How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

Jake Arnold - 6 years ago

Do snakes ever get in the ponds

Petr Stuchlý - 6 years ago

Major props for including a fish hideout! I feel that's a feature missing from most fish ponds on youtube. Great idea.

Lunar lens - 6 years ago

Lol fucking random deer or goat whatever

Vanessa Singh - 6 years ago

How do u prevent snakes from entering your pond?

Daniel Saldana - 6 years ago

Is there any certification We need to get besides insurance and permits specific to pond installation . .

Ben Mckenna - 7 years ago

U good

Llueein Maglaya - 7 years ago

mr. pondigger sir, what is that cylindrical fish safe made out of? cause if it is plastic, in the long run it would likely float. ty

Altaf Ibrahim - 7 years ago

Hi pond digger.i hav a pond built my own and want to send sm pictures to you.how can i send

Stephen Taplin - 7 years ago

It looks like you are tamping the entire base at every level. Why not leave it loose, since there will be a liner over it?

10. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

Matt Productions - 7 years ago

why is there a goat in there

jesse77able - 7 years ago

What is the diameter and length of that tubing for the hiding space and where might you find it? They sell entire rolls of it at Loews, not pieces.

Sajid M. Shah - 7 years ago

Great presentation :) Couple of questions:
What is the difference between Underlayment and Liner?
What mil size should be for the Underlayment?
What mil size should be for the Liner?

The President of The Internet - 7 years ago

The ghosts of my 7 goldfish would have loved this before they were a heron's breakfast

jonathan mallo - 7 years ago

I want to thank you! I ma currently 3 weeks out before my go-at-it day. Do you have a buying list of materials. ? Please Help I would hate to spend extra money on things I did not need and things I missed Thank you I hope you can help. Love your Videos

FirstCastFishing - 7 years ago

Is hose water safe for fish?

mpdisme - 7 years ago

This video series is great. I'm working on a pond and I'm watching each video at least a couple of times.

Albin Orozco - 7 years ago

Very helpful , great job and have a good one .

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

Thank you for watching!

Drako - 8 years ago

What are the most common predators do you know which attack koi ponds??

Ilias Vanhove - 7 years ago

Drako Herons, raccoons, otters, oppossums, cats, foxes,...

Aidan Lorenzana - 8 years ago

Just askin, how many full size koi fit in that pipe cave?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

None. This is only for small fish.

20. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

bagsmom GA - 8 years ago

I'm in the north Atlanta burbs. I want to make sure my pond isn't so deep that codes would require I fence it in. If 24" is my limit, will the fish cave - set into the earthen shelf - keep goldfish cool enough in the summer? I'm hoping to dig a deeper zone (like you do in the video) but I wanted to check. The pond will get a good bit of sun, but also some shade.

LogansReptiles - 8 years ago

I had a pond at my old house for just plants. unfortunatly i started loving animals and moved out :((((

One_Vard - 8 years ago

Hey, I love your videos! I am subscribed! This is an awesome pond. I love the cave idea.

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Thank you for the support!

Tyler Rides - 8 years ago

Can I put my pond in the shade I am 13 and I wanna make a pond for little fresh water fish how big should the pond be and dose it need a filter system

Tyler Rides - 8 years ago

+ThePondDigger thank you very much

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Shade is great. Make the pond as big as you can and yes you will need a filtration system.

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Thank you for the sub and the support on our channel. email me for assistance. eric@theponddigger.com

Lucky - 8 years ago

!!! let the goat help! he wants to Help!!!

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Billie Jean. We love her.

Dorcas Jose - 8 years ago

loved your details in building this pond!!

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!

nybombs - 8 years ago

Hi, I'm pretty sure you get a lot of questions and pretty busy responding them, but wouldn't the fish tunnel be a breeding ground for bacteria because the water is stagnant there, especially in a hole? Or is it ok and you haven't had any problems with it? As always, ty for these videos, very enjoyable to watch and educational

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

I find that the movement from the fish keeps the caves fairly clean through the year and then annually you drain and clean the entire pond each spring.

Artsy-Crafter-101 - 8 years ago

i love this im 12 and im soo going to make a pond with this

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Fantastic! If there's anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to let me know.

Robert ONeill - 8 years ago

These videos are awesome

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Thanks for watching Robert!

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Thanks for watching Robert!

30. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

Mohamad Tabbara - 8 years ago

Hey man, allow me to express my appreciation and respect for all your beautiful work and videos… great job, keep it up.
My questions are:
1.I have a pond in Hungary in the countryside I already dug it up, I just saw your technique of excavation and building the layers…. Well I didn’t do that ☺ is their any way to fix my pond layout without covering it up with dirt and doing the excavation all over again?
2. How deep I should dig the lowest part of my pound so that my fish will not freeze to death during wintertime? It gets as cold as minus 10 degrees in Hungary.

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

Thank you for the kind words.

If you plan on rocking in the pond like we did in this video you can install the liner, install your first ring of rock and boulders, then fold the liner back into the pond and backfill and compact soil behind the liner to the top of the rock work. Fold the liner back open and repeat the process creating terraces and shelves in the pond as you rock your way up the pond. Rock inside the liner, dirt behind the liner....

I would suggest at least 4' depth to provide some winter protection for the fish. You will need to make sure the ice does not take the pond over in the winter. You will need to keep a section of ice open at all times using a deicer, bubbler or water circulation from a pump.

Best of luck to you on your waterfall construction journey! Thanks for watching.

Dawsen Conway - 8 years ago

Great videos. Though I may not go that big when I build one this summer. Thanks!

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Dawsen Conway Most people regret not going bigger. Just keep that in mind. :)

alejandro andres - 8 years ago

gran video gracias eric

TheMischiefTV - 8 years ago

awesome goat in thebackground can tell hes a good guy

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+TheMischiefTV Thank you! Billie Jean is our personal pet!

Jack Bargert - 8 years ago

Absolutely awesome video's !!

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Jack Bargert Thank you! BOOM!

Calvin Lindsey - 8 years ago

I found this Sump pump liner that is 19" x 24" and cost $23 a good way to do the tunnel for those who cant find a job-site for the freebies and don't want to spend $250 on a 20 foot piece.
http://www.essentialhardware.com/advanced-drainage-system-1524adl-sump-pump-well-liner-19-x-24-128817.html?utm_campaign=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CKfozsiEnssCFYMlgQodaW8FRQ

Calvin Lindsey - 8 years ago

+ThePondDigger oh well, looked good on paper... glad I did not order it yet. Do you know anyone in the central FL area that has 2 foot sections of pipe for sale like you have at your store? or will you ship?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Calvin Lindsey Good idea. I am afraid that piece is not very strong if you stand on it. Good looking out.

BrandonPvP14 - 8 years ago

Will a net help with the predator?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+BrandonPvP14 yes

Mark Andrews - 8 years ago

thanks for info

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Mark Andrews YOu're welcome!

Mark Andrews - 8 years ago

what do i do if i want a bowfishing pond

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Mark Andrews go bigger and use concrete on the bottom to protect the water proofing.

Aidan Lorenzana - 9 years ago

How do you put a fish hiding area that excludes otters?

promontorium - 6 years ago

Lol you have otters? I would design a pond to entice them. So cute. The only option I can think of to deny the cute fuzzy animals those ugly fish would be to do like he's doing, but then have a smaller entrance. Put a lip over the entrance so the otter might not even notice it. But basically you're competing with an aquatic animal that has small hands and can reach deep. Otter's going to get what otter wants.

Ilias Vanhove - 7 years ago

Aidan Lorenzana yes

Aidan Lorenzana - 8 years ago

+ThePondDigger How many fish can fit in one cave? Would the otter still get the fish from the cave?

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+Aidan Lorenzana WOW that's a great question. Ultimately we want to keep the otters OUT OF THE KOI POND..

Ezra Wall - 9 years ago

Why is there a goat

aquarium world - 6 years ago

For a barbecue party after setup of the pond

Leslie Wanner - 7 years ago

#photobombbygoat

Luke Hall - 9 years ago

Hey Eric can I ask what the underlayment is and is it necessary because I'm planning to rock my pond tomorrow, but all I have is the lining. Thanks for the help your videos have inspired me to build a pond and I have used them to build it! A lot more work than I expected haha!

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+Luke Hall The Underlayment is some added protection and cheap insurance. Can you build a pond without it? Yes but I do not recommend it. Best of luck to you on your installation!

Aaron Hughes - 9 years ago

Can I put the pond where there is little sunlight

Eric Vaandering - 9 years ago

Is there a reason you choose to use a piece of drainage pipe and didn't just build the same divot and put a piece of flagstone over it?

I love these videos. I'm planning my own pond in about two years and am having a hard time waiting to start.

Eric Vaandering - 9 years ago

Wrong Eric :-) but I wouldn't see why not. I'm planning to use half of a 5-gallon bucket. Much easier for me to find. :-)

Andrew Bayuk - 9 years ago

+Eric Vaandering Hey Eric. Can I use PVC pipe for a fish cave?

Eric Vaandering - 9 years ago

+ThePondDigger Thanks. That makes sense. I guess if I did it that way, you'd want to remember where the shelf was. :-)

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+Eric Vaandering We encourage our clients to feel free to get into the pond and walk around if necessary for maintenance. The culvert pipe is strong and can hold the weight of a large man. Sometimes the flagstone can break if you are standing on it. That's the reason we like the pipe. The flagstone method is perfectly fine.

K00L VIDEOS - 9 years ago

Great Video! Thank you.

K00L VIDEOS - 9 years ago

+ThePondDigger You are welcome

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+LearningDaily Thank you!

K00L VIDEOS - 9 years ago

Great Video! Thank you.

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+LearningDaily Boom!

Robert Mueller - 9 years ago

Loving the Goat in the background.

Kaitlyn Giles - 9 years ago

Ha ha so cute

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+Robert Mueller Billie Jean!!!

Lillian Lam - 9 years ago

Lol did I just see a goat in these video?

Jeremy G - 9 years ago

Thanks for these greatt videos.How many man hours does it take to build a pond like this?

Yashaswi Bathula - 9 years ago

1:32
Cute lil' goat in the upper right corner!
<3

50. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 5 | Fish Cave Construction

Jane Thompson - 10 years ago

It's very sandy here in Florida and the water level is very high. 30" is quite a bit out west here near the swamps. The shelf walls would not hold over on the east side by the beach. Wondering how these two issues are addressed, in a professional design.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

+Jane Thompson We are filming How to build a Koi Pond video series right now with a concrete bond beam to support the coping stones in the pond. In Florida you may need to have more shoring for deeper ponds. Alex from Koi Smart will be able to guide you along in design. I have passed his info on to you in an email.

Nicole de Fuentes - 10 years ago

The videos are great! here is he thing about this video!!! LOL did anyone notice the goat...

Safwan Hussaini - 10 years ago

+ThePondDigger lol nice pet goat

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

+wecouldbestars She is our pet! She even comes to work with us everyday!

Steve Hickman - 10 years ago

Hi in relation to ponds and filters,are 4bay vortex filters any good and what about bottom drain gravity feed filter ponds and also pump feed ones,what would you recommend,thanks,btw i live in Engalnd

leefromeastlondon - 10 years ago

Personally I wouldn't add a cave as if a fish becomes sick that's the place it will go n hide,you cant catch and treat it easy that's if you even notice, make it deeper round the sides where they are at risk

Hamza Khan - 10 years ago

In a pond this size is it ok for more than one fish cave? And would it be ok to put them the places like the big wall in the back or something? Or will the weight will be too much for the cave?

Diane Manuel - 10 years ago

could l use a big plastic black plant pot for the fish cave?

Joseph Musel - 10 years ago

hi i was wondering whats a good size pond for beginners.in gallons for koi fish. thank you pond digger...

Scott d'chaundy - 10 years ago

you still build ponds :)

TreNecha Jefferson - 10 years ago

I want a smaller pond how should I dig I will be 2 feet deep

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

You can use several different shelves in the pond to create interest and spots for aquatic plants.

Aidan Deslippe - 10 years ago

I live in Vancouver Canada and I have a problem with bears racoons skunks and a hand full of other predators would this cave idea work in all situations?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

I would suggest making the pond a little deeper and installing a LARGER cave for the fish to hide. Maybe even a couple different caves!

Cornick - 10 years ago

Is that a goat in the background @1:30

Tracy Roberts - 10 years ago

My ponds has been up and going for 6 years now, my koi are 18-30 inches now. I got most of my ideas from your videos back then. my top self is one foot deep by one foot wide then in goes down three feet deep by 3 feet wide then it goes down three feet to the bottow, so the bottom hole is 7 feet deep 3 feet by 6 feet wide. this past fall for the first time I found a few raccoons snooping around the pond at night, I chased them off before they had the chance to hunt. My question is do you think my koi are safe from raccoon with a pond like I discribed? There is one large fish cave too. My Koi only come to the top when my wife or I are feeding them, they normally shy away if a stranger is near the pond. Thanks

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

For the most part the koi should be fine in a pond as described. In a rare case if they koi are sunning near the surface or grazing on the sidewalls of the pond near the edge of the pond a raccoon could have a chance to do a little damage.

sam watkins - 10 years ago

Last summer I had A snake problem in my pond. They ate all but one koi. I caught 2 snakes but I still had fish missing after that. Do you have any idea's how to keep them away? Thanks love your videos.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Yikes! What kind of snakes are you dealing with and how big were your koi. I don't deal with this reptilian predator in my territory. I'm thinking garter snakes. I'm not sure just how big of fish they can take down. A yard cat could help this predator and possibly BIGGER Koi. I'd hate to be in your shoes on this one. Hope that helps. You could alway move to California! Besides the lack of water, threat of earthquakes and cost of living it's pretty AWESOME here.

Mauricio MP - 10 years ago

is the hideout right size for trout too ? or only koi fish

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

We use the dirt to build up the waterfall and create berms and undulations around the landscape near the pond OR we haul off the soil from the property.

Laura Meyers - 11 years ago

What do you typically do with the leftover dirt from the excavation that doesn't fit around the waterfall spillway? Do you use it elsewhere in the landscape? Thanks for all your help!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Watch for construction sites!! Sometimes you can find scraps like this that are headed to the dumpster! Just ask the construction supervisor and you could score some for free! Otherwise you have to look into your local irrigation supply house to track it down and they only sell it in 20' lengths! We offer two foot pieces to our walk in clients at our headquarters.

Minh Swift - 11 years ago

Where can I buy a pipe like that?

gardz28of92 - 11 years ago

Yes i have seen all of it. From first video to the 22nd video :) hope to see the rest of it soon :)

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

I hope you use all these tips and tricks to build your own pond one day!

gardz28of92 - 11 years ago

Your videos were really the most detailed I've ever seen with regard to pond making! God bless you on your business! you did really good! I'll make my own pond someday. :)

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

There are times when we will do a 3' of 4' swim through tunnel and it's hard to beat the ease of the culvert pipe in that situation, but for the installation in this video You can certainly use a piece of slate.

Lucy Elmore - 11 years ago

Would you have to use the covert pipe! Could I just lay a piece of slate over the dug out section?

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Well they are here for your next pond(s) project!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Lay the netting as close to the surface as possible. If you tie the netting to a PVC rack you can move it easily when you want to spend time next to your pond. You can cut holes in the netting in areas where you have specimen plants

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Thank you for your feedback!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Absolutely! We do it all the time! Highly recommended!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Why not?

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

We are filming weekly!! Stay tuned!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Billie Jean!!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Yeah a kid!

ThePondDigger - 11 years ago

Your koi love koi caves!!!

Aaliyah Cyres - 11 years ago

I wish these videos were available when we first did our pond. This is really good information. Thanks.

Ron Klaiss - 11 years ago

To block the predators, do you have any preference on a netting/screen system for over the water. Or would you lay the netting on the surface. If the latter, how do you deal with plants above water?