensure that your pond will not attract other wildlife that may eat your fish such as raccoons, or attract snakes.
- Choose your location - When planning your outdoor fish pond, choose a location that will not fill your pond with debris. Avoid overhanging trees which will drop leaves that will clog your filter and ruin your pump. Make sure that tree roots will not interfere with your pond. If placed in direct sunlight, plan your pond deep enough that your fish can remain cool when the sun is really hot. Make sure that your pond does not present a danger to young children in the area.
- Check your local ordinances - These will let you know whether or not you need a building permit to construct your pond, or if you will have to fence it once it is complete.
- Ensure that you have access to electricity and a water supply - Your pond will need both if you are going to run a filter which is essential in keeping your water circulating, your pond clean and your fish alive.
- Review your budget - Outdoor fish ponds can be very simple or very elaborate projects. Your budget will determine which types of materials that you should use to construct yours.
- Choose the size of your pond - While you want to ensure that your pond is at least 18 inches deep anything deeper than three feet becomes difficult to take care of. The ideal depth is 18 to 24 inches. Your pond should be small enough that you will benefit from the warmth of the sun, without being so small that your pond will get too hot.
- Decide on the shape of your pond - You are only limited by your budget and your imagination. If you are using a pond kit, or a preformed liner these will limit your options, but if you are building it free-formed you can have any shape you desire.
- Think about the types of plants to use - There are many choices now in aquatic plants. Some are beautiful while others are beneficial to your fish. Research and find the right ones for your pond.