2torial #0693:
Learn2 Build a Garden Pond

There's goldfish in them there ponds

If you're searching for a way to make your backyard a little less like, well, a backyard, how about adding a pond? With the right tools, it's easier than you might think, and the rewards are well worth the effort. With a few aquatic plants and a school of goldfish, your yard can become a magical, miniature ecosystem--the perfect spot for you to relax, and for a variety of wildlife to set up a home.

There are many types of man-made ponds--from concrete- or fiberglass-bottomed constructions to ponds with electric water filters and pumps. This 2torial explains how to set up a non-circulating pond using a flexible pond liner, with goldfish as the primary inhabitants (other outdoor fish, such as koi, require special pond features not outlined in this 2torial). Non-circulating means that the pond's water isn't mechanically agitated--and therefore oxygenated--with a pump. Rather, the water is agitated and oxygenated through a variety of aquatic plants.

The main benefit of a non-circulating pond is that you don't have to install and maintain a pump and filter system, which can be expensive and time-consuming. The drawbacks are that the pond can safely sustain only a limited number of fish (depending on the water volume), that the water quality isn't as clear as ponds with pumps and filters, and that you'll have to perform some regular water maintenance. However, if you build this type of pond, you can add a pump and filter later on if you want. Consult an outdoor aquarium supply store for possibilities.

Note: Be aware of building codes and property laws in your area. Consult your local planning commission to see if any permits or fees are required to begin construction.