Category: Ponds

How to Make a Backyard Fish Pond

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team
 
 
 

 

A backyard fish pond is a worthy addition to any property. It helps create a relaxing backyard and may also increase the value of your property. A well-designed and properly constructed backyard fish pond can attract wildlife to your property, helping bring nature into your backyard.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building the backyard fish pond of your dreams.

Choose a Location

Begin by planning the location, size, and shape of your pond. Choose a location where you can easily observe and enjoy your pond. Make sure there is no risk of falling debris such as tree branches. Avoid areas that receive direct sunlight all day or the water in your pond can overheat, which can be harmful to fish.

The size and depth of the pond will depend on the types of fish you plan to keep. For example, koi require a larger and deeper pond than goldfish. As a general rule, plan for a pond that’s at least 2 feet deep for smaller fish and up to 3-4 feet for larger ones like koi.

Avoid placing your pond in an area where water runs off after heavy rainfall. Runoff water can infiltrate the space between the pond wall and its liner, causing the liner to rise upwards. This usually occurs if the liner wasn’t installed properly. When installing the liner, securely fasten it all around the pond’s edge, or you may have to empty the pond to mend it.

Time to Dig

Once you’ve chosen your pond’s location and design, mark the perimeter using a rope or spray paint. Start excavating within the marked boundaries. The walls should be slightly sloping rather than straight down. Leave a ledge around the edge of the pond for border decoration or plant shelves.

Ensure that the sides of the hole are level all around, as any unevenness will be visible when the pond is complete. The rim of the pond should be slightly elevated to prevent entry of rainwater runoff.
In the United States, it’s a legal obligation to contact Digline at 811 before initiating any digging work. This free service will provide information about any buried utility lines, cables, pipes, or other obstacles at your intended site.

Install a Pump

A pump can help keep your pond clean and maintain optimal oxygen levels by circulating the water at least twice every hour. For ponds up to 1,500 gallons (5,678.1 L), a 1 1/2” pump is recommended. If your pond holds more than 1,500 gallons of water, opt for a 2” pump.

For a pond larger than 2,500 gallons (9,463.5 L), consider a 3” or 4” pump. Look for a PVC pump as PVC pumps are usually more affordable than flex hoses and are simpler to install. Purchase and set up the pump before laying down your pond liner.

Pond pumps come in all shapes and sizes. If you have trouble choosing the right size of pond pump, consult a fish pond installer near you in Randolph.

Install the Bottom Drain

Make sure that the bottom drain is fitted with an anti-vortex cover. Without one, the fish risk being drawn into the grating. The drain should be securely sealed through the pond liner and underlayment to ensure no leakage. If the drain fails to provide a tight seal, the whole pond could potentially fail.

Install a Pond Liner

Next, you’ll need to install a pond liner to prevent water from soaking into the ground. There are several types of liners, including PVC, EPDM, and butyl rubber. EPDM liners are quite popular due to their durability and flexibility.

To determine the size of liner you will require, follow these steps: start by dangling a string 18” from the edge of the pond where the water reaches its highest point. Let the string follow the widest part of the hole, contouring to the hole’s curves. Then, mark the string 18” away from the opposite edge. Measure the marked string. Repeat this process for the length of your pond.

Every pond liner will naturally descend and sink to the bottom of the pond as it gets filled with materials like gravel, rocks, plants, and silt. It’s crucial to procure an additional 1 foot (0.30 m), or better yet, 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) more than your initial measurements in both length and width for the liner. Should the liner retreat beneath the water’s edge, you will need to empty the pond and reinstall the liner.

Place a layer of underlayment or old carpet under the liner to protect it from sharp stones. Then lay the liner in the hole, press it into the corners, and let it follow the contours of the pond. Trim off any excess, leaving some overlap.

Install Eductor Jets and a Skimmer

Eductor jets create underwater currents, pushing pond water to prevent any zones of stillness from forming. The skimmer, designed to be safe for fish, is essentially a bucket that enables the system to automatically collect fallen leaves and other debris from the water’s surface.

It’s vital to inspect the filter and filtration system at least two to three times every week to prevent any potential damage to the pump or filtration system. Regular checks will help maintain cleanliness consistently.

At this point, you will also want to install a bead filter and UV water clarifier. A bead filter captures sand and debris and also provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria, crucial for maintaining the health of a pond and the aquatic life in it. A UV clarifier works to eliminate algae blooms, helping keep pond water clean.

Add Water and Fish

Add water to your pond. If you’re using tap water, treat it first to remove harmful chlorine before introducing fish. Add some aquatic plants, as they can help maintain water quality and provide cover for fish. Add fish gradually, over a few weeks. Start with hardy species as they will help establish the pond’s ecosystem.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading pond builder in Denville, NJ. Our water feature experts have years of experience transforming dull backyards into oases with stunning water features. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Mistakes to Avoid Making with Your Koi Pond

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team
 
 
 

 

Want to give your backyard a makeover? Consider adding a koi pond to it. A koi pond can improve the aesthetic appeal of your property and help create a relaxing backyard. Spending some time in a garden with a koi pond is a great way to control blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost mental health.

Avoid these koi pond building and maintenance mistakes to keep your koi pond looking great and koi healthy all year round.

Building Your Pond Too Shallow

Koi ponds should be no shallower than two feet. The temperature of a koi pond that is too shallow may fluctuate wildly in winter and summer. Temperature fluctuations could negatively impact fish health and promote algae growth in summer. Koi fish need 10 gallons of water every inch of their length. So, a 12-inch koi needs 120 gallons of water. If you have 5 12-inch koi, your pond should have at least 600 gallons of water.

In a shallow pond, koi may have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Because sunlight reaches the bottom of a shallow pond, algal blooms are more likely to occur in them. Not only is algae unsightly, but it can also affect pond water quality and compete with your koi for nutrients. Make sure your koi pond is at least 36” deep so your koi has ample space to hide when predators like raccoons and herons attack.

Failing to Ensure Your Koi Have Enough Oxygen

High temperatures can have a profound effect on koi health. Given that warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water, dissolved oxygen concentration in your pond can drastically fall in summer, and your koi may have trouble breathing. Algal blooms can also cause dissolved oxygen levels in water to drop.

To maintain normal dissolved oxygen levels, add a waterfall to your pond. A waterfall moves pond water to increase the number of oxygen particles dissolved in it. Alternatively, install a pond air pump. As the name suggests, pond air pumps pump air into pond water to increase dissolved oxygen levels.

If you are having difficulty choosing the right air pump or waterfall for your pond, contact a koi pond company near you in Randolph for help.

Adding Chlorinated Water to Your Pond Without Neutralizing It

Chlorine can damage the gills and skin of your koi fish. When refilling your koi pond, remember to add a chlorine/chloramine neutralizer. Use a water shut-off valve to ensure your tap does not run too long.

Rarely Changing Pond Water

Contaminated water can affect fish growth and health. Fish release pheromones to communicate with each other. These chemicals can build up in your pond and negatively affect koi health. To prevent these problems, change 10-20 percent of pond water every week.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a renowned pond builder in Randolph. Our professionals have years of hands-on experience building different types of ponds. To learn more, call 973-627-0515.

 

 

 

 

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4 Do’s and Don’ts of Outdoor Ponds

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team

The benefits of outdoor ponds go beyond aesthetics. An outdoor pond can turn your outdoor space into an oasis. You can spend time by your pond after work every day to unwind and relax. A backyard pond provides food and shelter to local wildlife and supports local plants.

Like other water features, ponds require ongoing maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your pond in tip-top shape by addressing current problems and preventing future issues.

It is not uncommon for pond owners to make mistakes when maintaining their ponds. Unfortunately, a seemingly innocuous pond maintenance mistake can affect water quality and disturb the balance of its ecosystem. 

Here are some do’s and don’ts of maintaining your outdoor pond.

Add Stones to Your Pond

Do: Add stones of different shapes and sizes to your pond to give it a natural look. Use one type of stone to build your pond’s perimeter. Make sure the stones are neither too big nor too small. A couple of rock types worth consideration are granite and sandstone. Smaller stones placed beside the perimeter offer contrast to larger stones. If you want to keep fish in your pond, place smooth or rounded stones at the bottom.

Don’t: Do not use stones with sharp edges as they can injure your fish. Garden pond builders near you in Randolph recommend against using limestone as it can alter the pH of water. When arranging rocks, consider scale and proportion, or you may create low spots that can cause leaks.

Keep Your Pond Naturally Balanced

Do: To maintain a healthy pond ecosystem naturally, add plants to your pond. Some plants to consider include water hyacinth, water lilies, and water lettuce. Add good bacteria to your pond from time to time.

Don’t: Do not turn to chemical-based products to control algae.

Prepare Your Pond for Winter

Do: Before winter arrives, clean your pond. Using a long-handled pond net, remove plant leaves, pine needles, plant branches, and other debris from the bottom of your pond before they start decomposing. Clean the skimmer basket and trim dead or dying foliage. Stop feeding your fish when the water temperature falls below 60 degrees.

Don’t: Do not move your fish inside your home. Ensure your pond is deep enough for your fish to hibernate safely.

Visually Inspect and Maintain Your Pond Liner

Do: Visually inspect your pond liner regularly for leaks. To fix minor leaks in a small area, apply a patch. If, however, you are dealing with extensive damage, consider replacing your liner. When maintaining your pond, be careful not to drag heavy items across your pond liner. Avoid walking on it whenever possible.

Don’t: Do not clean your liner. Because beneficial bacteria grow on pond liners, cleaning them can affect beneficial bacterial populations.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a reputable garden pond builder near you in Randolph. Our pond builders have years of experience managing small-scale as well as complex, large-scale projects. To request an estimate, call 973-627-0515.

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How to Remove Algae from Your Pond Without Harming Fish

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Most pond owners will encounter an algae problem at least once during the lifespan of their pond. While it’s normal for ponds to have algae to some extent, thick layers of algae can indicate a problem.

Murky green algal blooms are not just an eyesore, but they can also compete with your plants and fish for sunlight and deprive them of the nutrients they need to grow. Excessive algae growth in a recreational swim pond in Short Hills can lead to oxygen depletion, causing fish kills.

Algal blooms are usually caused by large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. There are several methods and products for removing algae from a pond, but not all are safe for fish. A regular algaecide, for example, can kill fish if used incorrectly.

Fortunately, there are ways to remove algae from ponds without harming the fish. We have compiled a list of some such ways. Take a look.

Rake Out the Algae

This is the simplest way to remove string or matted algae safely. Using a rake or a swimming tool, manually remove as much algae as you can from the surface of the water. To clean a pond with a rubber pond liner, use a plastic rake instead of a metal rake, as it can damage the liner. Be careful to avoid injuring your fish. This is a short-term solution and won’t prevent algae from growing back.

Add Barley Straw to Your Pond

Barley straw removes algae and also prevents new growth. Submerge a bundle of barley straw in your pond and let it float around close to the center. Soon the straw will start to break down, releasing organic compounds that kill algae into the pond. Wondering how much barley you should add to your pond? Around 8 ounces or 230 g of barley can treat 1,000 gallons of water. So, if you have a 5,000-gallon pond, add 1,150 g of barley to it. Because barley straw is organic, this is a perfectly safe approach to removing algae from a pond.

Use Beneficial Bacteria Tablets

Beneficial bacteria tablets are available at pet stores. They are perfectly safe for fish. Place a tablet in your pond. Beneficial bacteria break down organic waste and help keep bad bacterial populations in check. For maximum effectiveness, add a tablet to every 1,000 gallons of water.

Use a UV Sterilizer

A UV sterilizer only emits enough UV light to kill free-floating algae, and is harmless to fish. Do not become alarmed if your water turns gray or brown after you install a UV sterilizer. This is a sign that the algae in your pond are dying. Before installing a UV sterilizer, remove as much algae from your pond as possible using other methods. Avoid using a water clarifier to remove the dead algae during UV treatment, as it can clump your fish’s gills together

Atlantis Water Gardens is a renowned water feature contractor in Short Hills. Our water feature experts have years of experience installing, servicing, and renovating different water features. To learn more, call 973-627-0515.

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How To Clean Koi Ponds So They Look Amazing Again

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

In addition to boosting the curb appeal of your property, a koi pond can help create a tranquil environment. Like all other types of water features, koi ponds get dirty over time. To keep your koi pond looking its best, clean it regularly. Periodic pond cleaning in Millburn, New Jersey, can help improve pond water quality, keeping your fish healthy and happy.

Pond Cleaning Millburn

Follow these steps to clean your koi pond.

  • Using a high-flow pond pump or siphon hose, drain your koi pond down to six inches
  • Use a net to gently catch your koi and carefully move them to a container filled with the original pond water. Keep the tub in a shady spot
  • Drain the remainder of your pond and vacuum out debris. Power wash the sides and bottom of your pond to get rid of any remaining dirt
  • Clean filters, skimmers, pumps, and any lights, biofall, and lava rocks. Replace any fuse light bulbs and cut back plants
  • Refill your pond and treat it if required
  • Slowly reintroduce your fish back to their home

Maintaining Clean Pond Water

Pond cleaning is a laborious task. If your koi pond gets dirty quickly, you will spend more time cleaning it and less time enjoying it. The longer your pond remains clean, the more time you can wait to deep clean it. Follow these tips to keep your pond clean for a longer time.

Install a Skimmer

If you do not use a skimmer, now is the right time to install one in your pond. A pond skimmer can prevent debris such as leaves, pollen, and rocks from entering your pond. Clean the collection cup of your skimmer twice every week. In the absence of a skimmer, debris can make its way into your pond. Before you realize the gravity of the situation, debris can start decomposing, affecting pond water quality.

Be Mindful of Koi Population

When you have too many koi in your pond, they compete with each other for oxygen. This could lead to fish kills. Given the fact that koi produce a lot of waste, you will struggle to keep your pond clean. So how many koi can you have in your pond? A good rule of thumb is to have one koi for every 1,000 liters of water. Say if you have a 5,000 liter koi pond, do not keep more than 5 koi in it.

Do not Overfeed Your Koi.

During winter, fish metabolism decreases drastically. If you feed your fish frequently in winter, they will produce more waste, affecting pond water quality. Any uneaten fish food can cause unwanted changes in water chemistry. To prevent these problems and keep your pond healthy in winter, stop feeding your koi once water temperatures fall below 50 degrees F.

Atlantis Water Garden is a renowned water feature contractor serving Milburn, NJ. Our water feature experts have the knowledge and experience required to bring customer vision to life. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

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5 Tips to Winterize Your Pond

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Winter can take a toll on your pond. As water temperatures drop, a thick layer of ice can form on the surface of your pond. As a result, toxic gases can get trapped in the water, increasing the risk of a fish kill. Cold temperatures can also harm your plants, and even kill them.

Winterizing your pond is a great way to protect the plants and fish in it. Here are some tips to prepare your pond for cold weather.

Treat Your Pond Water

Cold water bacteria help maintain water quality by decomposing organic debris like fish waste. Consider adding cold water beneficial bacteria to your pond. A good cold-water bacteria treatment makes pond maintenance a breeze. As a result, you spend less time maintaining your pond and more time enjoying it. Top-of-the-line treatments are designed to work in water temperatures as low as 32 degrees.

Install Pond Netting

Why wait for leaves and other debris to end up in your pond and then remove them, when you can prevent them from making their way into your pond by putting a net over it in the first place? Remove the leaves and other debris in your pond net at regular intervals.

Remove Leaves and Debris

If you haven’t installed pond netting, use a long-handled skimmer net to scoop out debris from the surface and bottom of your pond. If you fail to do so, the debris at the bottom of your pond can decay over time, affecting pond water quality. Therefore, even with pond netting, you will want to clean your pond periodically.

Trim Back Dead Foliage

Trimming dead foliage in your pond is a great way to remove excess organic debris that would otherwise decompose in the water. Trim back any hardy marginal plants and leave them in the water. Remove any tropical plants from your pond and move them inside your home.

Feed Your Fish Less Frequently

Fish slow down their heart rate and metabolism in winter. As a result, they tend to be less active and need very little to no food to survive. If you overfeed your fish in winter, they may excrete more. Fish excreta is a source of ammonia. Ammonia is also produced when uneaten fish feed completely breaks down or metabolizes.

If allowed to accumulate, ammonia can affect pond water quality. To prevent water quality problems, stop feeding your fish once the water temperature goes below 50 degrees F.  

Whether you want to add a pond or any other water feature to your backyard, Atlantis Water Gardens has got you covered. Our experience enables us to bring our customers’ vision to life. To schedule a fish pond repair near you in Randolph, call 973-627-0515.

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4 Ways to Remove Sludge From Your Koi Pond

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

A koi pond is a worthy addition to any property. However, like all other types of ponds, koi ponds also need to be cleaned regularly. Failure to properly maintain a koi pond can accumulate organic debris or sludge at the bottom.

Pond sludge can affect pond water quality. As a result, your pond can quickly become an eyesore. A sludge buildup can cause oxygen levels in your pond to drop rapidly. Extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to fish kills. In addition, pond sludge can promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas that gives water a distinctive rotten egg smell.

Here are some ways to remove sludge from your pond.

Use Muck Reducer Tablets

Muck reducer tablets contain beneficial bacteria that break down organic waste without harming koi fish. In addition to eating away at the sludge at the bottom of a pond, beneficial bacteria eliminate any floating organic matter in it.

Use a Pond Vacuum

A pond vacuum is designed to suck out the sludge sitting at the bottom of a pond. Pond vacuums are usually used for small ponds. For a larger pond, use a large portable muck dredge or submersible pump.

Scoop Out the Sludge

To scoop out pond sludge, run a fine pond net along the bottom of your pond. This method may not remove sludge completely, but it may help reduce it.

Drain and Clean Your Pond

If the above pond cleaning methods don’t work, first drain your pond and clean it thoroughly. Be very careful when transferring your koi fish to a container, or they can get stressed. Once your pond is empty, use a pond vacuum or any other pond-cleaning tool to remove pond sludge. Be sure to dispose of it responsibly.

Tips to Prevent Pond Sludge

They say prevention is better than cure. So, why wait for pond sludge to accumulate at the bottom of your pond and then get rid of it, when you can prevent it in the first place?

Here are some ways to prevent sludge buildup:

➢ Remove dead leaves before they sink to the bottom of your pond.

➢ Plant beneficial plants around your pond to create a barrier that prevents debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt from making their way into your pond.

➢ A stagnant pond is a breeding ground for germs. Consider adding a water feature to your koi pond to aerate it.

➢ Add beneficial bacteria to your pond at regular intervals.

➢ Make sure your pond isn’t overcrowded.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading water feature builder serving Milburn, New Jersey and beyond. Our experts have years of experience transforming regular backyards into oases with stunning water features. We also help our customers keep their water features in top condition all year round. To schedule pond cleaning in Millburn, call 973-627-0515.

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6 Pond Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

A backyard pond is a worthy addition to any property. A well-designed and properly installed pond can improve the aesthetic appeal of your property, transforming it into the jewel of the neighborhood. It can increase the value of your home by up to six percent.

You cannot install a pond and forget it. Like all other water features, ponds need to be cleaned periodically. Regular cleaning helps maintain water quality. It controls the growth of algae, helping maintain a healthy pond ecosystem.

Many DIY enthusiasts make pond cleaning mistakes when caring for their ponds. Pond cleaning mistakes can have massive consequences. An important pond component may stop working and you may end up with a huge repair bill.

  • Garden Pond Maintenance in Millburn

Here are some pond cleaning mistakes you should watch out for.

➢ Cleaning Your Pond Too Often: Clean your pond once or twice a year – once during spring and then again during fall. Cleaning more than twice a year can put undue pressure on the pond ecosystem. As a result, the population of beneficial bacteria may dwindle

➢ Using Chlorinated Water for Cleaning: Pond filters are home to beneficial bacteria that help maintain crystal-clean water by breaking down organic sludge such as fish droppings, uneaten fish food, and dead plants and algae. They also reduce odors. Never use chlorinated water to clean your bio-filter as it can kill beneficial bacteria living in your filter. Use water from your pond, water treated with a detoxifier, or clean well water to rinse and clean your pond filter.

➢ Power Washing the Pond Liner: Washing your pond liner at a very high pressure can tear it. The higher the pressure, the more dirt, dust and debris will be deflected back toward you. Gently pull out chunks of debris. Before using a pressure washer to remove any tiny dirt and dust particles sticking to the liner, set the wand to a low pressure or no-pressure setting.

➢ Using a Pond Clean-Out Pump Without a Filter: A pond clean-out pump with a filter will keep debris or fish from getting sucked into it.

➢ Leaving the Hose Unattended When Filling Your Pond: An unattended hose can cause damage to your pond’s landscaping and lawn, or worse, pond water temperature can change drastically, negatively affecting your pond’s ecosystem. Your fish may struggle to adapt to this change and may get sick, or even die.

➢ Re-introducing the Fish Back into Your Pond Without Detoxifying the Water: If you plan to use tap water to refill your pond after cleaning, add a detoxifier to it before moving your fish back into the pond. Detoxifier removes heavy metals and other contaminants found in tap water, making it safe for fish.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading pond builder serving the Millburn area of New Jersey. We are committed to helping our customers keep their ponds in top shape all year round. To schedule garden pond maintenance in Millburn, call 973-627-0515.

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How To Fix a Leaking Fish Pond

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Is your fish pond losing water faster than usual? If the temperature hasn’t risen, you may be dealing with a leak. Holes and cracks in construction materials are one of the most common causes of pond leaks. Holes and cracks in the pond liner result from shoreline erosion. Pond liner damage can also be associated with aging of the liner.

Many homeowners put off fish pond repair. This could prove to be a grave mistake. The longer you wait to address a leak, the worse the problem gets. If left unaddressed, even minor pond leaks can snowball into major problems leading to costly repairs.

Follow this step-by-step guide to locate and fix a pond leak.

Locate the Leak

First and foremost, try to locate the source of the leak. Fill your pond and visually inspect the edges for overspill. Check the outer perimeter of the pond for dampness. If you do not notice any water spilling over and there are no damp areas around your pond, shut down your pump and turn off the auto-fill valve. Is your pond still losing water? The leak is most likely in the foundation or liner.

If your pond does not lose water with the pump turned off, then the leak is most likely in the plumbing. In this case, inspect your pond plumbing or external components such as skimmer box, waterfall box and external pond filter. A common place for plumbing leaks is pipe fittings.

Remove Your Fish and Aquatic Plants

Before repairing your pond, remove your fish and plants. To prevent fish stress, use water from your pond in your fish’s new location. This will allow them enough time to adjust their body chemistry.

Repair Your Pond

Once you have drained the rest of the pond, follow these steps to fix a pond liner leak:

➢ Get a pond sealer. Clean the damaged area.

➢ Apply the sealer to the surface of the liner.

➢ Allow it to cure for 24 hours.

If you are using a patch kit:

➢ Thoroughly clean the damaged area with a solvent wipe. After you have got rid of accumulated dirt and dust, wipe the area.

➢ Scrub and dry the area using a dry scrub sponge.

➢ Apply the release paper to the tear.

➢ Use a seam roller to make seams flat and tight.

If the diameter of the tear exceeds 5”, consider replacing the liner.

How to Repair a Concrete Pond Leak

Follow these steps to fix a leaking concrete pond:

➢ Prepare the damaged area by cleaning it

➢ Apply the sealer to the damaged area

➢ Let the sealer dry

At Atlantis Water Gardens, we have years of experience designing, installing, repairing, and maintaining water features. Our ability to turn dull outdoor spaces into oases sets us apart. To schedule a fish pond repair near you in Randolph, call 973.627.0515.

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Building Your Koi Pond: Learn the Basics to Get Started

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Adding a koi pond to your landscape is a great way to give it a makeover. A koi pond can improve the mood in your garden transforming it into an oasis. Spending some time near a Koi Pond is a proven way to unwind and relax after a busy day.

Once you are ready to go ahead with your Koi Pond construction project in Short Hills, follow these steps to build the koi pond of your dreams.

Choose the Location

When it comes to koi pond construction, location matters. A hidden or inaccessible koi pond fails to serve its purpose. Choose an accessible location that is visible from your home. Make sure the view of your pond is unobstructed. Your koi pond should blend perfectly into the surroundings.

Shade is good for your plants and fish but placing your pond in shade can result in leaves, branches and twigs falling into it. Debris can sink to the middle or bottom of your pond and decay, releasing harmful gases that can affect water quality.

Before finalizing a location, mark out the spot where you are going to put your pond with spray paint and view it from different angles to determine if your pond will fit in with the surroundings.

Determine How Deep Your Pond Should Be

The average koi pond is 24 feet long by 12 feet wide and is 4 feet deep. It can house 10 24-inch koi or 20 12-inch koi. If you plan to keep more koi, you will need a bigger pond. When determining how deep and large your pond should be, consider the fact that your koi will grow with time.

Choose Your Filtration System

A pond’s filtration system helps keep the water clean. Clean water ensures good koi health. A pond filtration system has four components: the bottom drain, settling chambers, mechanical filtration and biological filtration.

The bottom drain helps control pond muck build up, settling chambers store heavy solids, mechanical filtration filters out the debris and biological filtration provides a place for beneficial bacteria to thrive.

Get to Work

The final step involves installing your pond. Follow these steps to install your pond:

➢ Dig your pond out

➢ Place your koi pond equipment

➢ Lay down the liner. Use 45 mil EPDM liner

➢ Place rocks and gravel at the bottom of your koi pond

➢ Add underwater LED lights, aerators or autofill line to your pond

➢ Fill in your pond with water

➢ Clean the area

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading pond builder serving Short Hills and beyond. We have years of experience transforming boring and dull gardens into extraordinary spaces with magical ponds. To learn more, call us at 973.627.0515.

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