mitchash
Gold Member
Anyone know where to get info on building a pond? We didn't find much in our library.
Thanks,
Ash
Thanks,
Ash
Building a Pond
- Thread starter mitchash
- Start date
- Views: 1732
ToadHill
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2005
- Messages
- 2,662
- Location
- Catt county New York
- Tractor
- Kioti DK35, Ford 8N, Oliver Cletrac
Your county extension office should have someone who handles water issues. They can evaluate your site and set up parameters for a pond. They can also give you help on how to dig and line the pond.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
You found the place right here!!
Just be specific on what you have to work with and you'll get all sorts of replys on how to go about making it happen.
Pond Boss Magazine Home Page! is a site similar to this one, but specializes in ponds. It's not so much into the actual dirtwork, but more on the fish and managing it for fishing.
What type of pond will it be? Dam? Dugout?
Is it in a creek? A field? Where will the water come from? Watershed?
Where will the excess water go? How will it get out of the pond in heavy rains?
How big will it be?
Do you have to clear timber to build it?
Are you going to build it yourself?
What equipment do you have? Are you renting, borrowing or buying additional equipment?
What are you goals for the pond? Fishing? What type of fish? Stock water for animals? Scenic for adding beauty to your land? Swimming for the kids?
Do you want a dock or pier?
These are just a few questions off the top of my head that you need to know the answer to before starting. A budget is also important as well as a time frame. If you are in a hurry to make it happen, it will cost more. If you do it yourself over time, it will be cheaper.
Are you in an area of the country that you have to get permits to build a pond?
There are allot of pond projects on this site that have been done over the years. Do a search for "Pond" and go back about five years. Some of the very best pond projects were that long ago and one of the reasons I joined this site.
Good luck,
Eddie
Just be specific on what you have to work with and you'll get all sorts of replys on how to go about making it happen.
Pond Boss Magazine Home Page! is a site similar to this one, but specializes in ponds. It's not so much into the actual dirtwork, but more on the fish and managing it for fishing.
What type of pond will it be? Dam? Dugout?
Is it in a creek? A field? Where will the water come from? Watershed?
Where will the excess water go? How will it get out of the pond in heavy rains?
How big will it be?
Do you have to clear timber to build it?
Are you going to build it yourself?
What equipment do you have? Are you renting, borrowing or buying additional equipment?
What are you goals for the pond? Fishing? What type of fish? Stock water for animals? Scenic for adding beauty to your land? Swimming for the kids?
Do you want a dock or pier?
These are just a few questions off the top of my head that you need to know the answer to before starting. A budget is also important as well as a time frame. If you are in a hurry to make it happen, it will cost more. If you do it yourself over time, it will be cheaper.
Are you in an area of the country that you have to get permits to build a pond?
There are allot of pond projects on this site that have been done over the years. Do a search for "Pond" and go back about five years. Some of the very best pond projects were that long ago and one of the reasons I joined this site.
Good luck,
Eddie
rexcramer
Silver Member
Just look into the "projects" forum and you will find several going on right now. As far as pics and descriptions this site has been the best I have found on the net for pond digging.
This site inspired me to keep a photo diary of my pond and share it here for others to learn and not make the same mistakes I did.
This site inspired me to keep a photo diary of my pond and share it here for others to learn and not make the same mistakes I did.
From what I understand, ponds should not be stream fed to avoid silting in. I'm considering digging a pond (no dam), with my SR80. I know that large bulldozer's and excavators are more suitable, but I would like to give it a try. Since 15 feet depth is recommended, I'll probably finish with a larger machine but I would at least like to get started with the small machine. My ground is clay, shale and silt loam. I'm only at the dumb question stage, so I'm wondering (assuming dry weather) what keeps the spring water from filling in your pond before you're finished.
jmf
jmf
rexcramer
Silver Member
What keeps your pond filling in from spring water are pumps. Dig a low spot at one end of the pond and then try to grade the rest of the pond that way so you only have to pump out of one spot.
If your SR80 is what I think it is I would use it to remove all the black dirt and pile it somewhere out of the way, you may be able to move some sand too and define the pond area. It wont do much in real clay you will only spin.
It should be useful in dry areas but for digging you will use more fuel running around with that thing then if you had a dedicated digging machine.
If your SR80 is what I think it is I would use it to remove all the black dirt and pile it somewhere out of the way, you may be able to move some sand too and define the pond area. It wont do much in real clay you will only spin.
It should be useful in dry areas but for digging you will use more fuel running around with that thing then if you had a dedicated digging machine.
rexcramer said:
That statement strikes me as the absolute truth. I will probably push the limits as far as possible, but sometimes, only sometimes, I find a precious exception that makes life really fun and well worth the price of admission. My safety net is renting an excavator from the John Deere dealer 3 miles down the road. I have already conceded that I will need one to clear the large trees to prepare the building lots. My ASV can handle large trees but it's a fight, and not worth it.
jmf