When I look at the prices of pond liners, I think that "wow, I could do this pretty cheaply" but when I look at the whole kits being sold, it makes me wonder how much it would cost to build a workable system.

First, let me explain some of my needs, and maybe some people here will have an opinion of where I need to go from here.

I live in north-central Florida. So, water freezing is going to be minimal, but I also live in a low area, where ponds and pools overflow sometimes several times per year, and the pond's rim would have to probably be at least 10" above the ground. It would also need some type of system to prevent overflow and fishes escaping from overflow.

Most of my available space would, at minimum, be in partial shade.

Although I'm not committing to a certain size, my thoughts would be somewhere between a 2000 and 5000 gallon pond.

Two last questions. I see a lot of pond kits come with a pond underlayment. If I were using a pvc liner, how important would this underlayment be?

Lastly, I've seen a lot of people that are using huge water troughs for their ponds. I see some of these plastic ones for sale at the local feed stores and such, although I'm not sure of the price. Which would be my best option, for longevity and such?

Thanks

I bought the liner, underlay, a good pump, skimmer, filter / waterfall box, and the tubing. Many people like rocks in the pond, but that adds hugely to the cost and is more difficult to keep clean (usually requires a yearly draining and total clean out). Shop around and compare prices. Best Nest is a good place to start, reasonable prices and free shipping.

If you're doing a koi pond, a bottom draiin is always a good idea. I wish I had installed one when I built my pond, and am now working on installing a retro fit, which will leave some plumbing exposed. But, better than nothing. If I ever get the oppportunity to build another pond, I will DEFINITELY use a bottom drain. They are well worth the money.

I also recommend a skimmer, but some people leave it off to save money, and then wish they had gotten one. It is something that can be added later, if you wish.

Your biggest cost will be the initial setup. After that, occasional water changes, dechlorinator (unless you have well water) and fish food will be your primary costs. And do feed the fish a good fish food. They will be healthier and happier.

Partial shade is good.

Once you dig your pond, be sure to meter the water in. You can use the meter in your front yard, but check whether it is gallons or cubic feet. There is a formula online that you can convert cubic feet to gallons. Knowing the number of gallons is very important in case you ever need to medicate your fish and to avoid over populating.

A lot of people like plant shelves, but remember that if you use a mathematical formula (width + depth + length) to determine your gallons, plant shelves will greatly reduce your total gallons if you're measuring from edge to edge of the pond. It will also make it more dangerous for your fish from predators who can step right into the pond, unless you stack rocks in front of the pots.

And finally, don't cut your liner too close to the edges of the pond. Allow at least a foot for settling and adjustments. More is even better. Just fold it under and place your edging rocks on top.

One last thing: Liners are very, very heavy, so get a few strong people to help you.

Hope that helps.

It is easy enough to use timbers, rocks, cement blocks etc. to build a raised side pond. If you want a healthy pond for fish it should be at least 4 feet deep. you could have three feet below grade and an outside wall 12 inches high. Once again since you are in Florida, you may want to go more shallow but deeper is always better even if it only allows for exercise for the fishy. Koi do get quite large so they need a fair amount of space. Fish jump to quite amazing distances. It is part of ponding. If there is a chance the pond walls will be topped add a net stretched across the pond.

Our resident expert on ponding in Fla. is Garyfla. He gives good advice. There are others but they are here less often. Sandy

It may not be as pretty as some of the liner setups, but I can still brick and mortor the sides or mound up dirt and rocks close to the edge and maybe put some flat stones (flag stone maybe?) hovering over the edge. The only thing that concerns me, as far as aesthetics, is the need for a netting. Would motion-sensing water cannons be a viable alternative?

Some people don't like them, don't think they work, but I would put up with it for the entertainment value alone.

Stock tanks are relatively inexpensive and last at least as long as liners, it not longer. But DIY lined ponds can cost the same if you shop around. With tanks you are stuck with oval or round and most are 3' deep at best. So they won't work for koi.

Shade is fine, just keep it in mind when selecting plants, some do better in full sun (for example you may not get as many blooms from water lilies in the shade).

Most ponds with fish need filtration. My last thoughts - keep the fish load low and have lots of plants!

The pond in the foreground is the tank, the farther one is the lined pond. Both in mostly shade during the summer.