EASIEST fish pond for your garden! (A great home for goldfish)

All of you were so impressed with the no dig nature pool, I thought I would get one of its bigger brothers: a Blagdon Affinity pond. These are a brilliant all in one pond with everything you need to get started.
My parents absolutely love the pond, my dad sits beside it most evenings now. They didn't really want to be in the video but I'll try and get them in the update for their thoughts on the pond.
I have worked with and sold these ponds for years so I know it's a product I can trust! I am really tempted to build one of the bigger ones, I just need to find another garden to build it in.
As a lot of you are from outside the UK here is links to the main website for these ponds in different regions.
US www.penningtonaquagarden.com/...
EU aquagarden-europe.com/raised-...
UK blagdonwatergardening.co.uk/p...
Video chapters
00:00 - Intro
03:12 - Demolishing the playhouse
03:55 - What is in the box?
06:40 - Building the pond
10:10 - Fitting the liner
11:36 - Preparing the area
13:19 - Building the pond filter
15:05 - Fitting the waterfall and planting pockets
15:50 - Gravel and filling the pond
17:48 - Planting the pond plants
20:14 - Planting the plants around the pond
22:38 - Adding the fish
24:52 - The finished pond!
Support the channel by joining the channel members area here.
/ @fishshopmatt
Find my merch below!
my-store-d0bef8.creator-sprin...
Amazon affiliate links for pond products I use.
The half moon pond in the video UK amzn.to/3UPF542 US amzn.to/4ao3a7T
The corner pond UK amzn.to/3KrRfvv
The octagon pond UK amzn.to/4bJP41G US amzn.to/3yp08Dj
No dig nature pool UK amzn.to/3K872iM US amzn.to/4bJ2kDL
Pond Lab Multi-Test Kit UK amzn.to/4bf2ZfW
Pond Chlorine remover UK amzn.to/4bgBkLR
Pond Sludge Remover UK amzn.to/4aQf9w7
Clears Green and Cloudy Water UK amzn.to/4bb6lkc
Pond Live Filter Bacteria UK amzn.to/4djIL6z
Oase Pondovac 4 Pond Vacuum UK amzn.to/3JXc1Tv US amzn.to/44molGe
Blagdon Amphibious IQ Energy Saving Pond Pump UK amzn.to/3JEGa9Y

[@FishShopMatt]

As a lot of you are asking here are the links to the main website for these ponds in different regions. US www.penningtonaquagarden.com/product-category/raised-window-ponds/ EU aquagarden-europe.com/raised-window-pond/raised-window-pond-half-moon-mocha/ UK blagdonwatergardening.co.uk/products/ponds/affinity-pools-complete-kits/

[@thomas3crows487]

- random question .. have you ever reviewed the OASE Indoor Aquatics Bioplus 50 filter.?

[@carolebraswell982]

Found it! Thanks!!

[@antonycrompton1193]

Can you put a heater in these ponds for tropical fish?

[@corq]

We need a followup video of your parents' reaction to the pond!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha I will work on it, mum and dad were very happy with it but weren't a fan of the idea of being filmed hahaha

[@alanthecat59]

very true , good point well made

[@corq]

@@FishShopMatt fair enough, I'm glad they were happy with it! I just bought the house I formerly used to rent so now I can do what I want in my backyard and I'm seriously thinking about one of these ponds!

[@speckledjim_]

Having a pond, any sized pond can be absolutely brilliant for the UK's much beleaguered wildlife. If you have the space a pond can be so rewarding

[@angelinabotha8093]

This is so rental friendly. I might (will) invest in a pond like this. Brilliant idea and when I move I can take it with me!! ❤ thanks for sharing, as I never even thought if adding a free standing pond like this one into my yard and with windows so I can watch the fish!! Love it 👏

[@FishShopMatt]

Go for it, I have loads of customers that rent and own one of these ponds. They are so easy to move and take with you.

[@YochevedDesigns]

That pond design is genius! It's a perfect fit for that corner with the tree behind it.

[@JamesTHEKOIwhisperer123]

I remember must be 10 +years ago now this was the exact same pond that got me into the hobby that you sold me from the shop you used to work at now it has took me to keeping koi to the next level but will never forget where it all started for me 🔨🔥👊🏻

[@alanthecat59]

super story thankyou

[@FishShopMatt]

That's awesome buddy! It's mad to think how long ago that was!

[@JamesTHEKOIwhisperer123]

@@FishShopMatt crazy mate will have to catch up with you this year at some point mate

[@JenniferDoRego]

Shout out to Fish Shop Mom and Dad for the assist! I can truly appreciate all the work and logistice in the small added steps you show for instance putting the parts on cardboard, small parts in a box (I spill EVERYTHING) step by step intructions and why the steps are included. KUDOS!!! Love from Georgia USA

[@FishShopMatt]

Much appreciated! I used to be awful at things like that but have made so many mistakes over the years I've learnt hahaha.

[@kerryroundspawlik8727]

I really liked the window shots with the fish peeking out, so cute.

[@JeffreyBowers-zk3vs]

matts the fish bae of youtube🥺

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha I'll take it!

[@KBHURSTHerMenagerie]

I literally own that same fish pond. The windows need a lot of cleaning over time. I have had mine for 12 years now. Still holding up. But it is now where I keep my fish in our basement during winter. I have a small deck pond of about 80 gallons, too. Enjoy this one!!! When I first got this one I put it in the corner of our rental home in the living room. Very nice. =)

[@barbarastrohmenger6123]

I LOVE these ponds!! Such a great idea. And it was very thoughtful of you to do something as beautiful as this for your parents.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@julierobertson148]

A beautiful addition to your parents' garden! This design has the right combination of artificial and natural elements to enhance any place by using appropriate plants and accents.

[@Diospyros1985]

Turned out great! Wonderful way to add a water feature to a small outdoor area! Can't wait to see it fully matured with the surrounding landscaping.

[@FishShopMatt]

You and me both! I'll bring you all back for the updates.

[@sandglowpets]

Fish Shop Dad caught me... I giggled into my popcorn. Loved this one, Matt ❤ great job!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@richiep430]

love the variety that Matts channel brings- although I've never had a pond , I'm really tempted by one of these. Great Video and make sure to like and subscribe.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much for your continued support, it really means a lot.

[@sbkpeace.24]

Lucky goldfish! Ample amounts of filtration Really cool idea, love all the plants!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks!

[@meerkatx]

Rice fish can withstand pretty cool temps and pretty warm temps. Great for outdoors without having to have a huge pond.

[@FishShopMatt]

Not allowed to keep them outside in the UK unfortunately. Very big fine if you do.

[@anthonywareham9667]

@@FishShopMattWhat about Shubunkins, they are quite small but they breed like mice

[@LokiLove69]

I'm from the US and honestly whenever I think of the Uk I always feel like everyone has a garden some way some how and now that I'm 40 by law I'm supposed to be into gardening or it feels that way was wondering if you could do a video of growing veggies and fruits out of the tank I've seen some videos but feel you'd be better at it

[@sophianash4209]

Well now I want a pond. I love the little viewing windows! Great build Matt😃

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much!

[@TheHemiphil81]

Everytime i watch one of your pond videos it pushes me closer to doing one myself..😊

[@rossco3603]

The wiring in was the part I watched the entire build for. I think it puts people off even trying to have a pond.

[@FishShopMatt]

It depends where you are in the world and what you're allowed to do legally with electrics. I had a friend install an outdoor socket on this one and then had a blagdon ps electric box to install all the pond bits into. Have a look at the blagdon ps electric boxes as this is an easy way for some people to achieve outdoor pond power.

[@viciousfox359]

Might need one of these for my turtle in the summer😊

[@tthappyrock368]

What a wonderful surprise for your folks!

[@TController]

I was never a fan of this type of pond … but I’m definitely sold on this Blagdon half moon. Just got to save up my pennies to buy one! Thank you for an excellent tutorial.

[@miniscenesgb]

Lovely project and what a great gift for your parents

[@madhatterjones4781]

Screaming out for white clouds and medaka

[@FishShopMatt]

White clouds would be cool but medaka are illegal to keep outside in the UK.

[@EVOlution-EVo19]

I had one those as my first pond , my second pond was built 6 months later just a bit bigger at 15x15x5 ft with 30 koi ,drum filter and bakki shower .. also have reef tanks indoors 🤣👌🏻👍🏻

[@brianclaw]

Watching from SE Asia, where it's currently 30°C with 75% humidity, making it feel like 35°C in the shade, and it's only 10AM, and seeing someone complain about the heat in the UK, where it says a high of 23°C is expected today.

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha yeah that's because I'm really pale and can't handle the heat. Fun fact I've only ever been to two hot country holidays all the others have been snowboarding.

[@ShannonR1969]

I'm in Houston, Texas, where we are already in the 90s (around 35-36C) with 90% humidity, and the sun feels like it's about 30 feet away. I was laughing about Matt complaining about the heat. As a pale redhead, I just avoid outside as much as possible and take vitamin D pills!

[@NirajPetsLondon]

My goldfish bred just this morning, I posted a video on my channel actually.Anyways nice video,keep up the good work.

[@FishShopMatt]

That's awesome I'll check it out later!

[@rayp4008]

I am in the US, but have a sweet heart of a mother in law, as well as many nieces and nephews in the Philippines. Wife and I usually spend about 5 months there as well. Have been mentally toying with building something there for them. Unfortunately it is not like the UK and US where pieces and parts are more easily sourced.

[@FishShopMatt]

That would be a cool project! You should definitely do something, I bet there are some cool native fish!

[@gigi3242]

I've never seen that product; it's brilliant! Well made, easy construction, and totally cool. Thanks Matt. Would love to have a smaller version for my balcony, will look into it. Have an awesome weekend.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you, there is a smaller version in the UK called the affinity. Might be worth having a look.

[@leaf2309]

Hats are really great when ur in the sun

[@karloffgrid]

Having owned the grand half moon affinity pond for a couple years now with goldfish in, I quickly realised after a few months that the in pond filter isn't up to the job of keeping on top of filtration with fish. Its fine as an ornamental pond but not for fish. I replaced the in pond filter with an external box filter by blagdon and an in pond pump. The actual pond and liner is just like it was when it was new. Would love to see this come with an external filter option as that would make it the perfect beginner pond then

[@johnpark-jones4285]

Great pond Matt still got mine going strong after 7 years.

[@FishShopMatt]

Amazing! They are great quality!

[@howardgin5232]

I'm not a pond guy not my thing, but I love the project and it looks amazing! Great job man. I like how you're scaping different things and all your tanks look different. Perhaps you need a bench or chair beside it to lounge and relax.

[@FishShopMatt]

I appreciate that! There is actually a swing chair behind me in the whole of this video so it's perfect for sitting and chilling.

[@jackiec9062]

Love this so good, great for a verity of people, such a lovely idea for your parents, really kind, love your channel. Luv from UK 🇬🇧

[@TheFishkeepingGinge]

Great video as always Matt🤩😊

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenporter3156]

Wonderful pond and video! I hope your parents get a lot of enjoyment from the pond. Loved seeing the bubble from little Quinn. Thank you.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! He was going to help but I couldn't get him away from the bubbles and football.

[@carlbrain3758]

They need to do one of these thats big enough for koi. Koi keeping is so expensive. If there was a ready set like this & it was affordable that would be great

[@reginaphalanges7331]

Beautiful!!! I really enjoyed watching this build! Thank you!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@missMediaChick]

This is so cool! I'd love to have this on my balcony!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you they do a smaller one in some countries too.

[@VonnesCreaties]

what are you doing to me? already bought the other pond! 😀

[@FishShopMatt]

I am sorry but you could have two?

[@Gemma6thSense]

Thank you for this! Bc I had to recently move and I had a gorgeous koi pond that I have enjoyed caring for for over 20 years and even growing out the koi… now I have an opportunity of having at the least gold fish!!! Since I had no choice but to downsize but this would be amazing! I totally would just do goldfish! Koi would get too big in time. But omg this is so great!!

[@pamlacey136]

Terrific product. The finished pond looks terrific!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you!

[@kzookid2051]

I would love to have a pond like this for my goldfish during the summer if I could figure out how to keep my neighbor's feral cats out of the yard. Thanks so much for sharing your projects with us, Matt. Even if we can't do a particular project, you give us tons of ideas to try out.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! You may not be able to get it in your country but have a look at a product called silent roar. It's lion waste mixed with porous gravel, you sprinkle it round the area and it deters cats. I've used it a few times with good results.

[@Tomy_Yon]

Redesigning mum's garden. 😊

[@raygiannamore]

I really enjoy these videos. Lots of diverse content.

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you like them!

[@donnabopp9327]

Nice job Matt. I would consider this for my yard!

[@faedoyle4147]

I want it I want it I WANT IT NOW!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@FishShopMatt]

Hahaha do it!!!

[@petesie80]

excellent Matt, really enjoying your channel!

[@corinnemorris1808]

That is so cool!! Thank you very much!! I will be looking into getting this pond ❤

[@andreagalda28]

Love, love, love any and all pond videos! Don't forget about Medaka ricefish. MD has had those in his studio before, so you should be able to get your hands on some. They would be perfect for a small pond or tub garden. Keep the videos coming ❤️

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Unfortunately we aren't allowed to keep ricefish outside in the UK, big fines if you do.

[@jtkeepingfish]

Wow looks really good! That’s a new concept for me, havent seen something like that before. But very cool!

[@FishShopMatt]

Glad you like it! Maybe you need one? Hahaha

[@wendydix5534]

What a beautiful concept. Absolutely stunning. Well done it looks amazing 🤩

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@owen_oj]

Great vid mate 👌

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy. Glad you enjoyed!

[@walshja81]

keep it up, Matt. Enjoying the videos.

[@stefan00123]

Hi matt What a nice pond it is!! And than its funny to see a tag of Moerings plants in the Netherlands its just 2 km away from my home 😂😂 hope the plants are doing well!! Hope to see you this year at vivarium! Have a great day

[@naegwut]

Very cool

[@Wavey1988]

I have been so very tempted to get one of these ponds but for in my conservatory, heated to make a tropical pond and stocked with guppies

[@andresp9020]

Fish Shop Matt for president (or 👑😉) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🍾🥂🎉🎉🎉

[@FishShopMatt]

Ooooo not sure about that, I don't think I have the energy for it. Hahaha

[@sherronmilici7726]

Hello from Australia. I love your videos. They are very casual, relaxed and natural. Also very informative with varying subject matter.

[@garageaquatics2023]

Wow . . . I had this great comment going then my wife walked in. 🙂Here we go again . . . Let me start with just how beautifully your yard is growing in for the summer, Matt! I'm still living vicariously through you in your yard. Thanks for that! What a great build video. I did show my wife the final scene of the finished pond and she said to send her the link. I did! Who knows, I may end up with one here. Our challange is if we'll be able to keep fish alive here in Palm Desert, California with summer temperatures at 120F+? We shall see. I'll set it up in a protected and shady location. It might even be able to overwinter there. I'm thinking I might be able to use rice fish (if I can find them), or mollies (there's a wild-type that live not too far from here in the Colorado River), plattys maybe, and maybe Neocaridina. It'll be a fun experiment. Anyway, Matt, as always, thanks for your great content! Cheers, my friend! (BTW - I'm going to message you on IG. I've got a technical question I hope you'll be able to answer.) Cheers!

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you so much! You're always welcome to chill in my garden. That would be awesome! I like the sound of those mollies! I'll watch out for the message.

[@garageaquatics2023]

@@FishShopMatt Thanks, Matt!

[@madhatterjones4781]

What an amazing product very cool. Needs some white clouds nd rice fish

[@FishShopMatt]

White clouds would be cool but unfortunately ricefish are illegal to keep outside in the UK.

[@Ghostoad]

Matt! The sun is life. Embrace it. I bought the Pennington no dig pond you put in your yard after watching this. Can't wait to put some Madoka and maybe some golden white clouds. You're an inspiration. Cheers mate.

[@sinanalpmen440]

good job Matt 👍

[@davidmccann2633]

That looks a lot of fun

[@MrPequenio]

That looks amazing ❤

[@cherellzandell6139]

Love it! A pleasure to watch, as always!

[@pandugofast]

Nice, really enjoying the accessibility angle. I've been watching fish keeping for years but never took the plunge because of the high cost. Ponds especially are insane.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks for watching! Yeah ponds can be pricey but as with anything you get what you pay for. You could always start with a few decent sized tubs as nature ponds and grow from there. I've got some cool projects lined up with this sort of thing.

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Great video. I love fish, aquariums and now love the idea of a pond. Super thrilled Blagdon brought out a no dig solar option. Alongside this one well they look great but no electricity in my back garden and price point are real barriers for both of these. I am still on the lookout for a good raised pond solar solution that won’t break the bank. Love to hear your thoughts 😀.

[@Eddie-fr4sh]

Brilliant mate looks great 👍

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you buddy!

[@angiebear8727]

Looks really nice 👍.

[@FishShopMatt]

Thanks 👍

[@clementbellande8720]

Cool project ❤❤❤

[@johnlanger7852]

Perfect, I want something like this

[@FishShopMatt]

They are great aren't they!

[@marksaliba12]

Awesome vid man and cool product

[@emdee20817]

Loved it, loved it, loved it ❤🐟️🌿🌼☀️That build-in window is wonderful! I wish I could have them our patio...which we are not allowed 😢

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Surely you could put one on a patio? I have loads of friends in rental properties with ponds like these as they can be drained and moved so easily.

[@emdee20817]

@@FishShopMatt Unfortunately the facility policy don't allow it.... 😥 I will make do with regular tanks for now. Keep the inspiration coming 😘

[@megmills4798]

Hello Matt's dad😊

[@HappyOne2017]

I love this video great job 😊😊

[@Sp4ff]

Interesting video, Mr & Mrs FSM Snr must be pleased

[@FishShopMatt]

They are, didn't manage to catch them on camera though hahaha

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

What a cute pond. Too bad I have no place for one. If you can get Japanese Rice Fish they handle the cold and can look really good in a pond.

[@karenpaxton]

Great video, Matt. You did a lovely job with the Affinity!! It looks beautiful. Excited to hear what your folks think!

[@alanthecat59]

who r u

[@emdee20817]

yeah, it always helps to see how you Matt do things fail-proof way. Never thought of putting water first for sliding panels to slot easily .

[@FishShopMatt]

Thank you! Yeah they love it, just wasn't confident on camera hahaha.

[@jolynemartin969]

Loved your video! Well done!!🤩

[@suewestby824]

Super build!

[@LydiaCarr-ne3pi]

Beautiful. I love the waterfall and to see the fish through the windows is lovely. Thankyou for the video. You made it look so easy to set up.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@grantgrobler3850]

always love your work .. keep it up

[@andyproctor696]

Wonderful video Matt!

[@twunderaquatics1770]

This is awesome ❤

[@megmills4798]

Matt great video😊

[@charliedupree3110]

Looks really good 👍

[@meganm8226]

Ok- I definitely want one!

[@MegaCreativeChris]

Really enjoying the outdoor fish pond videos. More please!

[@drea4195]

What a cool setup! I hope they make these ponds in lighter colors, my climate would have a dark container overheating the pond water in no time June-September.

[@Nic-kx5dn]

Looks v good Matt. We put in a pond in our pergola and have 3 goldfish,pond going well,We have a side path made of flat wood pieces and front and back plants.❤❤❤love sitting out there with friends and having family barbecues other side for small table chairs and my raised garden planters.❤❤❤

[@boges11]

You only get goldfish for colder water? Surely you get White clouds, Medakas and Platys. As long as it doesn't freeze over, which it shouldn't with the waterfall, you'll be right with those little ones. My bigger pond (approx 400L) gets to 10C during winter. I have no probs with my White clouds, Platys, American Flagfish and even cherry shrimp. My smaller pond (50L) gets a little cooler and the Medakas love it.

[@FishShopMatt]

There are some of those that people keep outside but it can get quite cold. Also medaka are illegal to keep outdoors in the UK unfortunately.

[@cathyfrankland9158]

Absolutely lovely, I definitely want this pond, what a fantastic idea. With all of your experience and knowledge, I totally trust what you say and recommend Matt, thanks so much for making videos like this. (Would love to see a video of the bigger version of this pond if you find a spare garden space!!!)

[@dazallen3324]

Only Matt would use a hammer to open a box 😅😅, keep up the great work!

[@alanthecat59]

classic

[@MandyJane123700]

That is such a cute pond, I love the windows. Also, hi Fish Shop Dad!

[@FishShopMatt]

Hey, thanks!

[@bonniegoodwin5653]

How cool is that! I am totally gonna ask for one of those for my bday. Such a great pond for patios and ponds. Great video! Also thank you for your acclimatization video. I haven’t lost a fish since I watched that. Thanks again!

[@michellegannon4933]

What a wonderful thing to do for your parents ❤

[@darrylmoore5847]

I love this.