| So you've enjoyed your indoor aquarium for | | | | access to electrical current. This usually means |
| years and want to expand. Or maybe you have | | | | you may need to run wiring out to the pond and |
| decided the perfect way to landscape that | | | | make sure that it is rated for outdoor applications. |
| backyard area is to add a pond for freshwater | | | | If possible, you may want to place your pond on |
| fish. Outdoor ponds are a great way to take your | | | | a separate circuit to isolate it from potential |
| hobby and expand it to the great outdoors and | | | | breaker trips and overloading. |
| add a beautiful area to your existing landscape. | | | | * When building the pond you will want to make |
| However, maintaining and setting up an outdoor | | | | sure the materials you use are friendly to the fish |
| pond for your tropical fish takes a lot more | | | | you are going to have in the pond. Many ponds |
| planning and work than setting up an indoor | | | | are constructed out of plastics and other |
| aquarium. | | | | materials. Some of these materials may let |
| * The first thing necessary when installing an | | | | chemicals into the water than can be harmful to |
| outdoor pond is to pick an area that is | | | | your tropical fish. Make sure you inquire where |
| appropriately sized and environmentally correct | | | | you purchase your fish and the building material |
| for your pond. Remember, freshwater tropical | | | | about the materials you are using - especially the |
| fish have different requirements - so you need to | | | | liner. They should be able to steer you towards |
| make sure you choose an area that is sized | | | | material more suited for fish habitats. |
| appropriately for the species of fish you will be | | | | Keep in mind that you will probably want more |
| placing into the pond. You also need to make sure | | | | than just a hole in the ground. When designing the |
| the environment where you place the pond will | | | | pond be sure to add aquatic plants, rocks and |
| support it. If the species of tropical fish you select | | | | other items that will turn the pond into a |
| doesn't like particularly bright light, then placing a | | | | landscape masterpiece. Small waterfalls can be |
| pond in direct sunlight may not be the best idea. | | | | nice to look and listen to, but check to make sure |
| * Next, you'll want to design the pond to hold the | | | | that the fish you are thinking of putting in the |
| appropriate amount of water and provide for the | | | | pond can withstand the impact of the falling |
| necessary filtration and, if necessary, heating | | | | water. Some fish prefer a quiet environment |
| apparatus. You will need to make sure that | | | | without much disturbance in the water. |
| wherever you decide to place the pond you have | | | | |