building a raised garden fish pond

This is my DIY raised garden fish pond project at home which I worked on during weekends (and holidays) when I have no other things to do. I have been browsing some websites and also youtube to get some good ideas on how to build it. I chose to build the pond on a free space beside our garage where it's mostly covered but a little portion of the pond can get some sunlight during the afternoon. I used wood rather than concrete cause it's cheaper and also because I don't want it to be permanent (in case I get another idea later on). But for now, this is what I wanted and I am very satisfied of its outcome and I just want to share this build and maybe you will get some ideas too.


Step 1: Find a suitable location for your garden pond.

I chose this location beside our garage because it has not been fully utilized except for some few garden plants and my previous project (hanging vegetable garden) which was a failure ):

Step 2: Prepare the materials needed.

I used some 2" x 2" x 8' and some 1" x 2" x 8' lumber to serve as a frame on the side walls of the pond. A marine plywood for the walls and a black canvass as pond liner. I also used a 1" x 10" x 12' pine common board to serve as the top cover of the pond which also serves as a bench for sitting. You will also need some nails and screws.

Step 3: Building the frame for the side walls.

I built 1 pair for the long side wall and 1 pair for the short side wall. I pre-cut everything before putting them all together.

After the 2 long side walls were formed, I fitted them on the actual location of the pond so I can get the exact measurement for the 2 short side walls.

I made some additional reinforcement for the frame to make it sturdier, but the concrete wall of our garage and the concrete beam on the other side of the pond structure will also act as support to hold my pond together after it's filled with water.

STEP 4: Treat the wood frame.

I treated the frames with a wood preservative to make it last longer as well as to avoid being eaten by termites. I also used some old extra paints which had been stored in our storage room for a couple of years already.

STEP 5: Install the plywood side-wall.

I installed the plywood side-wall using 1 inch nails. This design allows double-walling which will make the entire structure stronger since the plywood walls will add strength to the frames.

To avoid sharp edges on the corners, I added some moldings so the pond liner will not be stretched into the corners after it is filled with water.

STEP 6: Installing the pond liner.

Before installing the liner, I filled the flooring with about 2 inches of wash sand to eliminate the sharp edges from the rough concrete flooring. I then placed an initial layer of old tarpaulin before placing the pond liner.

After I placed the liner, I filled the pond with water about a quarter deep then started smoothing out the bottom of the liner. Then I filled it again with water until about half-way then smooth the sides of the liner. I tried to remove or minimize the wrinkles on the liner as much as I can. I then cut the excess liner on the sides of the pond using scissors. Do not use staple or nails to attached the liner to the wall, just allow the weight of the water to hold the liner.

STEP 7: Beautify the garden pond.

I used some pine common boards on the top of the pond which also serve as a bench where I can sit on to watch the fish. The boards were varnished with a mahogany colored varnish which looks great. The varnish will also add some protection to the board as well.

My wife suggested that I used a plastic sticker wallpaper with bricks design it turned out to be a great idea. It looked perfect together with the varnished board. 

I made a storage box on the other end of the pond which will hide the filter system but it is still a work in progress. I planned to add some doors to it and place some removable boards on top so I can have easy access to my filter. I currently have a pump and a basic filtration system which circulates the water in the pond and keep the pond water clear.

Overall, I am very happy with the outcome of my project although it is still about 90% done as I am still planning to add some more water plants as well as finish the storage box for the filter. I am also planning to add some accent LED lights so it will look nice at night and also improve my filter system with a bio-filter and skimmer. I currently have 12 small kois in the pond but I'm also planning to add some more fish like goldfish, etc.

I will be updating this blog again soon. I hope you enjoyed this DIY guide. God bless.


*** UPDATE (06292018) ***

I was able to setup my bio-filter using some Scotch-Brights and kitchen sponges for my 1st stage filter. For the 2nd stage I used filter I bought from a pet shop and for the 3rd stage I used about a kilogram of ceramic rings to grow beneficial bacteria that will convert ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate which is beneficial to the fish.

I also added a small skimmer which will help in trapping anything that floats on the surface of the pond. I improvised a black, plastic trash bin by placing a small submersible pump inside and then covered the half portion with plastic tray where I cut a hole in the middle and place a filter. I placed it in one corner of the pond by attaching its side-handles with hooks then place a rock inside to weigh it down and prevents it from floating. It can easily be removed for cleaning and I plan to hide it with some large water plants later on to keep the pond neat looking.

From the filter, the water will come out through a pipe where I bore holes. The pond still lacks plants which I am planning to add in the near future.

One interesting addition to my pond is the cylindrical glass (it's actually a large flower vase) where I placed it inverted and purposely allowed about a little less than half of it to come out of the water. I placed some plants inside and from time to time a fish enters it from below and swims above the pond.

I just added some small Kois and Goldfish so I now have about 21 kois and 6 goldfishes in the pond.

I am still looking for some nice water plants to add later, so that's it for now. Thank you for checking out  my blog. God bless...