Page 312 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

310 POND FISH: SETTING UP THE POND

Creative landscaping
Edging around a pond strengthens its perimeter and helps to
disguise the edge of the pond liner. It can also prolong the life
of the liner by shielding it from sunlight. Hard construction
materials, such as paving slabs or bricks, laid around the edge
of a pond give a more formal look, while natural stone or
sod are ideal for a more informal pond. Another possibility is
a wooden deck raised above water level, but the wood must
first be treated with a nontoxic preservative to keep it from
warping or rotting.
Consider the access to the pond: if this is across a lawn,
regular foot traffic can quickly result in an unsightly muddy
trail. If you do not want to construct a path, set paving slabs
into the grass as an informal solution.
The planting and landscaping around the pond can be used
to disguise pond equipment. An external filter, for example,
can be hidden in vegetation in a flowerbed, although it must
still be easily accessible for routine maintenance and servicing.
Moving water
A fountain is an attractive addition to any pond and also creates
a healthier environment for the fish by improving
the water’s oxygen content. Water lilies
prefer calm water, however, and will not
thrive under the jet of a fountain, so
they need to be located at the opposite
end of the pond. Water currents created
by the fountain can waft floating plants
to one side of the pond; before adding
plants, test the flow by floating a light
plastic ball on the surface of the water
while the fountain is operating. If the
ball drifts away from where you want Oriental-style koi ponds often incorporate bridges and decorative
the plants to be, adjust the positioning features of Japanese life, such as bonsai trees and this popular style
of bamboo water fountain (left). Japanese maples create a striking
of the fountain. backdrop to the pond and can be grown in pots or in the ground.

Bridges not only provide an ideal vantage Decorative lighting allows you to enjoy Stepping stones can give a modern feel
point from which to observe and feed the your pond after dark and can also be mixed when made from decking raised on plinths,
fish but can also be an attractive and with other features, such as fountains, to but make absolutely sure that any wood
decorative feature of the pond. create a striking effect. preservative used is not poisonous to fish.

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