How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?
The tools you will need are a shovel, pond liner and underlayment, a long enough rope, coping stones and decorations, plants, a pump (you will need a pump to run a filter, fountain, or waterfall and it will keep the water circulating and the plants healthy), a filter system and some cooperative friends or family members. Now you can get started.
Time to choose
Several options are available and you could actually build a goldfish pond in a day, depending on the size you want it to be. Begin by deciding where in the garden you would like a goldfish pond.
* It should be near your house, as that would make it more accessible to power supply sockets.
* It should not be at the end of a sloping garden because when it rains all the water along with the chemicals from the garden would run into the pond.
* It should not be under too much of shade, as a pond needs at least four hours of sunlight.
* It shouldn't be very near trees as the falling leaves and debris would fall in and clog the pond. You would be cleaning up all the time.
Time to dig
* Decide on the shape and size of the pond. Use the rope to outline the shape you want and then begin digging. That's why you need a couple of helping hands so that the work gets done faster!
* Do not go for a small pond for goldfish because they need space. Also try and keep different levels of depth, as in a swimming pool. Mark out the shallow areas and the deeper areas. This would give the pool a natural variety.
* Usually ponds in moderate climates should be at least 2 feet deep while in more colder climates, you would need to make sure that the pond is deep enough to allow for at least 12" to 16" of water below the freeze zone.
* Dig according to the shape you want and dig a shelf-like level around the perimeter of the pond, which is about one foot deep and one foot wide. Also make provisions for a waterfall by digging a slight slope to one end.
* Time now to position the external pond filters. If you have pond skimmers as well, then you would need to place and level these in the proper places. Also dig a ditch to the external pond pump from the skimmer and from the pump to the external pond filter or waterfall.
Time to line
* Now you have to line the pond with what is called as Pond Underlayment. This is a lining that can be cut according to the shape needed and can be taped together. This underlayment will help the pond lining to stay in place.
* You can now put the rubber pond liner into pond and spread it out.
* Make sure you smoothen the folds and position it evenly. Some folds will still be there but the water will take care of that.
Time for filters and waterfalls
* As the lining is in place, you must now get the Pond waterfalls and streams positioned. Place them to spill directly into the pond and put the pond liner against the pond filter.
* You can use a stone and secure it to the liner with mortar or expandable foam. This will hold back the water allow it to spill over the stone creating the waterfall.
Time to connect Now you will have to do all the connections as in connect the pond liner to the skimmer and position all the pipes and tubing according to the instructions given.
Time to decorate
* You're almost done. Use the copingstones to edge the outline the pond by arranging them around the pond folding the pond liner up behind the stone, slightly above the water level. (Use the mortar to if you feel the stones are not heavy enough to be stable). Add some shrubs around the edges too.
* You can create a cobblestone beach edging with gravel and cobbles.
* Make it look as natural as possible and keep a lot of plants to add on later, once the water is in.
Fill it up!
* Open the tap and fill it up with water till it is a few inches from the top and then make corrections if necessary to ensure that the pond is level. As the pond is filling remove wrinkles and make folds as necessary.
* Add dechlorinator to the pond to remove any chlorine or chloramines.
* Put in the gravel and plant the root plants into the gravel or with some soil still attached into the gravel. Plants should be added immediately after the pond is ready. Make sure you plant enough of Anacharis, as this plant helps to fight the algae and is like a natural filter. Put in water lilies as they help to shade the fish.
* Also add packaged bacteria to seed the pond filter and pond.
Point to note: Do not add the goldfish right after you build the tank. You must allow the pond to cycle and create the bacteria and other sustenance needed to support the fish. Introduce you goldfish into the pond after several weeks.
Dane Stanton - www.goldfish-secrets.com
Dane Stanton is an expert on goldfish health care. To visit his website visit www.goldfish-secrets.com for more information on Goldfish care and other aquarium related topics. *Recommended*
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs.... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More
Pet |