DIY Backyard Garden Pond (step-by-step)

In todays video I finally got round to making my new DIY ‘above ground pond’, with all DIY filtration! Hope you enjoy!!!! 😊
-------------------------
Amazon Affiliates links:
AquaMax Eco Classic 5500 (the main pump i used):
amzn.to/3OWgOX9
Bermuda Breeze10 Air Pump:
amzn.to/3qKE9Dk
Plastic Filter Grids i used for creating the void space in the bottom of the filter:
amzn.to/3sywjx4
-------------------------
Other products I used in the video:
The 1000L Laguna tub I used for the pond itself - I got mine from my local fish shop ‘World of Water’ but its also being sold by lots of places online - just search ‘980L Laguna tub’.
The ‘240L Wheelie bin’, i used for the mechanical filter, I got on eBay.
The 330L tub I used to make the bog filter, I got from ponds4fish.co.uk
The ‘1 inch tank connectors’ I used for the inlets on both the filters, I got from Shirley Aquatics, they have an online shop - shirleyaquatics.co.uk
The ‘3 inch threaded tank connectors’ that I used for the outlets on both the filters, I got from Ketteringkoi.com
I will continue to add to this list of where I got all the products for this build from, but if there is anything in particular that you are interested in, that isn’t currently on the list, drop me and comment, and I’ll let you know!
-------------------------
Thinking of using a wheelie bin/ trash can to make a filter?
Please read the following:
Using a wheelie bin/ trash can to make a pond filter is a bit of a debated topic, some people say the plastics used to make them are toxic and harmful to fish. From my research I have not found any evidence to support this, I have however seen a lot of people use them with no problems what so ever. However, it is obviously possible that some are made from different types of plastic. Also, most plastic containers (including wheelie bins/ trash cans) will have a symbol on them somewhere (probably under the lid) which you can look up online to check that it’s not made of anything toxic that could be released into the water. That all being said I do urge you to do your own research, and make your own informed decision on if you want to go ahead.
-------------------------
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

[@brandonmiller7122]

I have no idea how I found this video and I have no desire to put in a garden pond in my back yard, but for some reason I watched this very intently from start to finish ha. Very nice build and good video.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

😂 Thank you!

[@joeblow8206]

I never understood why people want to look down at their beautiful fish. I have an aquarium built into the wall above my headboard. 99% you'll never see from above. The bubbles rising to the top put me to sleep

[@yukukai027]

I am Japanese, so sorry if my translation is wrong. It was very helpful. I look forward to seeing more in the future.

[@highanddryful]

I placed a four tier plastic vegetable stand into the trash wheelie bin and packed each of the four plastic shelves with media from course sponge at the bottom to fine sponge at the top. When the sponge needs cleaning I simply lift out the plastic vegetable shelf stand and spray the whole thing with a high pressure hose. I also drilled a hole at the bottom of the bin and fitted a drain cap so it makes it easy to drain the dirty water when I begin cleaning.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Sound awesome!! The good thing about DIY filters is they can be completely tailored to your own personal needs 👊

[@victoriascholl4607]

I meet a gentleman complaining about what was happening to his back yard fish pond. He kept putting new fish in his pond and they would disappear. He thought a neighbor's cat was killing his fish. So, he watched the pond from his house and to his surprise a very large gray crane flew down, and began plucking the fish out of his pond.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

I have a plan that should stop that from happening! 👍

[@deniseberrios1362]

Tell him to put a framed removable chicken wire cover on his pond.

[@celticwanderer89]

If you put a plastic heron or crane near the pond, other ones won't take dinner to go. If they think it's claimed by another heron/crane, they move on

[@rstephens883]

Hi how much do you think the build cost, very nicely done..

[@johncheetham4607]

That happened to my Uncle Alan. He tried all sorts of deterrent. Crane taking his fish for flying lessons 😂🤣😂

[@janred94]

And now all to gether: "As level as possible!" :D

[@PONDSAGA5]

Im glad you brought the filter build back.

[@prosperousutensil8178]

Your craftsmanship is top notch, as are your video editing skills. This was entertaining and inspiring. Your attention to detail helped make this a great success.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you very much!

[@user-nw1ob5cg6j]

I love the evolution of your garden and ponds

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! One of the good things about having a KZbin channel is having a video log of how the garden and ponds evolve over the years!!

[@jadeswormfarm]

I really love the high level of attention to details in your work. 👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@troop151cv]

Beautiful Job! You can tell that there was a lot of pre-planning involved. I like the use of the hand saw too.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! The hand saw really made sure I got a good work out!!! 💪

[@kiddwong4186]

Nice build mate. Really like the attention to detail in terms of having it all nicely tucked away with wood cladding. The two separate filters seems a bit redundant. I've got a similar above ground setup and just have a bog filter. Crystal clear and well balanced waters.

[@lastditch727]

Wow man, the attention to detail here makes for a super nice finished project. Very impressive.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@GpoppaJohn]

That’s an amazing build with a well informed video.

[@nathanbrown6361]

Wow what a video mate! This has inspired me to build something similar in the future hopefully. Keep up the good work❤

[@SlavichFamilyVideo]

Fantastic build! Looking forward to the next step. First time viewer. Liked & subscribed. Looking to do this in my backyard over the next few months.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks very much, and good luck with your build! 😊

[@shamillzsaidit]

Absolutely a great video! Loved everything about it, perfect commentary and and lovely pond!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!

[@b3s13g3d]

Saved. I look forward to being able to use the basis as this for inspiration for the pond or ponds I intend to build. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

That’s awesome! Good luck with your build/builds!!

[@leestockton9367]

That's amazing dude, very impressive; kinda motivated me to finish off my garden (converting from yer typical English garden to a tropical garden owing to the weather we get now here in The Fens)

[@drc3po]

I vote to keep the pond bare bottom. I've had numerous aquariums, and finally did one with bare glass bottom. I loved it, easy maintenance, stayed pristine clean. For decor I used plants in terra cotta pots. And scattered a dozen black beach pebbles around. It had a very Japanese/zen feeling.

[@ravindrabhoopalam]

One of the best video demonstrating fish pond. Really great work, Hats off. Keep continuing

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I will do 👍😊

[@wesllenventura]

Incrível!!! Adoro assistir esse passo-a-passo na construção de lagos, e lagos de jardim. Muito bom!!! pt-br

[@martynskoipondandgarden4581]

brilliant job ginger showing all the steps of the build it looks great 👍👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

That’s bro, appreciate it 👊😊

[@andrewnewby1918]

That’s a quality build, great voice over and worthwhile use of products. Well done, I really enjoyed watching ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you so much 😁

[@vladimircrepuljarevic4]

Very simple and beautiful! Bravo!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@colinheslet5926]

This was an amazing build! Saved this for further use for my backyard pond build. Have a Rubbermaid 300 gallon stock tank to set up!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks bro! Good luck with your build!! 👊

[@MrTidjon]

Nice one! Loved the way you got the wood framing around it (stealing the idea 🙂). The only thing I might do different, wouldn't put the bog filter exit facing the mechanical one. One of those would get a "L" shaped end to create a circular water current. Cheers from Portugal

[@TobiasHolenstein]

Wow! Great job with this bro! You are quite the carpenter. It really looks great. I agree with you on keeping the bottom of the pond bare for easy maintenance

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks you, bro! Appreciate it!! I was really pleased with how it came out, and the bare bottom will defo be staying.. makes it really easy when using the pond vac! All covered up for winter now though.. it’s been proper cold here for the last couple of weeks!!

[@gooddays-cg6kj]

You did an amazing job sir, you built a wonderfully made pond. I personally wouldn't add any type of substrate, because goldfish love to scavenge for food so they might suck up the substrate and give them some problems. Eventually you will get an algae carpet at the bottom of your pond, and it will look like a grass field, it will grow on your walls as well, but just scrape the sides of your walls about every three months and your pond will look amazing with an algae grass carpet floor. This was a gorgeous build sir, I can't wait to see the further updates of your beautiful pond.

[@snowdrop191]

Wow, this is looking fabulous. Can’t wait to see it all finished. 😁

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I’m really looking forward to getting the finishing touches all done, and of course adding the fish!! 😊

[@user-de7bi3mx9b]

@@GingerFishyOfficial great pond build just wanting to understand the pond hosing system more how do you make the pump, mechanical filter and bog filter all work at same time

[@alisonreeder1587]

Excellent video. You make it look so easy. A quality build totally impressed. Just got into fish. Fishtanks and ponds are such lovely things to have. Good job 😂

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@user-bw5pn4qv9i]

Thanks for the video. I've been wanting to build a Koi pond and have the exact tank in mind.

[@thelittlethingsinlife239]

What a great looking pond. Excellent 😀

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😀

[@susanmoss1175]

That's brilliant, love how it looks already

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@JustAnotherAsianGuy2]

your a smart builder .... everything looks good ..... and yeah keep it bare on the pond ... so you can clean easy .... i like it

[@vampgaia]

I'm happy to have found a pond build that I could actually do myself. And afford! Bonus: it looks great!! Thanks for the in-depth how to one the filtration as well. I finally understand!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!! I’m glad you like it.. Good luck with your build!! 😊

[@karthick-goldfishes]

Mind blowing project. I hope one day I will build this type of the system in my abode.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@caironhorn2656]

Been looking forward to your new pond build and it looks amazing great job 🙂👌🏼

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@TacoMonster4eva]

The construction was on point. The landscaping inside the pond and the filter lacked greatly I think. The look was very sterile. The fish will be able to live there just fine, but it’s just not a spot you would look at and think “how beautiful and natural it looks”.

[@danielliptrott2685]

Just stumbled upon your channel its really good its really impossible to get fed up with aquariums and ponds. Great stuff well done mate 👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! It’s for sure a great hobby!!!

[@botesyotes]

Looks awesome, I love these kind of builds.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@deltoid4]

Literally love this. I'm really keen to make a small pond for a section of my small garden. Will have to be an above ground pong though. Great ideas. Great job. Lucky man.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@matz4k]

I love your dedication to insulation, doing it 100% let's me sleep better. The filter system looks great, I think the Bio filter alone would be enough to keep everything clean.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@RyanT7._]

you made this look incredibly easy

[@naylee]

Wow!! Great video and love the pond❤👍🏻

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!!! 😊

[@lumpiabros]

Great video!! Definitely will be incorporating some of this into our DIY pond

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks you! 👊

[@lynn8307]

I love this set up. Beautiful

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@neljudemangalos7662]

I'm from the Philippines I love to watch your video, it's very helpful for me couse I have a pond and fish on my backyard.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@leeannaparker3951]

Wow u made that all look easy. Thanks for the video got some fab ideas to pimp my pond up with xx

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@Prairiehawkmn]

I love love the no power saw!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Free workout! 💪

[@christebay2922]

Outstanding. And fair play for using a handsaw!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! Yeah, it was quite the work out.. 💪

[@jackanddan]

Nice job dude super big and beautiful…..looking forward to some updates and how nicely these plants grow 😀😀👍👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!! 😊 Will defo be sure to do some updates!! 👍

[@vin461]

I love all of it. wow. Such a great design and beautiful as well. I will be copying the design completely. But I'll use milk crates to create voids and and stands. I say add stones to the pond. I love how detailed your video is and you didn't skip steps or absurdly fast forward through essential steps.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! Yeah, I tried to show as much as I could whilst not making the video too long.. 😊

[@vviv7230]

That was brilliant to watch, professional and well explained, thank you. Creative smart concept

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@PRO4XKEV]

Excellent job, Pond looks fantastic.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!

[@andro069]

you're so patient and so great at building. 😍 great at video production too. this was a joy to watch, and inspiring.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!! 😊

[@mayremarichal2018]

Espectacular..!! Amassing..!! The best out doors fish pond tha I even seen… I love it…😊

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you so much 😊

[@lonivogler6449]

WOW!!! That was such a GOOD video! Your designs are straight forward and attractive. It's easy to understand and Gives me confidence that I could do my own above ground pond as well. Had one then a contractor did but it wasn't supported well enough and the side started to bow. So I broke it down and put the fish in the big pot. My big koi spawned this year so I have babies! I am using 2 500 gallon above ground pools, but want to make something more permanent. I want to have space to grow out some of the fry before I sell them. Subscribed :)

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! That’s awesome your koi spawned.. I’ve had had some surprise goldfish fry myself! Thanks for watching!! 😊

[@paull9839]

Well done! Beautiful pond

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@moomoon1410]

Your contents are just too cool and inspiring.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@DidisFINDen]

took another watch of the vid. really nice on all of the components. i have to re-work all my ponds, so at least some of these ideas will be coming into play. thanks!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I look forward to seeing them on your channel!! 😊

[@steve32851]

Very nice. Been into aquariums and ponds for 20 years. Always had bigger and bigger ponds at home but never did an above ground. I maybe try one now. Looks better then I thought it would

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! Yeah, I’m hoping to build a bigger in ground pond at some point!!!

[@jamespalmer3716]

youve done an amazing job it looks great

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!! 😊

[@FrameNature]

Done a super job mate. Well done. Bet you are chuffed with it.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you mate, yeah I was really pleased with how it came out!

[@jacopodanglars4836]

awesome video, you gave me some ideas for my future project.

[@dermont5]

Man, I think I can do this after watching this video! Nervously excited!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Definitely! Just take your time, and enjoy the process! 👍

[@michelemarriott1724]

This video was excellent. It was very instructional and something that I can share with my handyman, aka hubby. Your excellent vlogging made me subscribe to you after seeing just one video! I look forward to further exploring your clips. ❤ from Florida, USA!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😁

[@SofiNme365]

You did an amazing job! 🥂

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!🥂 😁

[@BlackshacksBushcraft]

Looks awesome. 😃

[@DC-nt3zk]

Amazing , well done

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@kennyangel]

That is an awesome build and one that inspired me a lot to build something like this in my garden! One thing I would have done differently is use the water coming from the mechanical filter to go directly into the gravel filter (by gravity, maybe setting the latter one a little lower) and thus having mechanically clean water only in the gravel filter.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I did think about doing that, but wasn’t sure on what hose/ pipe diameters I need to use, plus I was struggling to work out the right flow rate to make sure it all ran smoothly, so in the end decided to keep them separate. Also I thought by keeping them separate if I ever have a problem with one of the filters, I can just divert all the water to the other one. But yeah, ideally it would be good to have the water go from the mechanical filter into the bog 👍😊

[@kennyangel]

What brand/model is the main tank? Can’t seem to find something like that online ?

[@Thatcham100]

Wow , looks amazing

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thanks bro! 👊

[@mohamedtahirahamed4111]

Amazing Job 👏

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@giacomodante614]

great job mate! compliments

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you, mate!

[@dickiedavis5240]

Another amazing video. I love your projects. Perfect blend of incredibly professional looking whilst also looking just about achievable for the average joe like me!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@jonarchdeacon3761]

Quality, detailed video! Keep up the good work!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!

[@essef.]

I watch your vids for a year and then see this hit 323k in 10 days. Good work buddy!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@flaviaspassos]

loved the havaianas

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!!! I do love my havaianas!!!

[@markburrows173]

Clean work nice one job I’d add another shelf a little lower than the other again nice work

[@Falconurbex]

Looks cool brother well done and thanks for sharing your video

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you bro!!!

[@Michael-ln7us]

Amazing job, looks great 👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@PWOL35]

Really nicely and smartely built, thanks for the sharing

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@catterin7815]

Thank you for the wonderfully informative video. Your pond is both well thought out, functional and beautiful. As for adding anything to the bottom, maybe some large pond stones? Like no smaller than 5 inches? Not to many, just something that would cover some of the plastic bottom while adding more dimension. They would also be easier for you to remove if needed for cleaning. Thanks again and I look forward to your next video.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! That’s very nice of you to say!! Yeah, I think I may add some larger rocks to the bottom this Spring! 😊

[@mathewadams2929]

This was so great to watch. I love how you arent using tons of expensive equipment and supplies. This is way more like what the average person could do.

[@jitsehiemstra6204]

Just this now i am considering to build a pond tho 😂

[@nightlite9009]

I'm an aquarium guy really, but I was fascinated by your build. I had a few concerns as I was watching, so there were a few sharp breaths, but you addressed the concerns as you went and I exhaled in relief. It looks really nice too. I think the mechanical filtration could be done better, but it would cost a lot on a pond scale, so I think as a cheaper set up you did well. I'm not a fan of alfagrog, so that's the only thing I would change out.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! Yeah, I agree the mechanically filter could be better, the real test will be how it handles the summer months when the waste load is at its highest! I only really used the alfagrog as I bought a big bag of it years ago and thought I may as well use it up. 👍

[@SpiritualBraids08]

Well made video and beautiful design 👌

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@MrDanAng1]

Nice build. I think you should keep it bare bottom, both for easier maintenance, but also better visibility of the fish against the dark background.

[@BoredInTheComments]

This was awesome, you did a great job!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 👊

[@PixelModding]

I have a really similar pond to this new build, but I just have the bog filter for filtration. Funny enough I was thinking of splitting my pump with a T piece like you have done here for a mechanical filter. Would be interested to see how the water quality looks in a few months time so please do some update videos! Great job!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Will defo do some update!! 👍

[@aileensochon7500]

Great video. Fascinating. 👏👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@mikecampbell7421]

Really well made vid and very interesting. I now have an idea for my place !!!

[@alexburchett7441]

Fair play, you smashed that looks decent !!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@sarahvia3729]

4:54 love the disappearing chicken

[@SquirrelTheBaby]

Great build! Would love to have one like this!!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@KM-yh4gh]

Simply awesome!!!

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@ianstewart5297]

Nice G F what a great job.🦈🦈

[@thomasburras]

That is a genius idea!

[@TheJarheadEntrepreneur]

This is a beautiful build brother..Just what i needed as I am wanting to do a similar build out near our pool..Keep Crushing It!! Stay HUMBLE, Stay HUNGRY, Stay FOCUSED...~The Jarhead Entrepreneur

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you, I will! And luck with your build!! 😊

[@devoncsmith2696]

This is amazing.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you!

[@sharonhanna305]

Amazingly cool 😎. Loved watching this video. 👍

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! 😊

[@starrider529]

Lovely project mate. I hope that filtration system works, otherwise that will turn into a mosquito sanctuary. I have a neighbour here in the east end of London, with a similar set-up. God, in summer when we have those balmy British summer days, the amout of mosquitoes even surpassed that of my native South Africa!

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

This was amazing, you homemade all the “Aquascape” expensive products I want but don’t want the high cost! No one else does but I always raise my pumps as an “in case” as well! Probably helps in winter as well as you don’t want to pull the warmer water below and mix with outside colder air. Plant creeping Jenny as well, they don’t mind wet feet either! Algae isn’t a bad thing, just have. Uv light to not have pea green water. I always do substrate, it helps with fine algae and bacteria places to grab for the natural environment of the aquatic animals. Natural growth on the substrate is not a bad thing. I also have solar e wire stones in case of power outage.

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Thank you! I’ll definitely get some creeping Jenny for the bog filter!! 😊