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- 1). Locate a suitable area on your property for a fish pond. Fish ponds do best in areas where they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily and periods of shade. Fish ponds should not be located in an area where they have no shade at all. Full sunlight throughout the day often leads to algae problems as well as low dissolved oxygen levels in summer, which severely stresses fish, according to Clemson University.
- 2). Design the pond to fit in your landscape and accommodate fish in your climate. If you live in an area that has cold winters, design your pond so that the fish have at least 18 inches of water below the freeze line on your property so that they can survive the winter. Consider which kinds of plants you want to place in the pond and how you want to incorporate water features into your fish pond.
- 3). Mark out the shape of the pond according to your designs with stakes and string to estimate how it will appear on your property, and adjust as needed.
- 4). Excavate the fish pond to the desired size and shape using a shovel, and place the plastic pond liner in the depression. Use rocks that you uncovered from the excavation process to hold the plastic pond liner in place.
- 5). Fill the pond with water, and monitor the water level carefully for any leaks.
- 6). Place aquatic plants in the pond. Aquatic plants create a natural appearance and are integral to healthy fish ponds. Aquatic plants provide shade for the aquatic environment and help control water temperature, create shelter for fish to evade predators, and also naturally filter fish waste and provide dissolved oxygen in the water.
- 7). Add any additional water features to your fish pond such as water fountains or waterfalls. A water feature increases water circulation and helps maintain even temperatures in the pond.
- 8). Add fish to the pond once it is established. Wait a month after you fill you pond to allow the plants to grow and the temperature and chemistry of the pond to stabilize. This will decrease the stress for the fish and increase their chances of survival in your pond.
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