Fish pond and water feature

JoTM

A pond liner, sand, pebbles, water plants and pavers were used to create a pond, water feature and garden paving.

The project

It has always been a dream of mine to have a water feature and fish pond in my garden so I could enjoy the calming sound of water, attract wildlife and create a mini-ecosystem. I was up for the challenge and got to work with absolutely no idea what I was doing.

I really put my heart and soul into it. The fish are very happy. In fact, I’ve got six babies already. The trickling water sounds amazing - not overpowering and very relaxing.

I’m really happy with it and I can honestly say it was well worth all the sweat and tears along the way. An excavator would have come in handy though!

Steps

Step 1

Measure the area and decide on the ideal preform pond.

Step 2

Start digging. Keep digging! And smile even though you have no idea what you're doing!

Step 3

Line base of hole with landscaping sand ensuring it's level. Use a spirit level to ensure the preformed pond is 100% level vertically and horizontally. Then pack in the sides with more landscaping sand and ensure there are no air holes - pack it in tightly!

Step 4

Line the base of pond with river pebble stones and start filling with water.

Step 5

Time to have fun with rocks and setting up the filter and water pump. I created a cascade effect with tubing running from the filter and into an old urn I found in a neighbour's hard refuse. I used AquaPro pre-packed pond liner under the pebbles and rock and draped it into the preformed pond liner. Also add AquaPro pond treatment and conditioner to the water!

Step 6

Now the exciting moment arrives... Time to introduce the fish and start adding plants.

Step 7

Having finished the pond I thought about how good it would be to add a path so I would avoid walking over the lawn to access the pond. So, more digging! 

Here I used charcoal Brighton Masonry pavers 400 x 200 x 40mm and Brighton Masonry pavers 200 x 200 x 40mm and more landscaping sand.

Step 8

Finished off the pavers using Dingo Power lock polymer paving sand.

My Fish Pond

Happy Days 🙂

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Pond liner
• Landscaping sand
• Riverstone pebbles
• Pond treatment and conditioner
• UV Filter
• Water pump
• Plants.

Tools used in the project:

• Shovel
• Hoe
• Spirit level.

Help and inspiration for your fish pond or water feature project

Bunnings Workshop member Prawns created a backyard fish pond as a potential home for fish and frogs.

Community member Herrenovacation used plastic basins and PVC piping to build a frog hotel and lily pond.

Experienced community member Adam shared step-by-step guides How to create a pond in a pot and How to install a garden pond. 

Dave-1

Good afternoon @JoTM 

Absolutly love your pond! 😀 That is some decent effort in digging it out and installing it, well worth it tho! 🙂

I have ideas for my own pond/stream and have always wanted to know how that AquaPro pre-packed pond liner stands up to time, How long has yours lasted and does it seem tough enough?

Dave