Your pond has been dug and the liner and filter boxes have been installed, along with whatever pond edging you have chosen (pavers, natural stone, bricks, etc.). Remember, when digging your pond make sure to dig at least 24 inches deep if you plan to overwinter fish in northern areas, otherwise the pond will freeze to the bottom. All set? Now you can begin adding components to your water feature.
Fountains, Waterfalls, and Rocks (oh my!)
If you are installing a fountain, place it on a suitable base to elevate it to the correct height above the future surface of the water.
If you are building a waterfall, you will probably want to start installing the rocks now, as this is easier when there is no water to contend with; you can always tweak the arrangement later.
If you plan to add fish, you will need to construct some simple fish caves at this time, usually at the bottom of the pond, to give the fish somewhere to hide.
Now you can begin filling the pond, and can continue arranging any rock scape you have chosen as it fills. Turn on the pump and continue to fill until the water reaches the desired depth. If you are adding water plants, you may do so at this time, though you should wait 24 to 36 hours before adding any animals.
Plants
Pond plants are essential to help keep oxygen at an optimum level.
Water lilies are the most popular water plant, not only for the flowers, but also for the large leaves that float on the surface of the water, providing shelter for fish. Lilies can be left in the pond year-round.
Other plants to consider are sweet flag, lobelia cardinalis, horse tail, and pickerel
Water hyacinth and water cabbage are quite fun, as they are floaters that move around on the surface of the water. Be careful, though - sometimes they end up in the filter boxes if the boxes are not checked daily.
When buying plants from a garden center, make sure they can be overwintered in your pond, as some water plants have to be taken inside to survive very cold weather.
Fish and Other Animals
Remember to wait 24 to 36 hours after filling your pond before you add fish and other animals!
How many can your pond hold? The general formula for maximum carrying capacity of the pond is one inch of fish per square foot of surface. Remember that the fish will grow, so you will have to consider their maximum size in your calculation.
The most common and colorful pond fish are koi.
There are several types of koi, and some are expensive, so it’s up to you and your budget which ones will suit your needs.
Koi like a fairly clean environment, so it is important to make sure the filters are cleaned regularly; sediment and green algae rob the water of oxygen and the fish will struggle to survive.
The more you feed fish, the more waste is generated, so frugal feeding is best.
Other species of fish that are a good choice include golden orfe, shubunkin, fancy goldfish and even flathead minnows. All these species of fish will live together in harmony.
No pond is complete without a couple of frogs or a toad or two. These creatures are voracious eaters of mosquitoes, devouring hundreds per day, and their calls are interesting to listen to.
Water snails are also a good addition to the pond, as they eat algae and detritus, but remember that they only live about three years.
Insects and birds will be drawn to your pond including dragonflies, water boatmen (which seem to skim over the surface of the water), butterflies and even hummingbirds, all drawn to the microenvironment you have created.
Lighting
As your pond gives you hours of enjoyment during the day, it can also do the same at night. Installing low voltage lighting below and above the surface of the pond can create a totally different world. Different colored lenses can give you an array of colors from red, yellow, blue and green to white. You can up light, down light, use spot lights, or any combinations you choose. If you like to entertain in the evenings, pond lighting is a must-have! Be sure to include it during the planning stage of your pond if you can, as post-construction installation is much more difficult.
Finishing Touches
If you haven’t already done so, you can install pathways, benches, statuary and landscape plantings near the finished pond. A small patio with a café table and a couple of chairs close enough to the pond to see and hear your creation is wonderfully relaxing.
Now wasn’t it all worth it?
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