Gold Fish Pond
Posted by on 3/14/2011
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Ponds
Gold Fish Pond
Landscaping can be an attractive addition to any home and installing a Gold Fish pond can give that extra touch of flair. Goldfish are extremely hardy and easy to care for making them a favorite for a backyard habitat. The ponds can be made into virtually any shape or size depending on your personal preference and are relatively easy to maintain. The basic supplies you will need are as follows: pond liners, pumps, mechanical filters, plants, drains, aerators, skimmers and biological media.
The first step in getting started is to decide on the type of pond you want to install; creating your own shape requires a flexible liner, or you can buy a preformed pond made of rigid plastic or fiberglass. Draw a line on the ground with chalk or spray paint to outline the shape of your Gold Fish pond, and keep in mind that a pond housing fish should be at least 2 feet deep. If using a flexible liner you may want to add a layer of sand about 2 inches thick to protect the liner against punctures and to help with drainage. Flexible liners should be placed so that at least 12 inches is over lapping ground level.
Maintenance of your pond can be relatively easy with the right equipment and beneficial in sustaining the well-being of your Goldfish. The pump acts as the heart of any pond, re-circulating the water and providing the power for waterfalls, fountains and filters, so be sure to purchase a quality pump for peace of mind. Aerators keep the oxygen circulating in the water while skimmers and filters are used to get rid of debris. Often times you can find pumps with aerators and skimmers attached so you won't have to purchase the items separately. Heaters are a valuable item as they will keep the water from freezing over in the colder months, which can in fact cause your fish to suffocate. Biological media should be added to make your pond fish-ready as it is used to keep water quality clean during the nitrogen cycle caused by fish waste, a crucial fact in keeping your fish healthy. Adding plants will prove both protection for your fish and beauty for your pond, and because Goldfish can be victims of predators, you may want to invest in a net cover for your pond as well. Lights and fountains can be added for extra decoration.
