Pond
A pond brings moving water, plants and fish into the garden. Get the size, circulation and seasons right, and it becomes one of the most relaxing things you can keep.
At least 2 feet for goldfish, and 3 feet or more in part of a koi pond for winter and protection from predators.
A common starting point for koi, which can grow past 2 feet long.
Move the whole pond through filtration about once an hour for koi, or every two hours for a water garden.
Fish digestion slows in cold water, so stop feeding when the pond drops below about 50°F.
Choose a style
From a patio container to a koi pond, each style trades space and upkeep for different rewards.
Plants come first: water lilies, marginals and floating plants, with a few goldfish.
A deeper, larger pond built around koi, with strong mechanical and biological filtration.
A natural pond with native plants and gently sloped edges for frogs, birds and insects.
Water tumbles down a stream or waterfall into a hidden, rock-filled basin, then recirculates.
Geometric shapes and raised walls that suit patios and modern gardens.
A watertight pot, half barrel or small tub with a fountain pump and a few plants.
Step by step
These are general guidelines. Needs vary by species, so check the specific fish and plants you plan to keep.
Choose a place you can see from the house, with sun for plants but some afternoon shade, away from heavy leaf drop and within reach of power. Call 811 before you dig to have buried utility lines marked.
Plants and a few goldfish thrive in a modest pond; koi need depth and volume. Larger ponds also hold steadier temperatures and water quality.
A flexible rubber (EPDM) liner over underlayment suits custom shapes and larger ponds. A preformed shell is quick and simple for small ones.
Size the pump for your turnover target, then add a skimmer, a biological filter (often a waterfall filter) and a UV clarifier to keep green water away.
Treat the water with a dechlorinator, add beneficial bacteria, and plant before adding fish. Plants shade the water and compete with algae for nutrients.
Add a few fish at a time. In spring, clean up and start feeding as the water warms. In fall, net out leaves and stop feeding below about 50°F. In winter, keep a hole open in the ice with a de-icer or aerator so gases can escape.
See how it works
Keep learning
When you are ready to pick out supplies, everything we carry is in one place. Questions first? Call (215) 269-4930 or visit us at 4501 New Falls Rd, Levittown.
