Waterfall & Goldfish Pond Ideas

Pond Structure

• You can choose to use a pre-formed pond base or create your own using a pond liner sheet. Pond liner sheets offer greater customization of the size and shape of your goldfish pond. Pre-formed pond bases are constructed from solid materials like hard plastic or concrete, and typically come in a limited number of shapes and sizes. Choosing the right base structure for your pond is the first step to creating the pond of your dreams.

Waterfalls

• Design your waterfall while planning the exterior décor for your goldfish pond. You can completely customize your waterfall by arranging stones, bricks and other hard elements or you can choose a pre-fabricated waterfall set up depending on how much customization you seek. To create your own waterfall, purchase a waterfall pump kit from a pond supplies retailer, then build the falls using natural rocks and stones.

Plant Life

• Plant life plays an important role in the beauty and effectiveness of your pond by providing cover and oxygen for the fish and visual appeal for the rest of the pond. Choose native, non-invasive plants that are pond-safe and fish-safe. Examples of native pond plants include American waterweed, bladderwort, cattail, coontail, sago pondweed, spatterdock and water shield. Water celery is classified as an invasive plant, but is still beneficial to North American ponds and can be included if you choose. You may also consider planting around the structure of your waterfall, so the waterfall will naturally water the plants, allowing them to flourish.

Lighting

• Lighting is a great way to add visual appeal to a pond at night, when normally it would not be visible. Surround your pond's perimeter with staked lighting, or add submersible lighting that you can turn on and off at will. Soft and natural lighting is best if you seek a natural, understated look. You can also add visual appeal by installing colored lights in bold blues or green, which can bring your pond to life at night.

Life

• Choose wisely in selecting the goldfish and other fish for your pond. If you choose small fish, they are likely to become food for local birds and other animals and may not survive the season. Larger fish will be better able to protect themselves. This is another reason why plant cover is vital in your pond, as plants like water shield will help to protect your fish from potential predators.