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Thinking about a fish pond? -

A fish pond can provide much enjoyment and pleasure for all. But it's one thing to create one and quite another to maintain it, which is a mandatory task if you want to get the best out of its occupants and the habitat they live in. So here are a few tips on how to provide and look after a home for freshwater wildlife.

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Preformed plastic fish pond -

The first thing you need to do is mark out the pond shape that you want. Pictured is a sand contour with a marking pegs layout for a preformed plastic pond insert. You do this before digging the hole.

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Building your pond -

Opting for a preformed plastic pond is the easiest and most convenient way of building a pond.

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Taking shape -

As you dig out the garden and shape the preformed pond's stepped outline, be sure to check the horizontal plane using a spirit level.

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Add the mold -

A handy tip when using a preformed pond is to fill it with some water as you're fitting the mold into the ground. This lends weight to the structure and keeps it in place.

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Landscape the perimeter -

One you've sunk the preformed pond, landscape the perimeter with stones and pebbles. This reinforces the mold and creates extra adhesion.

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Wildlife pond -

A wildlife pond differs from a fish pond in that it's far more shallow in dimensions and designed to attract aquatic fauna. These ponds can be easily built by removing turf, but not digging too deep. A strong rubber liner (pictured) is essential. Make sure the ground is free of sharp stones.

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Adding water -

In an ideal world, you'd collect rainwater and fill your pond this way. But when this is impractical, tap water will usually suffice. But beware! Many tap waters contain chlorine, which is harmful to most fish in high doses. Test beforehand the pH level of your tap water to check if it is safe for your fish or other animals.

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Use test strips -

You can purchase pond water test strips that measure everything you need for regular testing of your pond water or even tap water. These strips measure the most important levels, including pH, nitrite, carbonate hardness, and general hardness to maintain ideal water conditions.

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Add plants -

Plant life not only enhances the look of a pond, but it's vital for the well-being of fish and other aquatic fauna. Where possible add local, native, or wild sourced plants to the habitat. Some categories of non-invasive plants that you should consider growing include oxygenators, marginals, floaters, and marshes. Water lettuce (pictured) is ideal for controlling nutrient levels in pond water and for providing some shady cover for fish.

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Aquatic flora -

Water lilies look beautiful in water gardens, large and small. They can also help keep a backyard pond healthy; the shade they provide helps shelter fish and keep the water looking crystal clear by preventing algae from growing.

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Introducing new fish to a pond -

Remember, the type of fish that you choose really depends on how large your pond is, not only in terms of length and width, but also in depth. When you're happy that optimum water quality has been reached and the ideal temperature achieved, it's time to introduce your fish to their new home. This is done carefully by inserting each fish into the pond while still packaged in a plastic fish bag filled with water. The bag floats on the surface while the water within slowly adjusts to the outside temperature of the pond. After 45 minutes or so, slowly release the fish.

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Monitor the residents -

Monitor the new fish closely for the first week, paying particular attention to water quality via your test kit and checking that the filter is working correctly.

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Maintaining pumps and filters -

Biological pond water filters are used to maintain a healthy pond by keeping it clear of algae and other organic debris. When cleaning them, do so partially to avoid killing all bacteria which are useful in breaking down ammonia and other compounds.

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Maintaining fountains and lines -

Over time, lines and fountains suffer from limescale and algae bloom. Maintain when necessary using chemicals to remove the limescale and algaecides to kill the algae.

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Check water levels -

It's important to maintain water levels, especially in periods of drought and low precipitation. Top up with clean water (but again, avoid tap water unless properly screened by your test kit).

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Temperature control -

Maintaining the correct temperature of your pond throughout the seasons is also vital. Beware of rising water temperatures in summer. Counter this by sprinkling or spraying cold water into the pond. And try shading the pond using a large parasol. In winter, ice can form on the pond surface lowering the water temperature. Drop a thermostat into the water to bring the temperature to optimum levels.

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Controlling algae growth -

Aquatic vegetation flourishes during summer months when there is plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures. This vegetation includes algae. While beneficial in ponds, excessive algae growth can be harmful. Adding lettuce and hyacinth helps because they gobble up large qualities of the nutrients that sustain algae.

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Clearing pond algae -

Algae can be physically removed using a rake. You can also introduce cover plants like lilies which minimize the amount of light reaching the algae.

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Reducing algae growth -

Algaecides are the most effective method of controlling algae. One even turns the water surface black, reducing the amount of light reaching the algae, thus stunting its growth.

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Surviving the winter months -

We've already touched upon maintaining optimum water temperature during the chilly winter season by using a thermostat. But it's also very important to provide  adequate aeration for your fish. This is done by the aforementioned fountains, or bubblers and suchlike. In winter, however, without the creation of a small hole in the ice to allow for air circulation, your fish run the risk of freezing.

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Invest in an ice preventer -

Invest in an ice preventer. This stops the surface of a pond freezing over totally during winter.

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Pond rockery -

A well-maintained fish pond adds an appealing visual aspect to any garden. And the great thing is you can landscape around it by building a rockery, which in turn provides purchase for a host of non-aquatic plants and insects.

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Decorative garden pond lights -

Underwater lights add a pleasing and romantic perspective to any garden pond. These lights are generally safe for fish and will not harm them. But remember, it's healthy for fish to have a cycle of light and darkness, so lights shouldn’t be left on 24/7.

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Ultrasonic fogger -

Some people enhance the mood of their ponds with an ultrasonic fogger. These machines essentially make mist that floats across the water's surface. It works by sending a vibration into the water. The water can't move in time with the oscillation and breaks down into small droplets, which then transform into vapor.

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Install a pond net -

Installing a pond net across your pond prevents debris entering the water. It is especially effective in fall, when dead leaves litter the garden. In water they can decompose quickly to compromise the clean and safe environment under the surface.

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Pond guard -

A pond net might not be enough to deter a hungry cat and other predators. Instead, think about purchasing something made out of a more robust mesh.

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Maintain the area around your pond -

The area around your pond should be kept clean and tidy. This allows easier access to the water should you need to remove excess algae for example, or check on the welfare of the residents.

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Pond fauna -

A clean, fresh water garden pond will attract all sorts of critters, among them frogs.

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Aquatic insects -

Expect a host of insects to inspect your pond, especially in spring. Dragonflies are among the more striking visitors. On the water's surface, water beetles often congregate, as do snails and pond-skaters.

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Enjoy your fish pond -

So by following the simple tips outlined, you should enjoy healthy happy fish in a pristine environment at any time of year.

Sources; (Dengarden) (Freshwater Habitats Trust) (Maidenhead Aquatics) (RSPB) 

See also: Ways to make your backyard kid-friendly

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