Constructing a Pond

One of my projects this summer is to construct a Koi Pond. So I wanted to share some tips on constructing one:

 Before constructing your pond, go to local pet stores and look at their

Koi ponds for some ideas.
 Depending on the size of the pond that you have in mind, you will be able to find materials in retail or garden stores.  Garden and pet stores can also supply you with plants.
 Go to your local plant nursery for materials as well. They also carry water plants, rock, statues, and fountain kits for ponds.
 Obtain a pond "base", the "shell" that will hold the water, fish, etc.
 Get rocks and plants that can stay wet all the time, because they will be planted beside your pond, and you want them to be able to hold up to the moisture.

 Pick your pump. If you want running water in your pond, there are hundreds, if not millions, of different kinds of pumps and fountains. Look in your local hardware or pet store to see their selection.
 Plan on purchasing fish at your local pet store or garden center. DO NOT purchase fish until you have completely set-up/installed your pond and it has had a few days for the water temp/PH to settle. You can even add frogs (but they will probably come on their own), and if you're unsure of what kind of fish to use in your pond, ask for some advice at the pet store, and they can point you in the direction of the types of fish that would suit your pond.

 Decide what type of pond you want. You can have a flat pond, by setting the base directly on the ground, and surrounding it with rocks. Or, you can have a raised pond, simply by piling up dirt (not too high) and flattening the top with a shovel, then set the bottom of your base into the dirt, until it's a snug fit. Build up rocks around the mound of dirt, plant some colorful flowers near your pond, with everything that is out there these days, the possibilities are endless.