experience needed for setting up a garden pond for the first time

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StuartLawrence

Registered Member
May 9, 2013
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Hey guys,

I live on Long Island, New York and I am planning on installing a pond in my backyard which is new to me. I would like to know which way to go, pond kit, preformed tub or a liner. I would prefer the easiest method and the least costly. I would like the pond to have fish, plants, and maybe a waterfall. I am thinking of going with a size of around more or less 200 gallons, around 4-6 ft width and maybe 8 foot length, and around 2 ft depth. I plan on doing the installation my self except for the electrical part where I would get an electrician.


Any information that you can give me on doing this project would be greatly appreciated.


Thank You.
 
Are you planning on having fish in there year round? If so, I'd imagine a 2 foot depth would be unsuitable for most fish, considering your winters.

Also, 4 x 8 x 2 feet is going to be about 480 gallons, and a 6 foot width would bump it up to about 720. I don't know if that's going to impact your decision making process, since that's at least twice your 200 gallon thought.
 
I greatly appreciate your help.

I plan on having fish year round. The temperature gets down to 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit on the coldest winter days.

When you see the size of a liner does that mean you can make the pond as deep as you want and as wide and long as you want?

What size pond do you recommend for the fish to survive (length, width, depth)? Space is not an issue for me. Are there any negatives with going with a deeper pond? Would 4 feet deep be better or do I need deeper?

How soon should I get an electrician? Which place would you recommend that I purchase the pond and equipment from?

looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank You.
 
Three feet depth is pretty standard in the Philadelphia area which is comparable in climate. You're a bit further north, but closer to the ocean, so it's about a wash. No disadvantage to going deeper if somebody else is digging the hole! If you want Koi and not just Goldfish size is more critical. They get well over 2' long so they need a bit of room. 8' x 4' is ok for a couple of Koi. When you size a liner what you want to do is add twice the total depth of the pond to the longest dimension and to the shortest dimension, and add 2 feet to each of those to allow some overlap. So if your pond is 4' x 8' x 3' you'll want a liner at least 12' x 16', which would likely mean a 15' x 20' if you're buying precut.
 
You may want to consider some type of netting on top of the pond. Being on long island, you will be exposing these fish to Aquatic Birds such as cranes, egrets, etc. I had a buddy who had a home made goldfish pond in Queens. Eventually got picked clean by the birds. If not a netting, include plenty of hiding spots and get a good dog!
 
SubRosa said:
Three feet depth is pretty standard in the Philadelphia area which is comparable in climate. You're a bit further north, but closer to the ocean, so it's about a wash. No disadvantage to going deeper if somebody else is digging the hole! If you want Koi and not just Goldfish size is more critical. They get well over 2' long so they need a bit of room. 8' x 4' is ok for a couple of Koi. When you size a liner what you want to do is add twice the total depth of the pond to the longest dimension and to the shortest dimension, and add 2 feet to each of those to allow some overlap. So if your pond is 4' x 8' x 3' you'll want a liner at least 12' x 16', which would likely mean a 15' x 20' if you're buying precut.
Click to expand...
Oops! I shouldn't have said to add twice the total depth to the shortest dimension. If it's perfectly rectangular that will work, but it the shape is in anyway irregular, sub in " add twice the total depth to the widest point of the pond".
 
I strongly suggest listening to "The Prince of Ponds" podcast to get an earful of facts regarding this matter. It may seem cheesy at first but you'll be given loads of information needed to have a successful water garden that will last. Starting with episode one is highly advised.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Thanks. I've never seen any Heron's where I live. Do you think it's possible that I could build my own pond or do I need help with it.

I know nothing about construction except for planting trees and shrubs. I spoke to a professional pond installer and he quoted me a price that was way above my limitations. How much would it cost if I built the pond myself? I don't plan on having Koi.

Would 3 feet be deep enough for goldfish, mosquito fish, tad poles? I'm now considering a pond length of about 10-12 feet length and a width of 6 feet.

How much in total will I be expecting to pay if I install the pond myself (electrician, pump, filter, liner, rocks, plants, waterfall.)

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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