Correct design is essential for successful fish ponds. A number of factors including pond depth, positioning, pumps and filters all contributed to a habitat for fish
Fish Ponds are increasingly popular in the Australian garden and designing and building one is not that difficult, in fact you can buy a fibreglass preformed pond ready to install. However ponds for fish do require some maintenance and planning.
We provide a guide to building a fish pond, types of fish for the garden pond and basic maintenance. Popular types of fish ponds include : Native fish ponds, Koi Fish Ponds and Gold Fish Ponds.
Fish Pond Design Factors
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Location
Fish Ponds should be located away from large trees, this is to stop root invasion and to minimise leaf drop into the pond which can lower water quality. At the same time fish ponds need to have some protection from hot sun, in particular afternoon sun, so a tree that casts shade on the pond is if great value.
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Depth
Fish will do better in a deep pond where water remains cooler. Ponds need to be at least 600cm deep to allow for the water to stay cool and deep enough for water plants and fish. Consult you local council for regulations including fencing requirements.
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Plants
Make sure that when you build a fish pond that you make plant shelves. (see design illustration below) Plants not only help oxygenate the water, but they also provide a habitat that is a little more friendly and safer.
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Pumps and filters
Water circulation is important for fish ponds, pumps and filters help oxygenate the water and keep it clean. Filters need to have an efficient backwash capability.
Plants:
No fish pond is complete without plants.
Astilbe, Dicentra, Lobelia, Aquilegia, Ferns, Hostas, Rhododendrons, Rodgersia, Water lilies all do well in damp conditions.
Types of Fish for Ponds include :
- Native Fish
BLUE EYES Pacific blue-eyes, Southern blue-eye and Honey blue-eye.
GUDGEONS Firetail Gudgeons (Hypseleotris galii) Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeons and Empire Gudgeons, Gudgeons are carnivorous and are great for keeping mosquitos away.
AUSTRALIAN SMELT (Retropinna semoni)
- Koi
Japanese Carp or ‘Koi’ are a popular fish for ponds. Koi are a domesticated carp bred in Japan for many years. Koi are decorative and also a symbol of love or friendship. - Gold Fish
Carassius auratus auratus (Gold Fish) are another member of the Carp family that have been bred for ponds and aquariums for many years. Goldfish have been highly bred and include : Black Moor, Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye, Comet, Fantail, Lionhead, Oranda Pearlscale, Pompom, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Telescope eye, Ranchu, Panda Moor and Veiltail. All readily available for sale from specialist pond and aquarium fish suppliers.
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