I finally started my pond

[bindian]

Is the water level steadily dropping? Most ponds will lose water for quite awhile when they first fill up with water. I takes some time for the soil to get to that point where it holds water. While Betonite will sometimes seal a pond, you have to really mix it in with the soil after draining the pond. How much to use and how far up the banks, plus how well to mix it with the soil is all a big part of getting it to work.

Good Luck,
Eddie

Eddie,
Maybe the pond will settle. I didn't know that. The water level is constant, just stays lower than I would like.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Good job with the concrete, Brandi. That looks like a really professional job. Maybe this week, you'll get to see it tested. According to the NWS, you have an 80% chance of rain today and 20%-30% the rest of the week.

BTW: Any woman who can build her own forms and mix 5 bags of concrete is okay in my book. There aren't many like you.

Jim,
Thanks! Dad and I used to mix concrete in a wheel barrow for fence posts and such. Now I just pour in the concrete and add bunches of water. Not the strongest concrete, but easiest on your body.
Yeah, God broke the mold when he made me.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

I GOT MINNOWS! Approx. 250 Fathead Minnows. I released them and they went deep, as the water they were in was cold. Arkansas Pond Stockers came down to Conroe today. I had to wake up and meet them at 1:30. I tried to get the water warmed to pond temperature, but the rain came and I went back to bed. At 5 this evening I didn't see any floating, so all survived. I also put the forklift pallet into the pond for their breeding. The pallet is weighted down with two large cinder blocks.
hugs, Brandi

 

[jinman]

Now that you have minnows, how long will it be before you start having visits from grey and white herons? If white spots appear on your bank that look like someone spilled paint, you'll know you have new "friends."

 

[EddieWalker]

Congrats on the fish. Now it's just a matter of time for your pond to come alive!!!!

Eddie

 

[bindian]

Now that you have minnows, how long will it be before you start having visits from grey and white herons? If white spots appear on your bank that look like someone spilled paint, you'll know you have new "friends."

Jim,
Hopefully never if the hawks keep them away. I have a lot of hawks here and between them and Booger I should be okay. I didn't see any minnows this morning, but saw one jump! I just hope the frogs don't eat them all! They are in deep water right now, since it is so hot and extra humid this week here.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Congrats on the fish. Now it's just a matter of time for your pond to come alive!!!!

Eddie

Eddie,
I can hardly wait. Next month.......hopefully blue cat fingerlings!
hugs, Brandi

 

[blueriver]

I did not read the entire deal ... was the pond dam cored?

 

[The Dougster]

Great looking job Brandi, something you can be proud of... have you found a source of bentonite in your area? My pond, dug in January has finally begun to hold a few inches of water, without sufficient rainfall runoff, the jury is still out as to whether or not the pond will hold water.... The plan is to eventually buy fish for stocking. I'm hoping this will become possible in the coming months. I look forward to hearing more about your pond and fishing in the coming months.

 

[bindian]

I did not read the entire deal ... was the pond dam cored?

Yes, there are photos also.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

Great looking job Brandi, something you can be proud of... have you found a source of bentonite in your area? My pond, dug in January has finally begun to hold a few inches of water, without sufficient rainfall runoff, the jury is still out as to whether or not the pond will hold water.... The plan is to eventually buy fish for stocking. I'm hoping this will become possible in the coming months. I look forward to hearing more about your pond and fishing in the coming months.

The Dougster,
I haven't even started worrying about getting bentonite. Right now, I have too many other "irons" in the fire. It seems the pond is holding what the rains left. Maybe it has "settled" like Eddie suggested.
hugs, Brandi

 

[philbuilt]

Brandi,
The pond is looking great! I like the dock. I think in due time the water level will rise. My pond only went down about 3" this year. This is the 4th year I believe. My favorite part is the fish. I started with trout and the Heron ate very well. Last year I put 75 4-6" shiners, there numbers are huge now. Every night I walk down to the pond and throw several handfuls of floating fish food and just watch the water explode. We still see some of the trout there about 14" now. I think someone may have put some bass in as well. The other night a small frog was swimming out and then the water exploded and the frog was gone.
Phil

 

[bindian]

Brandi,
The pond is looking great! I like the dock. I think in due time the water level will rise. My pond only went down about 3" this year. This is the 4th year I believe. My favorite part is the fish. I started with trout and the Heron ate very well. Last year I put 75 4-6" shiners, there numbers are huge now. Every night I walk down to the pond and throw several handfuls of floating fish food and just watch the water explode. We still see some of the trout there about 14" now. I think someone may have put some bass in as well. The other night a small frog was swimming out and then the water exploded and the frog was gone.
Phil

Phil,
Thanks a lot. I am having a blast going out to the pond and going on "minner" alert, looking for signs of them. So far they are staying deep.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

I removed the forms from the overflow pipe inlet concrete base today. It looks good with no voids visible.
hugs, Brandi

 

[gordyy]

looks good Brandi that concret should hold that pipe down and work good

 

[bindian]

looks good Brandi that concret should hold that pipe down and work good

Gordyy,
Thanks!
hugs, Brandi

 

[Hoosier Hay Man]

Great lookin pond Brandi!!! You could start another career in the excavating business.

 

[bindian]

Great lookin pond Brandi!!! You could start another career in the excavating business.

That is the plan..............Big RED Beast Excavators .
hugs, Brandi

 

[MtnViewRanch]

That is the plan..............Big RED Beast Excavators .
hugs, Brandi

Brandi, does this mean that you are going to be purchasing another Red Beast? Maybe an 8560?

 

[bindian]

Brandi, does this mean that you are going to be purchasing another Red Beast? Maybe an 8560?

Only if Mahindra starts making 5-9 ton excavators and mini tracked loaders. Otherwise the next purchases will be Big WHITE Beasts as in Bobcats.
hugs, Brandi