You would love to have your very own fish pond, but can’t think of a way to do it without tearing up the yard or spending a fortune. Having a fish pond at home is fun, entertaining and relaxing. Just thinking of sitting near a pond watching gorgeous Koi fish makes you want to run out and have one built. Hold on though! Getting a large fish pond installed in your backyard can be expensive, time-consuming and messy. Disappointed? Don’t be! You can make an inexpensive fishpond, and it doesn’t have to be a work- intensive or expensive project.
Make a Fish Pond the Easy Way
Find something large that holds water. There are a number of things that can hold sufficient water for a small Koi fish pond. Think along the lines of a horse trough, an old sink, a bathtub, a wine barrel, or even a plastic drop in. Think of something made of cement or other material that can hold water. Just make sure you use a container that can’t poison the fish. Stay away from copper, as fish don’t tolerate it well. They do seem to live well in galvanised materials, though. Just look for a container that is deep enough so that the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly. If you live in an area where there are wild animals, be sure to add something like chicken wire to the top to prevent furry friends from getting to the fish.
The aboveground container that seems to work best is the fish or cattle trough. These are made to hold water. They don’t oxidise easily, and they are inexpensive.
Once you’ve chosen your container, you’ll want to select one of the fish pond pumps available on the market. The size of the pump will depend on the size of your container. This is an important element to your pond as it keeps the water circulating, oxygenated and clean for the fish. You can also add a few water plants to the newly made pond.
Your Cost
A horse or cattle trough will probably be the most expensive item on the list. These can range from £200 to £500, depending on the size of the trough you get. A good pump will vary in price, depending on the size of the pump you need. This may range anywhere from £40.80 to £400.00. These pumps can recirculate the water to keep it clear and bacteria-free.
What Kind of Plants?
Some plants work better than others in ponds. Juncus or Mimulus Guttatus are good choices, and reed also works well in-home ponds, providing they are large enough.
Running water offers relaxation. Just think of the way you feel next to a bubbling creek or river. You can achieve that same feeling right in your very own backyard, and the best part is that this type of project doesn’t have to be expensive. You can create a beautiful fish pond for a minimal investment.
