How nice to spend a day fishing: the fresh air, the fun and the delicious taste of fish. But you have to go to the lake every time. But not anymore because with this article you will be able to build a fishing pond in your land!
Steps
Step 1. Prepare a space
This area should be large enough for the fish to roam, always keeping in mind the extent of your land (unless your neighbors agree to give you some space of their own).
Step 2. Check if the soil is suitable by making a small hole and pouring water into it
The longer it takes before the water is fully absorbed, the better. If your terrain is not suitable, don't worry and go to step 4. If it is okay, continue to step 3.
Step 3. Dig a hole
This hole will soon become your pond and should extend over the entire area (or a large part of it).
Step 4. If the ground is not suitable for this pit, spread some material such as plastic, sand and a thin layer of concrete on top of the ground after digging the hole
Try to have an aesthetically pleasing and natural result. If not, you can start over or try to cover up the mistakes with old tires, plants or rocks.
Step 5. Put some marsh plants
Many fish feed on this type of plant in their natural habitat. To fix them without damaging the roots, take them in your hand and put your fingers around them forming a kind of spout. Dip your hand into the earth bed and open your fingers; in this way the roots will arrange themselves evenly before the earth settles on them (it is the same technique that is used for planting in an aquarium). Strategically position them by creating different shelter places: the little ones will have to be able to hide from the biggest predators who will try to eat them.
Step 6. Add the water
There are two things you can do: wait for the rain or fill the hole with water. In the second case, you can use a hose or a bucket to fill the hole with water. Before using the hose, check that the pH is balanced. Many running waters contain chlorine to kill germs, but it will also kill the "good" bacteria that are needed in any pond. To prevent the base cover (sand, gravel, etc.) from being damaged, tip the hose into a bucket. Don't forget to tie it to a rope, or you'll have to dive into the full pond to retrieve it.
Step 7. Let the water settle before placing the fish
Check that you have chosen species that do not kill each other in no time and that they are all edible. Don't forget the "cleaners" like freshwater prawns to keep the bottom clean; make sure there are enough rocks for them to hide. Before throwing the new fish into the pond, have them acclimatize in the new water: keep them in a tank or bucket with their original water, gradually adding the water from your pond until it reaches 100%. Then gently move them to the new pond with a net.
Step 8. Enjoy your creation
Congratulations, you have finished the job, you can now fish directly in your land. Also, if you live in an area where temperatures drop below 12 ° C, you should purchase a bubbler.
Advice
- The hole should be at least 1.5 meters deep.
- Place the pond out in the open. This way it will rain in it and, if the water evaporates, the rain will fill it.
- Visit nearby ponds or landlocked ponds to see what types of fish and plants develop, as these species will most likely be the most suitable for your pond (in similar weather conditions).
- You will also need an air filter to maintain a higher oxygen level in the water.
- Buy several lake fish and plants now. More than 1 species and more than 1 specimen for each species: in this way your pond will have a fair amount of diversity and your fish will be able to retreat and you will have more fish! A rule of thumb is to have at least 3 adult pairs (which can reproduce) for each species.
Warnings
- If you do not have fish of either genus, they will not be able to reproduce and, when the first generation is dead, there will be none left.
- If you eat or don't release everything you fish, there won't be enough fish left to reproduce.
- This project will take a long time, don't expect to finish it in 1 day
- If you have to cover the hole, use something non-toxic to the fish or they will die.
- You'll need a bubbler for the winter or the fish won't make it.
- If you don't plant plants, the minnows won't have enough cover to escape predators. Furthermore, the organisms that live among these plants will be a source of food for your fish.
