Fish Pond Design Ideas

Find our Fish Pond Design Ideas for you in this application.

Size Matters

Make sure that your pond has a water surface area of 3 square feet for each small fish you plan to keep, and a depth of at least 30 inches, which will provide an ice-free place for them in winter.

Choose Plants

Include mixed plantings in your pond to create a beautiful and healthy environment for both fish and plants. Choose water lilies to partially cover the surface, and leafy marginals that sit just below the water at the pond edges. Also add some oxygenators, which help keep the water clear. Together, these regulate the water temperature on hot days and their roots take up fish waste matter, helping maintain the biological balance. In addition to those featured in this pond, try the tough plants opposite in your pool.

Plant Your Pond

Fish root around plants for food, and dig them up if they aren't planted carefully. Plant in aquatic baskets and cover the soil surface with small pebbles to keep the fish at bay. Water lilies and other floating foliage plants are essential, providing the fish with shade and hiding them from predators, such as herons.

Introduce Fish

Fish are sensitive to changes in temperature, so acclimatize them to their new pond. Float the bag in which you bought them on the water and open the top to allow more air inside. After about 20 minutes, gently release the fish into the pond. Don't worry if fish hide for a few days, they will soon appear when they have adjusted to their new home.

Fish-Friendly Planting

The best fish for small ponds are common goldfish and shubunkins, while koi require larger pools and special filters. All fish feed on pond plants, so choose tough types that will regenerate easily when munched.

It's important to realize that fish need shade. If your pond location is in direct sunlight consider growing floating plants like water lilies. Half of the ponds surface should be shaded to provide koi with a comfortable place where they can escape the sunlight. Another benefit of floating plants is that they provide a place for the fish to hide from predators.

Water plants are an essential element of a koi pond. Aquatic plants help balance the ecosystem, creating a more natural home for the fish. Some plants are oxygenators, meaning they will release oxygen into the water, which the fish can then breathe.

Filtration

A good pond filter will help keep your pond clear and clean. Koi produce a significant amount of waste, making a filter a necessity. There are two types of filtration: mechanical and biological.

Mechanical filtration traps debris and fish waste. Pump baskets, bottom drains and skimmers are all good for mechanical filtration. Biological filtration utilizes beneficial bacteria to convert toxins into harmless substances.

Aeration

Fish need oxygen to survive. Depending on the size of your pond, the amount of plants growing and the number of fish you may need to consider aeration. Aeration is a process in which oxygen is circulated through pond water.

Waterfalls and fountains are two pleasing ways to aerate a pond. The motion of the water will allow oxygen to circulate naturally. However, you may also want to consider installing equipment that will help aerate your pond. Aeration pumps or jets are especially beneficial if you live in a hot climate or have large fish.

Water Quality

The quality of your pond water will have an impact on the health of your fish. You'll want to keep a close eye on water temperatures and pH levels. Ideal water temperature for koi is 39° to 68° F. The deeper your pond is the easier it will be to regulate the temperature. The best pH level for a koi pond is between 7.0 and 7.8.

Be aware that chlorine is harmful to koi, it will burn your fishes gills and possibly lead to death. For this reason you must wait at least a week after filling your pond for the chlorine to dissipate before stocking it with fish. If you don't want to wait you may purchase a dechlorinator from a local pet store.