Saturday, July 31, 2010

Backyard Ponds - Things To Know When Putting One In Your Yard!

Location

Decide first what part of the backyard you want to
your fish pond to be situated before going out and
buying anything. Select an area where it is far from
the trees since many aquatic plants, like lilies, need
a sufficient amount of sunlight to grow.

Choose an area where there are no falling leaves that
can make cleaning a nightmare. Do not place your pond
on low areas since large volumes of rainwater might
run off and accumulate in the pond during rainy
seasons. Not to mention, these runoff water might
contain fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful
materials.

Place your pond in an area where it can be best
appreciated and seen. The sense of building a pond is
for you to enjoy it. Select a location where it can be
best viewed (i.e. the sitting area or a patio in the
garden).



Types of Pond

After choosing where you want your pond to be located,
it is now time to select what type of pond you want.
The two types of pond are the following:

ABS plastic preformed ponds are usually used for small
ponds that can contain up to 250 gallons of water.
This type of pond comes in a variety of sizes and
shapes such as hourglass, rock gardens, and kidney.
Waterfalls and formed spillways are also available.

Pond lines or liners are used for any size of pond.
The sizes available for this kind of pond is 10’ x 15’
to 20’ x 25’ or larger. This can allow you to build a
pond to your preferred size either by using them
individually or by connecting together two or more pod
liners with a special adhesive.

These pond liners are very heavy especially the large
ones. They are usually made of rubber. Using pond
liners can be quite a fun and creative experience
since this type may allow you to decide on the shape
of your pond. However, you need to be aware that a 19’
x 26’ liner will not create a pond of the same size.
In choosing the proper size liner, it is imperative to
know the width (W), length (L), as well as the maximum
depth (MD) at their widest points. After which, use
the formula L+(MD*2) by W+(MD*2).

This means that a 10 foot long by 5 foot wide by 2
foot deep pond may require a 14’ x 9’ pond liner so as
to make an edge above the water level. It is important
to let a professional pond developer help in
determining the pond size liner you need.

Dig It

Now that you’ve decided on the location and the type
of your fish pond, it is time to dig it. The average
size of the pond is at least 18" deep at its deepest
point. However, 24" is better. With this depth, the
fishes may be allowed to stay in the pond during
winter time without freezing. Inclusion of planting
shelves in the design will make it easier to place
emergent lilies and plants.

Filtering

After accomplishing the above tasks, it is high time
for you to think about filtration. It may be better to
ask your pond professional about this topic. Just keep
in mind that whichever filter you choose, ensure that
it is cleaned at a regular basis so that the water
will remain clear. Utilizing a filter may also hinder
the mosquitoes from making the pond their breeding
ground.

All Set

And now, all you have to do is add your fish and you
are good to go! All the beauty and enjoyment that you
will have for yourself, friends and family as you entertain
and enjoy your backyard with your new pond.



Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Wild Life Will Love Your Back Yard Pond As Much As You Do!

Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,
Check Spellingfrogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These
ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4
feet in diameter. These may be built in patio
containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your
backyard may be done by adding water gardens and
ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and
interest but also a natural and relaxing environment
as well.





A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal
point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up
with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best
view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make
it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not
place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle
it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen
leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide
less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to
sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow
well in full sun and others do not.



Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding
the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.
Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that
it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will
provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs
that need water and land. Make sure that electricity
is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a
water re-circulating device.




Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into
the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even
if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners
come in different shapes and sizes. They even include
built in waterfalls or any design based on your
preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in
building larger ponds. In determining the size of the
PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and
depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum
depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the
length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down
the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The
thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to
punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool
liner. However, it requires more expertise to install
and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond
liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small,
other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many
may break down easily once prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may
prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly
wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right
depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then
landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from
the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.
Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants
and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week
before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Friday, July 16, 2010

Some Ways To Tweak Your Back Yard Pond!

Live Like Royalty

Backyard ponds are not only for the filthy rich
individuals. Nowadays, even the simplest homeowner can
make their own backyard pond as luxurious as the
wealthy estates.

Once you get your back yard pond set up, it would
provide both fun and enjoyment. It also provides a
dwelling place for the fish, wildlife, aquatic plants
and flowers. It is a relaxing hobby that not only
provides relaxation but appreciation to Mother Nature
as well.



Plan Ahead for best results.

Building your own backyard pond may not be extremely
hard to built but thorough planning should be placed
in constructing one. The hardest part in building one
is digging the pond. It all depends on what type of
soil your region has. This determines how easy or how
strenuous the digging part would be.

The size and shape of the pond depends on your
preferences. It can be a small, preformed pond or one
that needs a pond liner that can hold up to seven
thousand gallons of water.

Location

Consider the location of your pond. Where would it be
best seen? Picture yourself sitting outside. What
location grabs your eye the most? Consider these
important elements. Is the water source situated just
nearby? Is your pond’s location a flat area? Is
electrical supply available? Keep in mind that these
are just some questions you need to be answered.

Equipment and tools

Building a pond of any size requires a complete set of
tools. Now, take hold of these important equipment. In
building and constructing a pond, one must need a
water pump ( could use a pump for a swamp cooler if
you can find it in your area ), a UV filter, a pond filter,
and some pond plants among many.

Other must haves are the following:
a pond liner of appropriate size, an air diffuser,
pond lights, a skimmer, the aquatic animals, and
fish food.

Tools are also important: gloves to protect your hands,
shovel for digging, rake for smoothing our the dirt, small
gardening tools for planting the plants, water hose for filling
up the pond the first time.

Cost

Another thing to consider in pond building is the
cost. Initially, constructing and maintaining the pond
could be quite expensive, that is with no doubt. But
there are now cheaper do it yourself kits available in
the market. Once it is finished, the enjoyment it
brings is worth it.

Another plus for the backyard pond is that it turns an
oh-so-boring piece of land into a thing of beauty. It
works best if you have the proper landscape to go with
your pond. Make your pond the centerpiece of your back
yard.

However, because of too many do-it-yourself
homeowners, they usually make mistakes. Following
these guidelines may help you avoid the pitfalls of do
it yourself backyard pond disasters.

Initially, it is important to incorporate your pond to
the current landscape of your backyard. This works
best for amateur landscapers who just wanted to get
right down to work. Do not let your pond detract the
beauty of your yard. Make it fit and not out of place.

To Sum It Up

Integrate your pond’s design to your landscape. Do not
make it lavish if you have a very simple backyard.
Take time to choose the design that may flatter the
overall landscaping.

Secondly, think of the essential requirements of a
pond. Do not place your pond in complete shade since
this will hamper the amount of sunlight to your pond.
Aquatic animals and plants need ample amount of the
warmth of the sun.

Finally, size does matter. Plan the size of your
pond. Do not place too much fish on a small pond.
Experiment on a variety of aquatic plants and quantity.

Provide luster and relaxation to your yard as well as
increase your property’s value. Make your backyard
more attractive and enjoyable by adding a backyard
pond to your back yard and enjoy.

These are some benefits to a back yard pond.
* You will see more birds and other animals visiting
your yard.
* If you have traffic noise it can cover some of it and help
you to enjoy your yard more.
* It look nice.
* Adds value to your home.

These are but a few things that you can enjoy about your
back your pond.

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Ideas For The Smaller Yards That Want To Have A Fish Pond !

Aesthetics

Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is
adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard. These
projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling
and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.



But if you are really certain to have your own fish
pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there
are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully
place your pond in it without having to take up too
much space and dominate your yard.



Let your pond serve as the focal point of your back
yard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the
yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to
the people walking around the house.

Location

If you wish to place it in the corner part of the
yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish
will seem as a surprise to the visitors. But if you
want to place it in the center, it is best if you
place the pond at ground level or a little above it.


( corner of the yard)

(center of the yard)



Fish Types

Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful
and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes
swim around everyday can also serve to be therapeutic.
But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place
large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not
live long in this kind of environment and they are
also extremely expensive. Goldfish are compatible with
the size of your pond, however, their longevity might
not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.



Maintenance

Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how
you can maintain and build it depending on your
preferences. You might find that maintaining an indoor
aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor
pond.

Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and
fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather
because of the advantage of the sun all year round.
Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to
grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them
stay in the pond during winter time. It is best to
transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not
applicable.

A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an
individual how much energy, time, and money you are
willing to devote to the beautification of your
backyard. It does not matter how large or how small it
is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful
things. You will not only impress a lot of people but
yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a
luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.

In order to make your fish pond more appealing,
decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will
attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall
natural feeling. If you cannot afford landscaping
projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.
This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors
and guests.



Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it
project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty
time and again. Make sure to add water to it
periodically. It is also important that you get rid of
fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant
appearance.

Lastly, consult your local pond professionals before
building a pond yourself. Do not hesitate to ask
questions as this will benefit the inhabitants of the
pond. And most important ENJOY IT!

Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"