Introducing fish into a pond

What could be more pleasant than watching the bright and colorful movements of fish in a pond? They help to control the growth of algae and mosquitoes and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Let's see when and how to introduce them into a pond so that they live happily.

A question of volume

Before thinking of introducing your fish, it is necessary to evaluate the volume of the pond in order not to overcrowd it and to install adapted species.

Another parameter to take into account is the depth, because in regions where it freezes in winter, the layer of ice can be thick, which does not pose a major problem for certain species as long as the depth is sufficient so that the fish are not caught in the ice. A minimum depth of 50 cm is required for small species in areas where freezing temperatures are prevalent.

When should I introduce fish into my pond?

The ideal time to introduce fish is during the summer months after the last frost. Spring and summer are good times to bring fish into the pond.

If you have just built your pond, wait at least 1 month after filling it before introducing your fish so that the water has acquired a good biological balance.

Planting aquatic plants beforehand is a plus because they oxygenate and purify the water, the fish will be able to hide there, lay eggs and enjoy their beneficial shade.

How do I get fish for my pond?

• Do not take fish from the natural biotope (lake, river, pond...) to introduce them into your pond.
• When buying fish, always check the sanitary conditions of the point of sale. The aquariums must be clean and no sick fish must be present at the risk of contaminating the others.
• Choose lively fish with well-developed fins and no suspicious blotches.
• The gills should not be red or excessively expanded.
• The fish should swim briskly between two waters. Avoid fish that are apathetic, stay on the surface or too deep (except for bottom cleaning species).

Which fish for my pond?

Depending on the volume of the pond and the climate, various species can be introduced, but make sure that they are compatible with each other because some fish are carnivorous and will not hesitate to attack others.

Let's start with the most common species and probably the easiest to raise at first: the goldfish.

The goldfish

Goldfish are gregarious animals that enjoy the company of others of their kind. Introduce at least 3 fish at a time to your pond. The classic species (Carassius auratus) has the advantage of being able to withstand the cold and adapt to the size of the pond by stopping its growth. A goldfish can live 25 to 30 years and reach 40 cm in length in large ponds. Whatever the size of the pond, provide at least 0.3 m³ of water per fish. Beware of ornamental varieties such as sail tails or fish with bulging eyes (Lorgnette de Ciel, Uranoscope, telescope...) which are much more fragile and require much more heat than the typical species.

The melanot fish

Melanotas are easy to live with and do not fear the cold. Silver in color, they move briskly creating reflections under the surface of the water.

The Ide is a gregarious fish that needs others of its kind to be happy, introduce 5 ides at a time to the pond.

The Ide can live more than 20 years and reach 75 cm in length. Allow 1 m³ of water per fish and a depth of at least 80 cm of water.

Koi carp

The legendary Koi carp need the same volume of water as the Ide per fish. Revered in Japan, these colorful carp can reach 80 cm in length and weigh 8 kg.

This fish can withstand cold weather and live up to 50 years without worry, but the pond must be deep enough (at least 1.20 m).

Sturgeon

The sturgeon is to be reserved for very large ponds because it can reach more than 3 meters in length for a weight of 300 kg. A total size of 25 m² and a depth of at least 1.20 m is required to accommodate this fish, which can withstand the cold very well in good conditions.

How do I introduce fish into my pond?

Introduce one species at a time, in small groups if the species is gregarious.

If there are already fish in the pond, make sure to choose a compatible species and introduce the new fish in small numbers.

Do not empty the bag of fish directly into the pond. Put it in the pond water for about half an hour to allow the temperature to adjust and the fish to get used to their new environment.

Then open the bag and add some water to the pond.

Wait another hour or so before releasing your fish.

Choosing the right fish for your pond

You have an ornamental pond and dream of putting fish in it. Questions then arise about the choice of species, their number and of course their possible agreement.

Fish in my pond

Subtle shimmering or brightly colored, fish complete the pond with their pleasant presence. The species chosen should be based on several criteria:

Cold resistance

In an outdoor pond, temperatures can sometimes drop to very low levels, so it is important to choose fish that are adapted to this situation. Avoid the original varieties of goldfish, such as the "Comêtes" with their beautiful sail-like fins, the black "Black Moor" with bulging eyes, or the "Tête de Lion". Choose hardy species such as the classic goldfish (Carassius auratus), Koi carp or sturgeon which are very resistant to cold.

The depth of the pond

If it freezes, the fish must be able to find refuge in the depths of a pond to avoid being caught in the ice. In cold regions the pond should be at least 80 cm deep to accommodate fish. Some species need depth throughout the year, such as the ide melanote or the sturgeon.

The agreement

Be careful, you should always ask before introducing a new species in a pond already inhabited. Some fish are very combative, others will have no qualms about eating other fish. So beware!

The volume of the pond

It is important to keep in mind that fish need space to live in harmony. For a small pond, prefer the classic goldfish which will be satisfied with 0.1 m³ per fish. This hardy fish has the ability to adapt its size to the space available. Koi carp will need much more space as three of them will need a volume of 5 m³. The ide melanote which is gregarious and needs other individuals of its species to survive as well as the sturgeon will only be introduced in very large ponds offering a surface of at least 20m² and a good depth.

Availability

The majority of the fishes require only limited care. Clean water and a well-maintained pond with a good ecological balance should be sufficient for their needs. Nevertheless, even if the fish feed on larvae, plants or algae, it will be necessary to distribute some food regularly. In winter, feeding will be much less restrictive or even non-existent except for sturgeon which must be fed all year long with special pellets. It is thus one of the most constraining fish.

Vegetating a pond

Whether it was created from scratch or is natural, a pond sometimes needs some small adjustments to accommodate both useful and ornamental plants.

What does revegetation consist of?

Revegetation is a term that designates the action of introducing non spontaneous plants into a specific environment. In the specific case of the pond, the plants used will be mainly aquatic. They will be chosen according to depth criteria, but also for their filtration and water purification properties in order to create a perfectly balanced biotope that will hardly need any maintenance. Let's not forget the ornamental side which should not be neglected to combine the useful with the pleasant!

A little help for nature

It is quite possible to let nature take over, but the result on an artificial pond is likely to be disappointing and very long to obtain.

A tarpaulin-covered soil does not allow for the immediate establishment of natural plants due to the lack of substrate. It will be necessary to integrate it beforehand to obtain a beautiful result quickly. Another parameter: the balance. It is much easier to balance the water by introducing cleaning, purifying and oxygenating plants. Some are spectacular or original and will add a touch of charm to the pond.

When and how to plant a pond?

The best time to plant is between March and June, depending on the hardiness of the species chosen. The plants then begin their growth period, and the temperature will soon allow for optimal development.

Always prefer to buy plants in containers rather than bare root plants which will have more difficulty to grow.

The ideal substrate should be composed of gravel, sand and good fertile soil. In the case of an artificial pond, it is preferable to prepare it before the water is put in to cover the walls. Don't forget to create "tiers" so that each plant can benefit from optimal growing conditions. Wait a couple of weeks before setting up the plants.

Start by installing the submerged plants, if necessary by emptying the pond a little. Plant according to the required depth directly in the substrate or in baskets weighted with stones. The baskets allow you to take out the most fragile plants during the bad season in order to protect them from freezing.

Then install border plants to create an attractive decor and maintain the banks. Wildlife will find it a peaceful refuge.

Then place floating plants on the surface of the pond, they will grow quickly.

What plants should be placed in a pond?

There is a wide choice, but we will only mention certain plants for their exceptional cleaning or ornamental qualities.

For the natural treatment of water, think of cattails, scirpus, phragmites or Phalaris but also Elodea and bladderworts.

For their outstanding ornamental qualities, pseudocarpus irises, water lilies, nelumbos and water hyacinths will have no equal.

Also consider decorating the banks with water marigolds (Caltha palustris), purple loosestrife, astilbe or even exuberant gunnere. The decor will be just as you expect!

A pond for what purpose?

A pond in a garden is much more than a simple ornamental piece. If you are lucky enough to have a place to build it, don't hesitate! It will contribute to the ecological balance of your garden.

Creating a pond

Formerly present only in the parks of castles, the pond becomes nowadays accessible to all. Garden centers, Internet sites and specialized stores offer a wide range of products allowing everyone to build a pond at home. Technically it is not very complicated, financially, a small pond is accessible to all. The interests are so numerous that it would be a shame not to be tempted!

A bewitching power

A pond in a garden is a window to the dream. The water reflects the sky and moves with the slightest breeze. With the gentle splashing of water jets or waterfalls, the soothing sounds and the serene vision of the ballet of fish, the pond is undoubtedly a place for contemplation. All that remains is to install a chaise-longue or a bench nearby to fully enjoy this soothing spectacle.

A piece of Nature

A pond makes it possible to recreate a part of nature in the closed space that constitutes the garden. Water is an essential element for life and a small pond will attract a number of animals that will settle in your home full time. Some of them are auxiliaries necessary to the good balance of the garden, others will constitute a source of food for them, others still will come to pollinate the surrounding plants.

Pond plants, in addition to their undeniable ornamental aspect, will serve as filters and natural purifiers for the pond water. If the pond is large enough, you can add fish that will be happy to eliminate mosquito larvae.

The pond will soon be full of life, ensuring the balance of the garden.

Fun and educational

Children are always amazed by the presence of a pond; what a pleasure to observe frogs basking in the sun on a water lily leaf, to contemplate the iridescent reflections of dragonflies, to be astonished by the slides of water spiders. A whole world opens up to them, provoking curiosity and questions. If the adults take the time to be interested in the life of the pond with them, it is then a joy to share and live together moments that will remain engraved in the head of the children for many years.

A pond with barrels

Why not use half barrels of recovery to realize an original set of ponds with a circulation between them by a system of overflow? It will be of the most beautiful effect near your terrace.

Preparation of the barrels

Take oak barrels cut in half in perfect condition (dimensions for the example of 70cm diameter by 45cm height, it is possible to find some in garden centers).

If the barrels have contained wine, it is necessary to proceed to a complete cleaning and rinsing stage. Then, to ensure a good watertightness of the interior, you can either place a pond liner cut to the right size and fixed around the perimeter or coat the interior with several layers of flexible resin. If there is aquatic life present, it is best to choose a food grade resin or a pond liner.

Installation of the barrels

Choose a shady spot in the garden during the hottest part of the summer. Sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is preferable, it will limit evaporation and the development of green algae. Know that water lilies need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom.

To create a water feature between the half barrels, place them with a height difference of about 10 cm. Then position the barrels with a spirit level.

The highest barrel has a hole in it to allow for drainage to the lower barrel. The hole corresponds to the outside diameter of a piece of bamboo for water circulation. The hole with the bamboo can be sealed with colorless putty.

To allow water to circulate, use a small pump submerged in the lower pond that returns the water to the upper barrel.

Placement of aquatic plants

Place the plants in 11 cm square plastic baskets with some heavy garden soil and then place pebbles or felt to prevent the soil from mixing with the water. This will also prevent the fish from digging into the contents.

Plants are arranged according to their height. For a graphic effect, the highest ones are towards the bottom.

Example of arrangement for the lower half of the barrel: Myosotis palustris, Iris versicolor, Myriophyllum Brasiliensis, Equisetum Japonicum, Nymphaea 'rose Nymphe'

Example of layout for the upper half of the barrel: Mentha aquatica, Lobelia Cardinalis, Acorus Gramineus 'Ogon', Nymphaea 'conqueror'

Installation of the aquatic fauna

Be careful with the stocking because depending on the exposure and your region, the barrels may freeze to their full depth. If you wish to put fish in them, it is necessary in this case to bring them in during the winter. When feeding them, limit their food so as not to pollute the tanks. The food must be eaten within 5 minutes.

Without fish, flying insects will most certainly come and reproduce there like dragonflies or mosquitoes. If you have an aquarium, they can be used as live food in summer.

Starting up

During the start-up period, green algae will develop while a general equilibrium is established. During this period of about one month, do not put any fish in the tank.

Maintenance of the pond

In the spring, clean your barrels of various plant debris that may have accumulated and control the growth of certain aquatic plants such as milfoil, which can become very invasive. Reassemble the filter. It should be cleaned regularly.

As winter approaches, turn off the filter, clean it completely and put it back in. Leave a few empty water bottles weighted down with pebbles floating on the surface to limit the pressure of ice on the walls. Protect the sides and top if necessary.

Making a garden pond in polyester resin

Building a pond is not something to be taken lightly. Indeed, there are all types of ponds with different techniques: clay, concrete, concreteity, preformed ponds or simply covered with a tarpaulin ... but the pond that holds our attention is made of polyester resin.

Why choose a polyester pond?

Creating a polyester pond is undoubtedly the best way to create a durable and solid piece of water. In addition to offering a long life to your pond, polyester requires little maintenance and offers great flexibility in the realization of shapes, only your imagination will be limited. It is also easy to repair and refurbish, and colorfast, all for a relatively low price.

Can I make a polyester pond myself?

Creating a polyester pond is not an easy task. Sometimes it's better to call in a professional than to go into a project head first. However, with a minimum of manual skills, it is possible to create your own water feature.

What are the different possibilities to create a pond?

First, you need to determine the shape of your pond and calculate its dimensions. The ideal is to have a deeper area at 1m20 so that in winter, your fish are safe.

There are 4 methods for preparing the soil:

1. The bitumen paper method: for walls with an angle of more than 45°.

• Less expensive and suitable for covering large areas.
• Place the paper at 20 - 30 cm on the edge and hold it with grass or stone clods.
• Glue the joints with insulating tape and apply the polyester coating starting with the sides and then the floor. Once the substrate is ready, start the polyester and glass mat coating.
• Place the glass mat strip over the resin layer and apply a new polyester layer.
• Remove air from the glass mat with an air roller. It is important to fray the edges of the glass mat to prevent the seams from showing when covering the 1st strip of glass mat with the 2nd layer of glass mat.
• Trim any protruding edges and sandpaper.
• Apply a layer of pre-coat. (10% polyester dye and 2% MEC hardener).
• Let dry for 3 to 7 days before filling the pond with water.

2. The concrete method: for round polyester ponds

• A layer of 2 - 3 cm is sufficient for the floor. Due to the alkaline nature of the cement, it should be allowed to dry for 8 days before applying the polyester liner.
• Apply a coat of PU primer, wait 1 to 4 hours maximum. Then apply the polyester coating.

3. The concrete block method for a polyester and fiberglass pond with vertical walls

• First pour a screed on the floor and mason the walls. For small areas: 5 cm screed and 12 cm walls. For large areas: 10 cm screed and 24 cm block walls.
• Cap the walls and round the corners to a radius of 2 cm. Due to the alkaline content of the concrete, a minimum of 28 days is required before applying the polyester coating.
• After 28 days, apply a coat of PU primer by brush or roller and wait a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 4 hours. Then apply the polyester coating.

4. The chipboard method: for walls with an angle of inclination of more than 45

This inexpensive method also allows for very large surface areas to be covered. Because of the counter pressure of the floor, the walls will have an angle of inclination of about 15°.

You will then have to nail boards to the joints.

• Round the corners with putty or with corner battens.
• Apply 2 coats of pu primer. Wait 1 hour minimum and 4 hours. Then apply the polyester coating.

What should I pay particular attention to?

• The application must be done at temperatures between 10 and 33°C. The higher the temperature, the shorter the application time. You can adjust the application time by adding more or less MEC hardener (1.5%).
• Please read the hazard warnings on the labels carefully.
• The hardener is a peroxide that can cause allergies.
• Check your local regulations for disposal of chemical waste.
• After curing, these products are neutral and therefore respect the fauna and flora.
• Cobalt is used to accelerate the resins, it should never be mixed directly with the MEC hardener: this causes a chemical reaction!

Your garden pond is now finished, all you have to do is place your selection of fauna and flora in it, and relax when the time comes!