Pond Started

[dmartin88]

Started our pond project this weekend, a lot of time in the seat of the BX22. Looks like we'll end up at a bit over 3500 gallons. Rough hole is dug which allowed me to get some measurements, now we're researching heavily to buy the equipment. Have found a couple of places online that sell complete kits (filters, waterfall, pump, liner, etc.) which looks like it may be the way we go.

We weren't sure just how many rocks we were going to run in to or what else we might have, there was a large tree at the back of the pond as shown in the attached picture that took some digging to get the stump out. Think I've got enough of it to not cause a problem. Not going to do any more digging until we get all the equipment but will post more shots as we go along. No hurry so probably will be a few weeks.

 

[Turfman]

Looks like a nice start. Just a pointer, when you start getting equipment, most people end up trying to economize on the pump, filter and such and undersize them. If it is undersized it's hard to keep the pond healthy and you end up with a lot of maintenance work instead of a place to set and enjoy.

 

[JamesT]

These are the places I get my pond supplies from:

12' x 28' x 6' approx 6500-7000gals.
Sequence K7 Pump
Aqua Ultraviolet 120W



Aqua ecosystems
http://www.aquaticeco.com/aquatic1v1/index.icl?referer=&eflag=2

Unit liner
http://www.unitliner.com/

 

[dmartin88]

Great shot of your pond, that's what we're going for! Will check out the links as well.

 

[GaryG]

Beautiful job. Do you raise any kind of fish in your pond? Thanks for the links, I too am getting ready to build an aquatic garden.

 

[fenneran]

Since you're in Virginia, you should also look at Springdale Water Gardens in Greenville (About 10 miles south of Staunton off of I-81). They are a large supplier and have 100's of displays at the shop. You can also order many things online if you know what you want.

-Frank

 

[gerard]

We're on our second pond. Current one is 5000gal, about 10w x 20 long x 4 deep with a bog area thats only 12 inches deep. Here's some things I've learned along the way: Plan on turning the pond over 1-2 times per hour if you plan on having koi and want clear water. (2 times even better). Look at watt ratings when looking for pumps since they run 24/7 for whole season. Better off paying more for high efficiency pump that costs less to run. (sequence is among the nest). external pump will always have better output at less watts than submersibles. Go with epdm 45 mil fish safe rubber liner (not rubber roof which has algaecides built into it which is no fish safe). Will outlast pvc. Use the geo textile underlayments, easier than bedding in sand and will protect the liner from root punctures too. Have fun, looks like you're off to a good start!!

 

[dmartin88]

Thanks to all for the feedback and comments. Decided we wanted to go a bit larger so did a bit more digging today. Have ended up with a rough measurement of 15'X22', averaging about 32" deep (between 24" and 36"). Have been looking at pond kits and the "Aquascape" system and leaning that way now for my equipment. Pump would be able to turn the water over about once per 1 1/2 hours.

I've received a catalog from the Sprindale Ponds company in Virginia, about a 2 1/2 drive so no sure if we're going to make the trip there but more than likely will purchase our plants from them. Seem to have good selection and reasonable prices.

Thanks again to all for the encouragement.

 

[dmartin88]

Spent the last couple of weeks of spare time working on our fish pond, pretty happy with the results.

Used 45 mil EPDM liner, size is about 16X22X2.5. Some areas are slightly deeper. Have about a 1/2 inch of gravel on the bottom, all the rocks came from my 4 acres and there are plenty more where they came from. Used rock to line the edges and we're slowly building them up the sides as well.

Have 11 goldfish, ranging from 2-4 inches. First 2 stayed in the waterfall and never saw them unless the pump was turned off. Added 9 smaller ones yesterday and they are all over the place, including the first two. Guess they just needed some company.

BX22 did a great job digging the hole, leveling fill around the pond and I even used the backhoe a few times during construction to lower some of the larger rocks in to the pond.

Lot of landscaping to do but has been a fun project so far.

Pictre is an overall view.

 

[dmartin88]

Another picture.