In order to choose the best water garden kit, you should consider what size and type of water garden you want to have, what features you would like for it to include, and what decorative items you might want. Water gardens come in many different sizes and depths, and the size you choose will determine the type of kit you need. The kits may come with features like a waterfall or a stream, or these may be added separately. Accessories that contribute to the final appearance of the water garden are usually not included in the water garden kits.
Water garden kits come in many different sizes and are described primarily by the size of the pond they create. Ponds are measured by their width, length, depth, and volume. Kits can be found ranging from 225 gallons (851 liters) to 13,000 gallons (49,210 liters). Think about the space in which you are installing your water garden feature, and decide how much of it you want to devote to a pond. The size of the pond may also affect the amount and difficulty of maintenance required, so consider how much time you want to spend working on your pond before you make a final decision about size.
Once you have decided on the size of your water garden kit, you should look at what features it comes with, such as the equipment needed to install a waterfall or stream. You should make sure you know what you want your water garden to look like, and be sure that the kit you buy has all the necessary parts. Sprayers are another feature and can be installed in the middle of the pond, creating an effect similar to a fountain. Leaf nets that sit just below the surface of the water and make cleaning debris out of your pond much easier are also available. Many kits do not come with these additions, so if you want any of them, either look for water garden kits that include them or plan to buy them in addition to your kit.
All of the pumps, filters, liners, and plumbing necessary to build a water garden are generally included in the kit. This is everything you will need to build your water garden, however, you will likely want additional materials to finish the outer parts of the garden. Most ponds and waterfalls are surrounded by stones, which are not included in most water garden kits. Additionally, most ponds can be used for koi or other types of fish, but you will need a dechlorinator before you introduce any fish into your pond. These additional materials will add to the total cost of your water garden, so be sure to this in mind when deciding how much to spend on the water garden kit itself.