Instant gratification with preformed fish ponds

Preformed fish ponds are one of the easist ways to get your water garden in shape. Because of handling and strength considerations they are usually limited to smaller size pools. With a sloping landscape a number of them can also be used to form a stream.

Pond Installation. After deciding the location of your new preformed fish pond, the shape of the pond must be marked out on the ground. It is best if you make the size of the hole approximately 50mm (2") larger than the actual pond size.

Dig the hole to the same depth as the pond, making sure to remove any gravel or stones because these could damage the preformed shell. If your soil is very sandy and free from stones, you may use the soil you removed to line the bottom of the hole and later backfill the area. If not it may be necessary to use some packing sand or a similar fine sand for lining and backfilling.

Your hole will now be slightly shallower than the actual depth of your fish pond. This will allow the top of the pond to sit up approximately 25mm (1") from your surrounding ground level and preventing any soil from washing over the lip and into the water. This is especially important if you are to avoid future problems with algae.

Once you have prepared your hole and tested the pond for size, use a spirit level to ensure that it is level before backfilling.

When this is done fill the pond to about one third. Check levels again and adjust if necessary. Carefully backfill the hole, packing the soil solidly to avoid movement. Continue this process in thirds until your pond is complete. Avoid standing in your pool because some rigid liners might crack.

Landscaping. Installing a pond is the major task and now your pond is level, filled with water and ready to landscape. Planting the pool with decorative and oxygenating pond plants is the most important step towards a healthy pond.

When keeping fish it is essential to have oxygenating plants such as Vallisneria, Elodea and Hornwort.

To reduce algae you must allow the water to balance out naturally without cleaning it out.This process can take up to 3 months and is helped if three quarters of the surface has plant coverage.

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