How to build a Fish Pond - Part 1 | Pond Design and Layout

[@johnhatten350]

This series of videos is AMAZING: 21 videos that cover just about every aspect of pond and waterfall building. There is a Part 2 that was made a year later and isn't the Part 2 that would make sense that cover the details of the plumbing, but throughout the series there are many good plumbing tips. This is truly a fantastic series! Thank you Eric and everyone that made this series. (If you ever felt inspired to make Part 2A focusing on just the plumbing design and layout, it would be great to have that piece to finish this.)

[@rickhines7297]

I normally don't post comments but I have to say, Eric, I can NOT thank you and your crew enough! I watched all of your 23 videos and my 9 yo daughter (Laura) and I rebuilt my father in laws POND GONE BAD! I followed your videos and your tips and tricks were perfect! The waterfall came out great. Only thing I forgot was to wear gloves when initially using the waterfall foam. Wow, that stuff does not come off, just as you said! You are a master at what you do! If you lived in New Hampshire I would have hired your team! Thank you so much!

[@ThePondDigger]

Rick!!!!! Thank you so very much for the comment. I am honored that you used our information as a resource to tackle your project. Life is Short, Enjoy Koi........

[@Suburbanstoneage]

The California drought has taught me many valuable lessons, and the most important is that "water is life". Over this winter, I will be studying this tutorial and building a pond in the backyard. The idea is to store rain water, have an emergency water supply, and give wildlife a helping hand. I love these detailed videos, I can tell that that Mr. Triplet is a pro, careful, contentious, particular, and experienced. I am proud to use him as my pond mentor.

[@ThePondDigger]

+Suburban Stone Age I am humbled. Thank you!

[@ThePondDigger]

I do not profess to understand the extreme cold weather that you endure each year but I can tell you I have pond professional associates across the country that build with this same pond construction philosophy without issues. States including but not limited to PA, IL, MN, MD and more. GO FOR IT!

[@gregorybowden1515]

I am indeed that weekend warrior doing it by myself and now I absolutely cannot wait because I just ran across and watched your Series 5 and now starting with 1. Man I can't wait to start digging and building my own Koi pond with your expertise and easy to comprehend videos! Thank you so much sir! ...Oh and of course I SUBSCRIBED immediately🤠

[@sirmixalot135678]

Glad to see you back in action on KZbin can't wait for the rest of the videos!

[@dphelps2889]

Just want to say thanks for all the great tips and informational videos! You do great work!

[@Chris2Breezy]

Great video I live in North Carolina so the dirt is strong to even be able to get through the compact dirt takes 30 mins to get 2 feet

[@HomeloancoachJohnKlein]

More great videos, thanks. These will come in very handy when I finally get to this stage of my backyard project. I also need to make the drive over to your store to start deciding on which equipment to use.

[@MineMountModels]

Very excited about this series. I have my pond and stream dug out but haven't bought the liner or waterfall filter yet. So this is perfect timing on the videos. Keep up the great work and enthusiasm. Thanks, from another Weekend Warrior (Ron)

[@Soper79]

What a great start. Thanks for doing this. Can't wait to see the rest.

[@CazeePonds]

Omg, an official Pond Digger cliff hanger!!! I can't wait to see the rest. Amazing job as always Eric.

[@ThePondDigger]

I hate it when I use words wrong! Thanks for the English Lesson. :) Life is good. Learning at ever turn.

[@sherieryan6176]

Sir, you are an advertisement for doing what you love. Your love of these ponds makes me want to build one, and I am not someone who builds.

[@ThePondDigger]

Everyone needs a pond!

[@sissymurphy9620]

wow 8by 11 is a popular size .I thought bigger was better .I guess any size is better than none .I have to say all your video's are great .I have been ponding for 11 years and have gone bigger 4 times .Started with 300 gallons and now I am at 4000 gallons .Plus I have a lotus lily pond .It becomes addicting

[@mpp3010]

Wow ! I binge watched all the videos in this collection and then some . Thank you so very much , I learned so much from you ! I am so excited to create my water garden soon . I asked for most of my supplies for this past christmas , now I'm just waiting for it to stop snowing here . But ...if you want to come to Indiana and do a show in my backyard I would be even more excited !! ;-) Thanks again for the wonderful information !

[@ThePondDigger]

Wilson Tan! You are very welcome! It's good to be appreciated! By the way I'm loving the Frontosas in your avatar. I got started in this business from my love for African Cichlids many years ago. Life is good!

[@troydocimo7701]

Thank you for all your help! Love the videos!

[@ThePondDigger]

+Troy Docimo You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mikesbikes1575]

I WATCHED ALL 10 VIDEOS, NO INSTRUCTION ON PLUMBING OR WIRING... ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS!

[@ThePondDigger]

Glad we have given you inspiration! GO BIG!!!

[@Musabe009]

I have been tossing that thought for some time now, Thank You for your response. I am going to buy a liner to fit my ponds and then use the liners I do have for the stream runs from the three waterfalls. Its funny, this started off as a small project; I just could not find satisfaction in small. I have a 3/4 back yard that has become my canvas to paint. Thank you for your great videos!

[@wolfdieterbender2816]

What a great set of videos with lots of tips I watched all 23 in one sitting. I missed a bit the aspect of the plumbing but assumed how it works. You showed in the beginning the standard setup kit and I wonder where I could get it today in 2021. Maybe there are newer designs, but I loved the parts you used. Wolf Bender in Bethlehem, PA

[@leecalladine]

another great video. Well explained.

[@ThePondDigger]

That's great to hear RON! I know all about how the Weekend Warrior thinks! We film waterfall plumbing this weekend. Stay tuned it will be just about perfect timing for you!

[@paulsimpson6824]

Eric... You "Rock" the pond world! Hey buddy, I am using "feng shui" principals to locate my waterfall and pond. I am therefor, in a situation where my pond should be located in the north, and my waterfall feature in the northeast. I am on a small lot with a septic tank also in the north/north-east location. I don't have enough space for a decent sized koi pond and waterfall. So here is my plan... A six tier waterfall over a 12 foot span, landing in a 3 x 5 pond with a three foot depth. This leads to a 25 foot x 2 foot wide channel which is 3 feet deep and sloping down to 4 feet, where it enters the other 5' x 8' pond with 5 foot depth. I will have drains, and skimmers on each pond, and three jets in the channel aimed toward the larger pond. I am running the channel between my house and septic with two feet on either side. Do you see many problem, using a 25 foot channel to connect the ponds? Or how about proximity to the septic? Thanks for the awesome video series! and here is a plug for "Helix" Thanks, Paul

[@JohnSmith-cy9tt]

Who is still litsening and grab Erics epic tips on how to do it 2022 - I just scraped my old pond - big ass - 13x 6,5 meters - Oase crap system that was not working good will be changed out big time To bad I cant by the Helix System in EU - will build my own i guess....Erics sstem as a tutor ... time to start over.. my 6 Kois ( 4 kilos each are not happy in a swimingpool right now) We just got rid of the old.... digging for the future now ...

[@ThePondDigger]

Hey Gilberto! Love to hear from our passionate pond guys out of country! I will work on shipping numbers to TX!

[@carmelitalagunsad8025]

Thanks , for the update I learn more power and god bless.

[@emmalundgren4622]

Love this. i've made plans for spring. Thanks!!!

[@ThePondDigger]

+Emma Lindgren fantastic! Let me know if we can do anything to assist you in your project.

[@ThePondDigger]

You're awesome for giving us the awesome feedback! Thanks!

[@ThePondDigger]

We installed a sick pond for a group of Alligator Gars!! The Pond Is 10' x 24' x 5' deep and the gars are getting HUGE!!!! The pond in this video series is a little small for a herd of Gars but you could certainly start off some youngins in this pond.

[@hesterman506]

Awesome How-To!

[@artwharton5092]

I cannot see a part 2 that I believe shows the layout of the plumbing. It goes from layout to retaining wall construction. I have seen all available videos I like them very much, but I would like to see the 2nd video on plumbing placement.

[@DarkAxiomProductions]

Great Video! Thanks for the free info!

[@ThePondDigger]

DarkAxiomProductions You bet! thank you for watching!

[@chainquli6942]

Thank you Eric ! Great Series of Video! So helpful! Thank you again

[@MrYamaharider1]

Great videos! I am still a bit confused. I bought a pond kit that has a 10 X 15 liner. How wide and long should I make the first initial Shelf? I want it somewhat deep, so it does not freeze in winter how deep can I go with the liner as well?

[@mhillaert]

ThePondDigger ROCKS! :)

[@krazyhorse1978]

Your vids are awesome

[@ThePondDigger]

Much Thanks Isabelle!

[@SeaRockinvestments]

good project to done

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for watching!

[@Johnnychi123]

Hey thanks for the know how! Shared knowledge is the best knowledge!

[@Beelzebub-kj7nw]

first it was the mouse trap guy. then the ant farm guy. and now this pond guy. ive been subbing to all this stuff that is irrelevant to me just cause guys like this make these things interesting

[@benjaminjackson530]

We enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing :)

[@delisepalumbo6760]

I have been watching your show for years I have a pond in my front yard that I inherited with the house the pond liner looks extremely sturdy but for the last couple of years maybe 1 to 2 years I unknowingly move the stone away from some of the edges of the pond and allowed UV light to Penetrate the pond liner I don't seem to have any leaks but I have concerns about the damage that may have been done and I want to know if there is a spray product that you can put on it to continue to protect the pond from the UV light as well as make it water tight and sealed against whatever damage has already been done Is there a product that you recommend for this

[@vladtepes97]

very cool. one thing though: In its common meaning, the term 'parameter' is used to identify a characteristic, a feature, a measurable factor that can help in defining a particular system. A parameter is an important element to take into consideration for the evaluation or for the comprehension of an event, a project or any situation. the word you're looking for is 'perimeter': the length of the outline of a shape.

[@jdinman6263]

Hey Pond Digger. Any thoughts on the OASE FiltoClear 3000 Pond Pressure Filter with UV-C. Pro's and Cons -vs- the system you use? Thanks!

[@Guillermovic71426]

Watching this for my future house lol

[@mikehaines5467]

So there is a new show coming out to be pared with. "Tanked" on animal plantet, called Pond Guys. I think you do a really good presentation. You would be a great host

[@ThePondDigger]

I'm looking forward to the debut of the show! Thank you for your kind words!

[@jeannierasmussen6343]

AMEN! You are the best I mean that! Jeannie

[@freekie365]

great video !!

[@massnumbers]

I used his set-up on a micro scale.. except I used natural wilderness around it, and Old Logs around the Base. I set it up near my Deer Refuge or Deer Sanctuary where Deer come across the ditch and eat greens, rest in hay, lick mineral rocks and drink clean rain water. Yup.. now they Got a Pond too..

[@samwell707]

man you are my hero

[@ThePondDigger]

+Tecolote Alcon You are too kind!

[@bradwatson475]

Hi Eric. I am having a pond built and I wanted to line it with stone and boulders such as in your videos however I am disabled and unable to afford that amount of stone due to being on british benefits so could you tell me if I could use faux rocks made from cement or concrete. Thanks.

[@cherimoreno5028]

I want the walk up right next to my patio. Should I leave a shelf, or let it drop from my cement pad straight down?

[@ThePondDigger]

We do travel for pond construction. I have a GREAT POND BUILDER and close friend of mine that lives in Batavia, IL. Look up Mike White of White Water Filters and tell him The Pond Digger referred you. He has the complete line of Helix Life Support Products at his location.

[@ThePondDigger]

I would plan on digging your pond just outside the drip line of the tree if possible and consider The Helix Pond Skimmer for your Large Leaf debris problems for sure.

[@maryakhan1111]

I have a pond with a waterfall in my front yard! Our neighborhood knows our house as the "Waterfall House." Everybody knows our house, LOL xD

[@ThePondDigger]

Marya Khan Water Features are like magnets!! People love em!!!

[@maryakhan1111]

ThePondDigger Yeah :) definitely

[@tufaznail]

Marya Khan oooo, ur sooooo cool ;)

[@maryakhan1111]

flimflam Haha. Yeah. ;)

[@todaysproducts3681]

Can you recommend me which it's the best pond kit size 20x30. For the good price

[@audiofanaticz]

nice vid!! Im getting really tempted on the helix skimmer, Im in Sheboygan, WI, know of any dealers of your product in the area? I found one pond shop called Stienies, and talked to him he said he heard of the skimmer, but guarentees a traditional skimmer will be better, and that once fish get stuck in it they wont go back... Sadly thats not the case, Guy seems more interested in selling me what he wants, not what I want. big bummer!! Looking forward to more parts as I am digging larger now!

[@Ridethequake]

Great video! Please remind people to call 811 before digging to have their utility lines marked.

[@ThePondDigger]

I would suggest at least an 8' x 11' for your Caimens. And send me some video of them in your pond when complete!!! I love Caimens!

[@MN-pu6qx]

I just watched the series from episode 1 through to episode 23 in one sitting. I was dead set keen to see the end result, BUT, it was a bit like a good murder mystery series, and I didn't want to wreck the final revelation by jumping ahead. I was actually a bit disappointed that I didn't witness the pond being filled with the water - but I can be overly romantic at times. (LOL) You have a good team working for you - terrific to see a boss being so respectful to his boys and working as hard as they do. Congratulations on doing such a great job, not only of the video, but of the pond itself. I'm sure the homeowners were very happy with the outcome and that you and your team would have been mighty proud. I'm from Australia, so just out of interest, how much would you charge ball park figure for a similar contract. And a last few of questions - Is the goat the homeowner's or yours? And for my little girl's information, what's it's name? And for my wife's information, how long did the flowers last with the goat around? Thanks again - excellent!!

[@ThePondDigger]

+Mark NEWLAN Mark thank you so much for the comment and feedback. Makes me smile we had you gripped with the video! I love and respect my team! They are fantastic! To answer your questions - We installed that pond on my property down by my horse corrals and actually removed the pond shortly after installation to film another water feature tutorial series! That's how dedicated we are to teaching on KZbin. :) The goat is our family pet. Her Name is Billie Jean and she travels back and forth to The Pond Digger Headquarter in a car with my wife 5 days week. :) I hope that makes your daughter smile. This feature sells for roughly 7,500.00 without landscape plantings. Have a great day!

[@AzeOfSpadez]

great start! What are the pros and cons to getting say a 10x25 as opposed to the 8x11?

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for the feedback Audiofanaticz! Our closest Authorized Helix Retailer to you in Batavia, IL approximately 3.5 hours from awash. Being Fish Friendly is only ONE of the benefits of The Helix Pond Skimmer! What about the other benefits? We should take him up on his guarantee! How will a traditional skimmer be better? I'll be your sponsor! Let's DIG INTO this!

[@michaelvu9694]

Hi Eric: Thanks a lot for showing step by step. I watched all. It is awesome. I am going to fix my pond. It is a bit bigger (8' x 15). I have several questions: 1. what is horse power of the the Submersible Pump? I saw you cut the PVC (that is connected to water fall filter), then you connected the PVC with the "Yellow thing". 2. What is that for? Can I connect that end to the external MECHANICAL filter and UV light system? 3. Is that necessary to add the external MECHANICAL filter that is constructed in the container with sand, grain, and other material? 4. Could you please make a video of how to build the external MECHANICAL filter tank/container (I have a 50 gallon container with 24 in diameter, about 4 foot height)? Thank you very much.

[@ThePondDigger]

All PROS to moving the pond from 8" x 11' to 10' x 25" You will maximize the pond equipment in the video. 8' x 11' pond is the smallest pond I would this pond kit equipment on. This Helix System can handle a 10 x 25 easily.

[@ThePondDigger]

JOHN42TD! We are filming Plumbing this weekend and I anticipate PT2 will be uploaded by Tuesday or Wednesday next week. You can expect weekly uploads on this video series. Stay tuned!

[@59mrchips]

Hi, love the video series and your expertise. I have a pond that needs redoing and would like to put in a ski mere and waterfall, would like to see more on Video 2, so I have further idea on how to set up the plumbing. Thanks for your efforts.

[@ThePondDigger]

+59mrchips Thank you for the feedback. We had some issues on video number 2. Check out this video on our Helix Pond Skimmer retrofit tutorial. It covers all the details you need for the plumbing you missed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sF7XeZRomad_iac

[@waynesvan4676]

Subscribed and liked, I just love to watch professionals at work, It's amazing the amount of planning and engineering involved in ccreating a pond that looks like it's part of the landscape..... really enjoying your videos ( hurry and get it filled and stocked, I cant wait lol).. May i enquire as to how much you charge for that exact setup including installation and rock work?

[@ThePondDigger]

Stop!!! Don't! Stop! Don't Stop! Thanks!

[@michaelmadley4474]

Good Afternoon. These videos are very helpful, Thank you. I have 4 pekin ducks and want to make a pond just like the one you constructed in these videos. Will this filtration system be sustainable? Or do I need to add a "floor" Filter as well? All I have found online for ponds is either a koi pond or a duck pond (with less then pleasant/functional systems for ducks). Thank you.

[@riyadaroudaki4297]

can I add fish tank decoration inside because I want to add a broken ship for the fish to hide instead of a water tunnel

[@ThePondDigger]

absolutely

[@GreenArt4]

Soon enough I'm going to have a house built in a 500sqm property. My dad and I are contemplating whether to use all that space for the house itself, or if some of it could be allocated for a garden of some sorts. I really like the idea of ponds and I'm thinking of implementing something similar to your video (amazing series by the way). I want the house to be interesting and I realize that that needs effort (which is why a lot of other people's homes in my town are bland, not a lot of effort is put into making them stand out), and I think I'm up for it.

[@ThePondDigger]

+GreenArt4 You can do this! Let me know if there is anything we can do to help.

[@Porschesvideos]

where do we get that water filter and skimmer from?

[@Musabe009]

What is the longest liner splice you have done? I have a 20x10x3.5 , the liner I have is 10x100. So I guess my question would be is ok to splice that length?

[@ThePondDigger]

The excavation dimension is 8' x 11'. Once the rock is installed the water surface shrinks to approximately 6' x 9'. The liner size on this install was 15' x 20' because we were about 3' deep. The liner was a little oversized but made installation easy.

[@BlommaCult]

After watching nearly all of your videos I set out to build my pond. I'm an American living in London and man, do I wish I had available to me some of the materials and products you use in your constructions. Firstly, all that beautiful stone. Yesterday I drove about an hour south of London to buy what was listed as sandstone. At least a couple tons of it. When I got there what I saw looked nothing like the photo in the listing. It was bright rusty orange in places and falling apart where they had been in contact with damp soil. What I have discovered since getting all of this stuff home is that it's not sandstone but ironstone. So basically I bought a couple tons of rusted metal. I have seen some ads for ironstone pebbles for aquariums, although the reviewers did mention it colouring the water a yellowish colour. But aside from discolouration, do you know if this stone is useable at all in my pond? Or will the oxidised heavy metals kill my fish and whatever wildlife? Help!!

[@WayWoodworking]

Hi Eric, can you give me any tips on my pond? I have 2 ducks that took over my small koi pond and I have string algae and just generally really unclean water. I love my fish and ducks and hope to allow them to exist together 😀

[@ThePondDigger]

Thank you for your feedback. This project will come in around 8,000.00 professionally installed with easy access to the property.

[@thomaschau4335]

Very nice video. Have you build a clay seal pond for koi before?

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks Maxwell!!

[@ThePondDigger]

Weekend Warriors Rule!! I hope you score some killer tips and tricks from our educational video efforts!!

[@williamcrittenden506]

Hello Mr. Pond Digger.. :) Amazing information you have here on you tube. thank you so much for such great information. I have a question conceding my 2 Lab/Golden Mix dogs.. As they are water dogs and love to go in the water. If I build a pond in my yard and the swim in it often.. I don't know if they will for sure.. but they love to swim. Anyways if they swim or go in the koi pond is this going to be detrimental to the health of the pond???

[@ThePondDigger]

If you use sizable rock the dogs will not mess up the pond too bad. An important thing to consider is this - you want the aquatic plants to have a chance to become established before the dogs use the pond very often. The aquatic plants really help to keep the pond balanced so if the dogs tear the plants up before they become established you're ecosystem might have a hard time balancing. I remember one time we built a pond for a couple labs several years ago. The homeowner kept the dogs out of the pond for the first 3 months and it was awesome!

[@ThePondDigger]

[@lauriesilverman6113]

ThePondDigger

[@rm300c]

I live in northeast Pennsylvania. Will the freeze and thaw cause the liner to tear from the rocks placed on the liner as you have shown?

Awesome video, waiting for the rest of the serie. BTW how much does this kit cost including shipping to Texas? Regards from Mexico!!!!

[@bradwatson475]

Could you tell me if you have a video of how to build a waterfall on an existing pond. Thanks

[@ThePondDigger]

YEAH! Cliff Hanger Cool! Pt 2 films this weekend!!!!

[@ThePondDigger]

Hey xblackjeepx! We are behind the eightball of getting this Helix pond Kit in a package available on our website. We are currently selling these kits to call ins at this time. i don't have the figure off the top of my head but if you PM me I can get you all the details. I do have a spreadsheet of all the equipment and costs. I am finalizing a drawing and some other details for Weekend Warriors like yourself!!! What state are you in. I'm wondering if we have a Helix Authorized Retailer near you!

[@vf12497439]

I looked for a link to the pond kit and didn’t see one here. Guess I’m off to google? Any brand or business name of note when searching for a kit to purchase?

[@lenr5056]

Is there any cost saving alternative to the rock used to cover the liner in a 10x15 DIY pond? Seems to be the cost that is keeping me from being able to build a pond.

[@kiradelarochefoucauld7499]

Bless your heart. Thank you.

[@rubiellasenglishcenter]

Nice!

[@ThePondDigger]

Thank you for that suggestion. We will look into that!

[@JOHN42TD]

Great video Eric, how long before you post the rest of the series? :)

[@bagsga9454]

Hey there! I am nearly ready to do my little retaining wall and mark for excavation! Leslie (via email) said part 2 -- plumbing - was removed for updating. I know each waterfall / skimmer set up might be a little different, but I was wondering if any of your videos (or anywhere on your website) might address how to properly lay out the pipe between the two, at least. Can you suggest any resources for me? Thanks!!!!!!

[@ThePondDigger]

We will use 6 to 8 tons for this project. Keep in mind we are using some larger specimen stones in the waterfall so our tonage might be more than the typical home owner that chooses not to wrestle the bigger rocks.

[@ThePondDigger]

Don't make me blush Chelle!

[@averyorta5426]

hello sir I have a question not really about this particular video but I was wondering is the pond filtration system them same as a pool set up? would you be able to use a pool pump and filter the same as a pond?

[@Hey_its_Koda]

What would be the average cost for a project like that with a kit?

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for following Soper79!