There are many things to consider when adding a garden pond to your backyard. From the addition of fish to the types of plants, there are a lot of creative elements you have over your backyard pond to give it your own personal touch. All of these pond building decisions can be very overwhelming if you don’t have help, or at least, a basis to start from. There are various aspects that you will want to be prepared to make decisions on when the time is right. Here are some of things to consider as you begin to plan out your garden pond:
Do I want underwater lighting?
Lights can add a very calming and elegant look to your pond at night. When installed properly, the light fixtures can be easily disguised amongst the pond rocks.
What kind of plants do I want in my pond?
Aquatic plants are a major part of your ecosystem. Look at them as a biological filter. Plants use nutrients from the water which helps keep the pond clean and the water looking fresh.
If I add plants, how many should I add?
The recommended amount of plants is to have 30-50% of the surface covered. It’s always a good idea to keep a good variety of plants, such as, a mix of marginal’s, oxygenators, and a small amount of lilies.
Do I want to add Koi fish to my pond?
While it’s not mandatory to add fish, it is always encouraged. Not only do they add to the enjoyment of the pond, they also help your ecosystem balanced and your koi pond clean.
Do I want to add more than just Koi fish to my pond?
This really depends on your own personal choice. It’s possible to add goldfish because, like Koi, they are docile fish but they will still swallow a small fry if they can. Bigger species of fish are not recommended because they will eat any fish smaller than them.
Hopefully this will give you some things to start thinking about as you move forward with your pond construction. Next week we will have a few more questions that will help you maximize the enjoyment of your pond!
