help with pond build

[Jbbies]

Hey all I have been pulling dirt out of an area for awhile for projects around the place berms, foundations and such and the area I have been using I thought would be a great place to put a pond. Now the pond will not be large by any stand point its about 30x50 and approximately 3-4 foot deep now. I may go a little deeper but I am thinking fish maybe not survive in something that small anyway and the purpose would be more decorative and wildlife viewing. Now for my questions. I live in colorado and the ground is pretty much clay as far as I can tell, (when i did post holes the auger actually stops in places about 2' deep and will hold water in the hole for 2-3 days if i fill it up) What in your all opinion would be the best way to seal this up with least expense of course. I have been looking at sodium bentonite but hear mixed things about its effectiveness. Also toyed with a liner (Expensive)

but it seems that with the clay maybe I should explore my options.

Let me know what you all think

B

 

[Western]

You may want to do some asking here Pond Boss Forum - Forums powered by UBB.threads™

I lived (for a short time) on the "Western slope" Most ponds I have seen there over the last 25-30 years seem to hold water good. You may want to dig it and see how it does 1st before spending what you may/may not need. Sounds like you almost have it done now anyhoo.

 

[3v0]

I hear that ducks will seal a pond. If you want to put up with them.

EPDM roofing material makes a good liner. My largest pond is about 1/2 that size.

 

[Fossil Farm]

If you really have a clay base, that is really all you need. That is what most ponds have is a clay base to reduce seepage out of the pond and/or dam area. A very simple test to see how much clay or silt you have is to take a handful, wet it good and tap the backside of your hand with your other hand. If the water moves through to the top of the sample, and really shines it up, there is a pretty good percentage of silt in the soil. If it stays pretty much the same it has a high percentage of clay. Even with a silt/clay soil, they usually will seal fairly well. If your Kubota has ag tires, just driving on the clay will compact it and seal up any porous areas fairly well if you can get into the bottom. Of course a larger tractor would be better, but that is better than nothing. You could use a jumping jack too for such a small area, but wouldn't be as much fun. Good luck !!

 

[4313rf]

Check out the Watersaveseep range of polomer products at Water$ave PL Seep Range
It is what I plan to use in a large landscaping project.

Their website says:

Water$ave Seep hydrates & expands up to 200 times it's particle size.
Perfect for walls & bases with soil types containing
Loams
High Clays
Decomposed Granite
Sand
Basalt
Limestone/Sandstone
Sandy Clay Loams
Black/Red Clays
Alluvium/River Soils
Volcanic Soils

Water$ave Seep's key benefits include:

100% customisable to your unique soil & environmental conditions.
Permanent seal under most conditions.
Seals dam without the need to drain precious water.
Can be utilised into the soil during the construction of new dams.
Extremely cost effective, no need for heavy & expensive earth moving equipment.
One quick & easy application to full or partially full dams.
Can be applied to a general or specific area.
Specifically designed to locate the outflow & seal it.
Proven time & equipment saver.
Same methods no matter the scale.
Full documentation & backup support.
Non toxic, biodegradable & environmentally friendly. Will not harm your livestock.

 

[Jbbies]

Fossil Farm, I have been thinking about compaction with the tractor funny thing is parts of the bottom of this actually leave black marks on the surface from tire spinning... so its about like concrete. I don't think my Kubota will do much.

 

[the old grind]

For a 30' x 50' I'd look into pond-liner membrane, but to find what else is out there from pond providers and not as a final answer. Directing runoff can keep it full, and an overflow pipe can keep the level where you want it. If you want wildlife to watch, don't mow down to the shore all the way around. Diversity may depend on a 'buffer zone' of natural flora, but you'll pro'ly want to have access for maintenance and a small boat or canoe to get you out there. btw: I have ~2000 ft of shoreline and mow <10 ft of it to the water, or I would if the canoe & 'jon boat' weren't in the way.

btw: Roundup or equivalent is the safest way to control shoreline over-growth. (read the label) Pricey, exotic fish will likely become food for wading birds or predators.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Fossil Farm, I have been thinking about compaction with the tractor funny thing is parts of the bottom of this actually leave black marks on the surface from tire spinning... so its about like concrete. I don't think my Kubota will do much.

Seems like you are on the right path !! Add a little water and see what happens. For that size, you can always add a liner later if you can find one at a good price if it doesn't hold water like you want.

 

[forgeblast]

I heard of people using old billboard tarps to line ponds too.

 

[Western]

I doubt he will need a liner, but that will depend on where he lives in Colorado. I know the side of the state I lived on (Western slope) the dirt was like powder until it got wet, then, stuck to everything. It is almost like a powdered clay in the valleys, and some places it is rich in nutrients, but get into some elevation and rocks and it changes. There is a reason March is called "mud month":laughing: