The Accidental Reline – From Fish Transport to Full Pond Rescue
What started as a straightforward fish move from Stevenage to Mendlesham quickly turned into a complete pond rescue mission.
The plan was simple: safely transport a client’s fish after their move, keeping them comfortable and secure in temporary storage while their new pond settled. But as soon as the fish were out and the new pond was inspected, a serious issue surfaced — the pond was leaking badly.
The cause? The previous contractor had painted the pond with a pond paint coating instead of installing the EPDM liner the client originally wanted. Within weeks, the paint began to peel and crack, allowing water to escape through gaps and joints.
That’s when ABBCO stepped in to put things right.
Step One: Safe Fish Transport
The first priority was the fish — including several prized koi. Morgan arrived on-site promptly and carefully removed each fish, transporting them to ABBCO’s dedicated koi holding vat.
These holding systems are designed to keep fish stress-free during temporary stays, with full filtration, aeration, and monitoring. The fish were kept healthy, comfortable, and well-fed while the pond issue was sorted.
“Couldn’t recommend Morgan highly enough. He came and transported our fish after we moved. He was punctual, polite and very knowledgeable. Wouldn’t hesitate to use him again in the future. He’s your man for anything pond/fish related.”
— Verified Customer Review
Step Two: Finding (and Fixing) the Problem
Once the fish were safe, attention turned to the pond itself. The freshly installed surface looked clean — but appearances can be deceiving. Within minutes of filling, the pond level was already dropping.
The problem? Pond paint is rarely a long-term fix. It can flake, blister, and crack, especially on uneven or poorly prepared surfaces. Unlike a liner, it doesn’t flex with the ground — meaning it’s only a matter of time before it leaks.
Rather than patch it, the best option was clear: strip it back and reline the pond properly with EPDM.
Step Three: The EPDM Reline
ABBCO cleaned the failing pond paint and cleaned the surface ready for the new liner.
Then came the upgrade — a custom-cut EPDM pond liner installed to perfectly fit the pond’s dimensions. Known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to UV and frost, EPDM is the professional choice for long-lasting pond builds.
Once in place, Morgan used a termination bar around the top edge to create a clean, watertight seal and keep the liner neatly fixed. The client plans to paint the interior black later for a more finished look — easy to do once the liner is properly secured.
In short: the pond now looks great, holds water, and is built to last.
What Is EPDM and Why It Beats Pond Paint
Pond paints can sound appealing — they promise a “quick fix” and a neat finish — but in most cases, they’re just a temporary solution. The real difference comes down to flexibility and lifespan.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) offers:
✅ 20–30 year lifespan with minimal maintenance
✅ Full flexibility — expands and contracts with temperature changes
✅ Resistance to UV light, frost, and weathering
✅ Fish-safe and non-toxic
✅ Easier to repair if needed in the future
Once installed correctly, EPDM liners create a permanent, watertight seal — no peeling, no flaking, and no surprises.
Step Four: The Fish Return
After the new liner was installed and the pond refilled, the water was dechlorinated, tested, and stabilised. Once conditions were right, the fish were safely reintroduced — happy, healthy, and completely unaware of their brief adventure.
“Another happy pond — and some very relieved koi.” 🐠
This project might have started as a fish transport job, but it ended as a complete pond rescue — turning a leaky, frustrating setup into a reliable, professionally finished pond ready for years of enjoyment.
Why Choose ABBCO for Fish Transport & Pond Relining
ABBCO is trusted across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the surrounding areas for professional pond work done right — from koi transport to full rebuilds.
We specialise in:
Fish transportation and temporary holding
Pond relining and leak repair
Pond building and renovation
Filter and pump installation
Wildlife and koi pond design
Ongoing pond maintenance
Whether you’re moving home, upgrading your pond, or rescuing a project gone wrong, ABBCO provides a professional, affordable, and stress-free service.
The End Result
The client now has a watertight, well-built pond with a liner that will last decades — and most importantly, healthy koi back where they belong.
Every pond has its story, and this one’s a reminder that sometimes, a simple job can turn into something much bigger — but with the right expertise, it’s always fixable.
📞 Contact ABBCO today for expert pond relining, fish transport, and pond repair services across Norfolk, Suffolk, and beyond.
📍 Serving Mendlesham, Stevenage, and all surrounding areas.
