Q&A for How to Make a Backyard Fish Pond

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Question

Can I excavate a pond on my own?

Scott Johnson
Landscape & Design Consultant
Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University.

Scott Johnson

Landscape & Design Consultant

Expert Answer

If your yard is full of rocky soil, it's probably going to be pretty hard to do this since you're going to need jackhammers and special tools. If your yard is full of sandy loam or some other soft soil, you can probably do it yourself. The excavation part of this process is typically the hardest part, so you may need to hire a crew to do this.

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Question

Can we put 4 inch tilapia with our goldfish and koi?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Depending on the hiding spots, a few 4 inch Tilapia would most likely survive, but they would quickly grow into a predator, most likely eating all the pretty fish.

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Question

How can I covert a holding tank into a pond?

Community Answer

Make it watertight. Epoxy is a good starting point.

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Question

Can I use a pool filter as a filter for the pond?

Community Answer

Yes, I have done it in the past and it worked great. I used a large old cast iron bath tub and fit the tubing in it. The fish did really well.

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Question

Can I put an arapaima in the pond?

Community Answer

You could, but arapaima get very big, so you would need a huge pond to keep even a single arapaima. Also, it would be a good idea to check your local laws on fish keeping as arapaima are generally considered endangered and might not be legal to keep.

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Question

What is an aerator filter?

Community Answer

Aerators and filters are two different devices. A filter cleans the water while an aerator puts oxygen into the water, usually by agitating the surface. An aerator filter might be a filter that also helps to add oxygen. Most filters agitate the water surface enough that aerators aren't needed, but a large pond or aquarium might need additional aeration to keep the water healthy for the fish.

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Question

Where can I buy salmon for my fish pond in Uganda?

Community Answer

You should check online! There are various websites that will ship around the world.

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Question

We just discovered a concrete pond that was covered to the top in dirt. The problem is there are cracks in it. Would it be best to put a liner in it or patch it up?

Community Answer

Patch first -- that'll be cheaper. If the patch doesn't do the trick, you can always follow up with a pond liner.

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Question

Is it compulsory to put soil at the bottom of the pond?

Community Answer

It really doesn't matter. You could use sand, gravel, Eco Earth substrate, and many others.

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Question

Can I use a non-working spa as a liner for my fish pond?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as there are no chemicals left on it or crevices fish can get stuck in. Make sure the temperature is suitable for the fish you want, too.

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Question

How easy is it to maintain a backyard pond in West Texas?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of pond you have and how much work you want to put into it.

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Question

Can I have a fish pond 3 feet deep? There are children at my house who cannot swim.

Community Answer

Of course! But it depends on what type of fish you want. Some fish like koi and goldfish would be an excellent choice (also tiger barbs, blue acaras, and ciclids of any type).

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Question

How can I cover mud pond from birds?

Community Answer

Use a net to cover the pond. If you want to let in other animals, use wooden planks to lift the net above the ground. Build an opening in the wood.

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Question

How cold can it be outside before my goldfish are in danger?

Community Answer

Try not to let it slip below 65 degrees. They can survive and hibernate in colder temperatures though, even below freezing, as long as they have plenty of oxygen.

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Question

How big should it be for my three goldfish?

Mel K

Top Answerer

The pond should be at least one hundred gallons or more for three goldfish.

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