What to consider when building a pond – ornamental fish pond liners and more

There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when building a fishpond, from choosing pond liners to selecting the right vegetation and filtration systems. Find out everything you need to know about creating the perfect pond environment right now.

Importance of ornamental fish pond liners:

One of the first things you need to do when you decide to build a pond is to get a pond liner that fits correctly. By having a properly fitted liner, you are already half way to creating a healthy environment in which your fish will flourish.

An tailored-to-fit or box-welded ornamental fish pond liner that fits snugly to the dimensions of your pond will ensure that you do not have any creases or gaps in which fish waste, plant matter and bacteria can gather – and this means that there will be no build-up of debris that will damage the quality of your water.

Correctly fitted pond liners will also allow for easier cleaning as well as easier installation of filtration and drainage systems, both of which are vital to the quality of your pond water and thus the overall well being of your fish and plant life.

When choosing a pond liner, it is important that you consider the material that the liner is made from. According to expert advice, it’s recommended that you opt for something flexible and durable like Epalyn. Epalyn is a synthetic rubber that has unique properties, including resistance to extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. It is incredibly strong, so it will not tear or leak and will contribute to your pond environment by providing UV stability and ozone resistance.

Considerations When Buying a Pond Pump:

Overview:

The first consideration when purchasing a pond pump is ‘what is its primary purpose’. Most garden pond pumps are designed with a primary purpose which can be broken down into 5 main groups:

1. General Purpose / Multi Use Pumps: Multi functional pond pumps are designed to operate a combination of tasks including fountain, waterfalls and pond filters. They are ideal for smaller garden ponds, where one submersible pump could run a small fountain and maybe a filter or waterfall in tandem.

2.   All In One Filter Pumps: Great for small garden ponds where you don’t want or need an external filter, but would benefit from basic pond biological and UV filtration.

3.   Solid Handing Pond Pumps: Solid handling pumps are designed to be able to pass soft solids such as fish or vegetation waste through the pump, making them ideal for delivering the waste directly to the pond filter rather than clogging the pump pre-filter. These pump are ideal for most garden pond situations where a fountain or small outlet are not required as clogging will occur.

4.   Fountain Pumps: Fountain pumps are designed to deliver higher pressure to drive garden fountains and therefore will have a finer pre filter on the pump to reduce the fountain jet clogging.

5.  Water Feature Pumps: Available to many sizes from the tiny for self contained features to a larger model that will drive a larger pond feature.

Required Pump Flow Rate:

Now you’ve decided on the type of pond pump you require you need to calculate the flow rate usually in litres per hour so you can choose the correct pump

1. Are your having a waterfall? (if NO go to next question) The wider you wish your waterfall to be, the greater the flow required for it to look effective. To calculate the flow require for an average waterfall use this simple formula: WIDTH OF SPILL IN CMS X 91 = LITRES PER HOUR Required at Head (Head = Height above water surface)

2.   Are You Running Filtration? (if NO go to next question) The volume of the pond should be circulated through the filter every 1 to 2 hours depending on pond conditions. (Pond Volume Calculator can help) To Calculate flow required simple divide the pond volume in litres by the turnover factor required (Example: 3000litre pond requires turning over every 1.5 hours = 3000lts /1.5hrs = Hourly Flow Rate Required 2000Lts/hr) Remember The flow rate is the flow rate required at the head – Distance above water level

3.   Are you going to use a second outlet? (if NO go to next section) If using a supplied fountain attachment, allow between 500 & 1500lts/hour for the operation, alternatively if you wish to run a second feature please take into account the the required flow rate

Finally To calculate Pump Sizing Consider Your Pond Set Up:

These are common garden pond set up examples:

Pump feeding an external pond filter, returning directly to pond or through a waterfall:

1. Work out the max height the water is going to be pumped to (Water surface to highest point = Head).

2.  Use the highest flow rate required from section 1 or 2 above (Remember: both the filter and waterfall must be designed to take maximum flow rate)

  3.  The above will give you flow rate at the max height ( Always use recommended hose size to achieve max flow from the selected pump

Pump feeding an external pond filter or Feature, Plus operating a separate fountain / Feature

1. Work out the max height the water is going to be pumped to (Water surface to highest point = Head).

2.  Use the required flow rate from question 2 above

3.  Add the required flow rate for the fountain or feature (Probably between 500-1500lts/hr depending on feature)

4.  If you are looking for a pump to operate a fountain consider the Oase Aquarius Range, Hozelcok Cascade

Fountain / Feature Pump Only:

1. Depending on your requirements you will probably require between 500-1500lts/hr for a fountain directly attached to a pump pump

2. If running a feature take into account the height you are pump the water to above the water surface

All In One Filter Pump

1. Always buy a suitable sized model for your pond volume

2.  If running another feature such as a waterfall ensure the pump will produce enough flow as in question 1 above in overview.