Ponds?

willfick · Dec 27, 2004

I used the backhoe to dig mine. About 100x200 ft., three to six feet deep. It took two or three days with the fel to carry off an afternoon's dig of dirt.
Pond Digging

Much to my amazement if you Google " pond digging" mine is the first or second response.
Wm

EddieWalker · Dec 28, 2004

Did you say three "DAYS" to dig out all that dirt? Your website says three "years." My big pond is similar in size and it took me a month to dig mine with my backhoe. Hauling the dirt off took most of the time.

willfick · Dec 28, 2004

I'm not being clear again.
It was three years for the whole pond. Only digging in dry weather, and between breakdowns.
Three days work with the frontend loader to haul off the dirt from one afternoon's digging with the backhoe. Two wheel drive backhoe with front bucket full in swamp bottom makes slow going. Often would have to wait several days for the spoil to drain before I could work with it at all.
Wm

Glenn9643 · Dec 28, 2004

The wet spot is the "sump" where all the water collects for "automatic" siphoning into a nearby canal.

I've been wondering since you posted the pictures how you manage to keep the pond dry enough to get the tractor in and work? Are you pumping the water out as it rains?
Our pond needs to be "cleaned out" a little and I've been toying with the idea of draining it and seeing what I could do with the FEL. Also have problems with it staying muddy that I think is caused by mudcat and grass carp and draining would solve that. The big problem to solve will be getting it dry enough to work and keeping it that way if we have rains like this past year!

EddieWalker · Dec 28, 2004

I understand. The digging part is the easy part. Moving all that material is what hurts. Especially when it's wet! You did a great job on the pond and I admire your determination!!!!

Muddy colored water might also be caused by the electrical charge of the water. I forget now if it's positive or negative, but the eclectrical charge will suspend dust particles in your water and it could take years to clear up. The article I read in Pond Boss Magazine said to use "gypsum."

Gypsum is what sheetrock is made of and can be bought in bulk powder form at fertalizer suppliers and some feed stores. They recomended starting out with one ton per surface acre. You must use the powdered stuff, but scrap pieces of sheetrock also work, and mix it into your pond.

Throwing it out the back of an outboard boat with the motor running mixes it all up really good. Or so the article said.

I'm waiting for spring, then I'm going to do it the hard way. Put it on a raft and mix it in while swimming around.

joes_427_vette · Dec 28, 2004

Nice job, looks great from here. I have a pond project also. I have one that is about 70' x 160' and is in an L shape. It is 12' plus deep and I want to extend the east side approximately 150' x 200'. The addition will be anywhere from 4' in places to mostly 8' in depth. Got an estimate of $11600. to dig it out and spread the topsoil. I thought about 6k would cover it but maybe I am off a bit. If I have to spend 12k I am seriously looking to buy a tracked excavator similar to a case 880. I have put over 4000 hours on a 580 case hoe on one of my first jobs so I am some what familiar with equipment. Haven't made up my mind yet but I am leaning this way. I am sure the local wildlife will love the results.

GerardC · Dec 28, 2004

( Nice job, looks great from here. I have a pond project also. I have one that is about 70' x 160' and is in an L shape. It is 12' plus deep and I want to extend the east side approximately 150' x 200'. The addition will be anywhere from 4' in places to mostly 8' in depth. Got an estimate of $11600. to dig it out and spread the topsoil. I thought about 6k would cover it but maybe I am off a bit. If I have to spend 12k I am seriously looking to buy a tracked excavator similar to a case 880. I have put over 4000 hours on a 580 case hoe on one of my first jobs so I am some what familiar with equipment. Haven't made up my mind yet but I am leaning this way. I am sure the local wildlife will love the results. )

As I see it, it boils down to a, "Do you have or want to spend the time to do it," issue. Sometimes it's better to hire a job out and other times not. Good luck in your decision. G

MMM · Dec 29, 2004

scrap pieces of sheetrock also work, 

I read in pond lit that drywall has fibers that get in fish gills and isn't good. Said only to use ag gypsum to clear ponds. I think it raises PH also if I remember correctly.

have_blue · Dec 29, 2004

( I've been wondering since you posted the pictures how you manage to keep the pond dry enough to get the tractor in and work? Are you pumping the water out as it rains? )

I can pump it out if needed, but right now the 2" siphon hose is enough to keep it dry. Both ends of the siphon hose are under water, and the water is on the same level in the pond and the canal (zero head). When the pond level rises, the siphon automatically starts. If the canal water rises faster than the pond, it's possible for the siphon to flow the wrong way for an hour or 2 after a big rain.

When my pond gets deeper, the party is over. I'll have to pump a lot more. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

joes_427_vette · Dec 30, 2004

Gerard; With my estimate in hand of almost 12k I can justify either the purchase of an excavator in the 15-18 k range or I was informed a rental of a late model machine for 4k per month. In 31 days I can move alot of dirt and burn a good quantity of diesel fuel. A couple days with a 1150 Case dozer would certainly put the finishing touches on the adjacent lawn. Now... wish for a dry summer.