Making a Serene Waterfalls Mini Ecosystem Lake (Feeder Goldfish Sanctuary)

SerpaDesign23 minutes read

A DIY pond project involving collaboration with Aquascape led to the construction of a large pond with meticulous planning, material selection, and natural elements, resulting in an 8,000-gallon ecosystem swim pond. The team worked on excavation, liner installation, boulder placement, water feature design, and landscaping over several days, creating a unique and aesthetically pleasing pond that mimicked childhood memories of waterfalls and creeks.

Insights

  • Goldfish require ample space like a large aquarium or outdoor pond, with natural body shapes such as common and comet varieties being preferred.
  • The construction of a DIY pond involved collaboration with Aquascape, leading to the creation of a second pond in the front yard, sparking a continued interest in pond building, with specific design elements like EPDM liners, geotextile protection, and carefully placed boulders being essential steps in the process.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How should goldfish be housed?

    Goldfish require ample space in a large aquarium, stock tank, or outdoor pond to thrive.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"DIY Goldfish Pond Construction Success Story"

  • Goldfish were initially kept in a 55-gallon aquarium, with a preference for natural body shapes like common and comet varieties.
  • Goldfish require ample space, preferably in a large aquarium, stock tank, or outdoor pond.
  • The DIY pond was constructed in 2018 after years of planning, functioning well for three years with thriving fish.
  • Plans to replace the original pond with a larger one were delayed due to various circumstances.
  • Collaboration with Aquascape led to the construction of a second pond in the front yard, sparking a continued interest in building ponds.
  • A specific vision for a DIY pond redo was planned with the Pond Professor, Ed, and Tim of Aquatic Edge in 2021.
  • A suitable home was found in 2022, prompting immediate planning and material selection for the new pond design.
  • Excavation for the new pond began, involving manual digging, leveling, and backfilling with gravel and geotextile underlayment.
  • Installation of EPDM liner, geotextile protection, and placement of large boulders and Aqua blocks were key steps in the pond construction.
  • The final days of preparation involved adjustments to the design, fixing water bubble issues, setting rocks, and incorporating natural elements like driftwood and mossy logs.

13:21

"Team creates stunning ecosystem swim pond"

  • The team worked on the pond over several days, starting with placing driftwood and filling the basin manually to prevent water bubbling back.
  • Stockpots were used to hold water temporarily, while others prepped the patio, ran tubing for pumps, and graded the hillside.
  • Plants like magnolia trees and weeping cherries were incorporated, along with hostas and ferns from elsewhere on the property.
  • A wetlands filter was excavated, lined, and set up with a centipede and snorkel configuration for water cleaning.
  • Waterfalls were meticulously designed with specific stone placement, driftwood, and moss to soften the edges.
  • A unique element, a stump with a rock embedded, was showcased at the top of the waterfalls, adding to the aesthetic.
  • The completion of the pond, an 8,000-gallon ecosystem swim pond, involved a specific design mimicking childhood memories of waterfalls and creeks, sourced locally and from the backyard.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.