My pond building thread

[smaug]

This will be the first entry of many concerning the building of my 1200-1500 gallon outside koi pond.Its been a long time coming and Ive got to get it done fairly quick because I have to remove the old pond [with fish] to do it.I will post pictures of its progress and hopefully will provide to the forum an informative step by step for beginners to follow .Today I will be purchasing my skimmer,waterfall,pump,UV clarifier and other asstd sundry items.I will then begin to dig the pond while leaving intact the original 150gal pond till the absolute last possible moment.This should be interesting for me and I'm sure, stressful as well.My first plans call for a built up bermed type pond so I can attain maximum depth with having to actually dig into my septic drain field.I am hoping for a depth of 3 ft in the center with a planting ledge around the edges of about a foot and half.At the moment the inhabitants are 5 , 8-12" koi,5 ,8" sarassa comets and 1 big black moor.So in reality I am already fully stocked even for a big pond!They have been healthy for years and now is the time to improve there home.

[fins_n_fur]

Cool...this will be an interesting thread to watch! I can't wait!

[smaug]

As long as I dont put more time at the keyboard then on a shovel,,,,,Im kinda lazy that way(blush)

[Poofaye C.]

SWEET THREAD smaug!!!! Can't wait to see and learn from this project.

I think I'm excited for you!!!:18:

[smaug]

I just got home from the fish shop! 995.00 later,I still dont have half what I need.

[Ellen4God]

Wow! This will be a fun thread to follow for sure!!

Have you started digging yet? :11:

[smaug]

No I havnt picked up a shovel yet!Dang it(blush) I did pick up this stuff though and I havnt even opened the boxes yet:14:
13503
It is as follows
2250gph pump
18w UV clarifier
skimmer and waterfall suitable for upt to a 5000 gal pond.
I still need,tubing,plumbing,wiring,underlayment and liner a skid of scaping rocks and about a 50 gal drum of elbow grease:ssuprised:
My next step will be to clear out the existing scaping and prepare to dig.Here is a before pic as it looked last summer.13508

[Ellen4God]

Cute! nice set up. :)

[evesta]

I built my first pond last summer, 2000 gallons. If you are making a berm remember to take into account that the dirt will settle and shift. I tamped mine down and then let it sit over several months to get pounded by the rain and let time settle it as well. You don't want anything caving in on your fish! You can still make the pond but if you don't finish your edges with rocks for awhile if you are putting a berm around the whole thing.

Have fun!

[OscarFan]

Their are big drum (50g+) at many Big R stores for fairly cheap that you can store the fish in while tearing down the other pond. Good luck and nice pond thumbs2:

[Rue]

Lookit all that stuff! :18:

Watching with interest!thumbs2:

[AABatteries]

Can't wait to see this come together. Personally I would plan on getting a RTC.

[Wild Turkey]

Its a nice pond already, but there is room for improvement for sure, i cant wait to see what you put together here. Watching this thread like a hawkthumbs2:

[smaug]

Can't wait to see this come together. Personally I would plan on getting a RTC.
As in red tailed catfish?If I lived in florida perhaps.Im a koi person myself.
Turkey:The new pond will be large enough to have all you see in the old pond picture encompassed by waterthumbs2:
As for the berm,Im still undecided on that,if I can go full depth below ground line without hitting the drainfield that is what I prefer.it wouldnt be a very steep grade to the berm specifically because of having to let it settle.Im thinking only a foot would be above groundline,taking into account the depth of the old pond [2ft] that would alllow a 3 ft depth with only 2 ft of digging.
My pond size has pretty well settled in to 11 by13ft with a kidney shape.

[Northernguy]

Thats going to look great smaug!:19:

[sandy_n]

Wow, can't wait to see the new pond! :shappy:

[smaug]

Ok then ,here I go,its time for the first step and that is to remove all the rock work and layout the desired shape of the new pond.This is the part that I dreaded,digging will be easy,removing the ton of rocks I already have in place wont be.First thing that went wrong,my wheelbarrow tire was flat and after searching for a service station that had an operable air pump [3 places] I gave up and bought a small air compressor for 50 bucks!

[Wild Turkey]

A rough start, but hey at least you have an air compressor now.thumbs2: Is it the kind that can run off a cigarette lighter? Love those.

[smaug]

Here are the first pics.01 is all rocks removed,02 is the outline layed out to start digging.Time spent so far.1hr
13605

13606

[Rue]

You're off to a good start!thumbs2:

BTW...what's that building behind your yard?

[Northernguy]

It not quitting time yet! The clock on the fence says its only 10 to 3!:hmm3grin2orange:
Its going to be a really nice sized pond smaug!thumbs2:

[smaug]

that clock doesnt work!Here are some more.
13607

13608
There is a real snag in process her.This spot was an old burn pile and the dirt is packed full of broken glass,Im committed now.I suppose old carpet will pad it sufficiently.
BTW Rue:That is a business that makes burial vaults,my neighbor on the other side is a cemetary!Best neighbors in the world.

[Rue]

Nice quiet neighbours! No late night parties! Cool!

[smaug]

Okeedokee,I put in about 5 hrs today preparing to dig and digging.Check out the pic of just SOME of the bottles that were in the ground.What a mess:help: 13614

13615
BTW,after doing a measurment just now,its a 15ft by 11ft by 2 ft avg depth,depending on the calculator used ,its between 2500 gal and 3000 gal!Im gonna have to get a bigger pump.

[smaug]

13625

13626

13627

13628
Ok ,I am to depth now the whole way around the old pond,my next step is to secure the fish in a safe container,remove the old pond,dig it out the rest of the way ,add a liner,fill with water,put fish back in.This will all take place next weekend.We hit another snag today,while finishing up for the day I uncovered a nest of 3 wk old bunnys!Keepin mind this is down 2 ft under ground:ssuprised: So off we go to the local wildlife rehab to try and save them,one of the little buggers lost his foot to my shovel:scry:
13632

[Wild Turkey]

Awww a very cute little surprise! Sorry about yer foot:14: :hmm3grin2orange:

You are really flying with this project man!thumbs2:

[smaug]

Awww a very cute little surprise! Sorry about yer foot:14: :hmm3grin2orange:

You are really flying with this project man!thumbs2:
Yeah,,so much for LUCKY rabbits foot eh?I guess it was lucky for him it wasnt his head(blush)
I had help today,my wife and little girl did a great job.

[Northernguy]

Great job smaug!
Its a great size! A little deeper and you could swim in it!lol
I love the neighbors!thumbs2:
Sorry to hear about the bunny!

[smaug]

Great job smaug!
Its a great size! A little deeper and you could swim in it!lol
I love the neighbors!thumbs2:
Sorry to hear about the bunny!
Yeah,Im not able to go much deeper due to being over a septic system drainfield.I would have loved to had the whole thing 3 ft deep but as it stands now ill only be able to get 2.5ft at the deepest and that will be right where the old pond sets now.Thats why I went so wide and long.

[Northernguy]

Thats a great size.Its still manageable.If you make it any deeper catching fish gets much more difficult.Aslo a hell of a lot more expensive.
I'm looking forward to the yard party.I hope you still have a fire pit!:19:

[Rue]

You made lots of progress!

Sorry about the bunnies...hope they do okay...

[smaug]

I'm starting to get seriously stressed out about this project.I'm running out of time before it gets warm and the fishes metabolism steps up and they need fed.When that happens I'm gonna need a bio filter setup so I can transfer them to a much smaller holding tank so I can finish the job.Its supposed to rain this weekend and for the next few days so the hole will become a mud hole.Damn,Ive got many hours of work left but no time to do it.I have that extra 58 gal that isn't being used ,I suppose if I set it up with my old hot magnum seeded with media from my active tank.How about taking a scraping from the sides of the pond there in now,would there be any viable bacteria in that stuff,even though its still cold out?I am also thinking I could set up a large foam filter using a big air stone and the 5" sq block of foam I have in my planted tank that covers my intake.I'm also stressed about the amount of fish in that little 58,total its 5 koi on the avg of 9" each and 5 comets not much smaller and 1 big black moor.Thats a bunch of fish in a little tank.Geesh,,,,,,,,water gardens are supposed to be stress RELIEVERS!!!

[Ellen4God]

Sorry to hear about your worries!! I'm sure it will all work out somehow, some way. Sorry I can't offer much advice.

Deep breath in...and out.... :11:

[Northernguy]

If you don't have a choice use the tank.Water changes will help out the filters but take advantage of any extra time to get that pond finished!lol
The weater isn't cooperating over here either!
Its that darned Mother Nature and her two daughters Faith and Hope!
Good Luck smaug!

[smaug]

Ok then ,I got my spare tank filled up and have 2 guinne pigs in it right now.I used month old filter fluff from my planted tank filter to jump start a cycle in my old hot magnum filter,I am also running to large airstones and a penguin hob with 2 filter cartridges.Ill see how these guys do overnight then Ill slowly add the rest over this week,Its gonna be tight.
13724

13725

[Ellen4God]

How was the weather today? Were you able to get any work done?

I'm glad you set up the tank! Hopefully they'll do just fine in there. :)

[smaug]

No,I will get nothing done today.I have been down with some nasty cold and its still raining.If I can keep the fish healthy in the spare tank for awhile I can take my time and do it right.The problem is that I have 3 other comets as big as these 2 and 5 almost 10" koi as well as a big black moor to keep in this.Thats 80" of fish in a 58 gal tank!Ill be doing water changes every day.

[Ellen4God]

That does sound very tight. Do you know anyone with an extra tank lying around you could borrow for awhile? :)

I'm sure you'll take great care of them while they're in that tank.

[smaug]

Im goin to the pond shop right now,maybe they have an extra container I could borrow.

[Ellen4God]

Im goin to the pond shop right now,maybe they have an extra container I could borrow.

Good idea! I hope they do.

[smaug]

Im back,,,,,,,,,they didnt.Not to borrow anyway!I did get a look at the liner undelayment they carry,that took a load off my mind about all the glass I have in the dirt punching holes through my liner.With luck Ill have this pond lined and water in it within 2 weeks.

[Northernguy]

Lay a sand base before the liner and on top of the dirt.It will give you peice of mind.No leaks!lol
Can you get a large rubbermaid tub and convert it too a tank for now.Walmart has them on sale all the time.
Just a few thoughts!

[smaug]

Actually that underlayment they showed me is damn near bullet proof.They had a piece they let me handle and I couldnt even seperate the stuff on the corner of there counter.

[Northernguy]

lol You don't weigh as much as the water thats in the pit!Thats a lot of pressure! I mentioned that because of the glass.:22:
I just want to come to the party when its done!:hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

lol You don't weigh as much as the water thats in the pit!Thats a lot of pressure! I mentioned that because of the glass.:22:
I just want to come to the party when its done!:hmm3grin2orange:
Sand would be no detteren to glass shards at all,this underlayment material is alot like wool but with the strength of fiberglass,itll work for sure.If your up for the drive you are more then welcome buddy!

[Ellen4God]

If your up for the drive you are more then welcome buddy!

Oh oh! Me! Me! I'm coming too. :11:

[smaug]

Oh oh! Me! Me! I'm coming too. :11:
You too sweety!:22:

[Northernguy]

:hmm3grin2orange: Let me know when it is.Maybe I can pick up Ellen on the way!thumbs2:

[smaug]

I transferred a few more fish today after checking for ammonia and finding none.Now there are 3 comets a black moor and a 8" koi in there.
13733

13734

13735

[Ellen4God]

:hmm3grin2orange: Let me know when it is.Maybe I can pick up Ellen on the way!thumbs2:

Sounds great! We can carpool! :)

[Northernguy]

Sounds good Ellen!

smaug that koi in the second pic looks really upset about something!:hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

That particular koi isnt in the best shape.The other 4 are still in the pond and look very well.

[smaug]

Ok,Im right at the teetering edge of freakin the he%^ out!The rain wont stop,the temps are getting warmer and today I put the last of the fish in my 58gal temp tank,,,along with a poor old vagrant green frog.I am now pumping out the water from the old pond so I can finish digging this week.The ammonia is climbing in the holding tank and today I did a 50% WC bringing it back down to .50.I have got to get this pond finished this weekend.I got a price on delivered water for 200.00 bucks and the liner and underlayment will be 500.00.How much start right do you need for 2000 gallons?The only delivered water I can find is chlorinated.:help:

[Ellen4God]

Oh no! I surely hope the rain stops for ya soon!

[smaug]

13762

13763

13764

13765

13766
These guys are MUCH bigger then I thought,its difficult to get a sense of there bulk when all you see is there topsides.BTW,doesntthat first pic with our dog in it just say it all?Cemetary in the backround,burial vaults,burial van,,,doggy relieving herself;kind seems real homey dont it??

[Northernguy]

LMAO!!! I didn't see your dog!:hmm3grin2orange:
Real photogenic!thumbs2:
Are you on a well?Just wondering why water has to trucked in!

[smaug]

LMAO!!! I didn't see your dog!:hmm3grin2orange:
Real photogenic!thumbs2:
Are you on a well?Just wondering why water has to trucked in!
2000 gals is alot to pull from a well,if not a problem arising with the water it could really wear out an expensive jet pump.I have a 40 gal pressure tank,that means my pump would have to cycle 50 times for about 8 minutes at a time.My pump is old,Id hate to have to replace it along with all the other money Ive spent lately.I suppose I could do it over a 2-3 day period depending on how the fish are holding up in there cramped holding tank.I dont know,Im getting really tired of thinking about this so much.:scry:

[smaug]

More digging,today I removed the crater where the old pond sat,that was 8 wheelbarrows full.Im running out of places to put the dirt.It does look like Ill be able to get almost 3 ft deep in the center,but the avg depth the perimeter will only be a little more then a foot or so because of the way the yard was built up with fill.I bought one of those mardel live meters to put in the koi holding tank,it hasnt measured any but my api liwuid test shows it to be pretty bad.Im gonna post a question in the tech area about live meters and ammo lock.
13784

[Ellen4God]

I'm glad you were able to get more done today! :) Great job.

[Cameron]

Are those coffins in the background>! LOL thats kind of creepy

[Northernguy]

Thats a nice hole!
I'm sure your neighbors will be impressed although its not as deep as they like!
Thats going to be a very nice pond when your done smaug!thumbs2:

[smaug]

Are those coffins in the background>! LOL thats kind of creepy
They are actually burial vaults,but there is a cemetary right behind all that.Its nice really,the best neighbors you can ask for.

[smaug]

Alrighty then,the hole is dug!It will take a 21ft by 17ft liner.That we are going to get today.Ill have pics later.

[Ellen4God]

Alrighty then,the hole is dug!It will take a 21ft by 17ft liner.That we are going to get today.Ill have pics later.

Congrats on the hole!! :11:

[AABatteries]

Those liners weigh a ton! One that size will probably weigh almost one hundred. We got a 15x20(I think it was) and it weigh 60lbs.

[smaug]

Here are some pics,I didn't get around to getting the liner today because I had to run some leveling lines to see where my water level would be.I was dismayed [but not surprised ]to find that I needed to build up my banks to counter the lay of the land.It just so happened that I had these retaining wall stones just lying around doing nothing!Really my next step is to dig the hole for the skimmer so I know exactly what my end layout will be.I will be doing that tomorrow.
13846

13847

13848

[Ellen4God]

Nice! I like the wall stones. :)

[escamosa]

Well it certainly looks like you know what your doing, hope it all works out for you.thumbs2:

[Northernguy]

It looks great so far!thumbs2:
That beautiuful green grass too! lol
It will look amazing when you get it done! When is the liner going in?

[smaug]

I just got back from the pond shop
shopping list filled
17"by 25ft liner
matching underlayment
25ft flexible hose
asstd elbows,and reducers and pipe clamps
565.00 buckaroonys.
I have got to dig the holes for the skimmer and waterfall next so maybe the liner can go in sometime mid week.if it does there will be water in it this coming weekend.

[smaug]

Sorry to double post but my slave driver wife talked me into actually getting this thing underlayed and lined today.
so,I got done today in order
1 I dug the hole for the skimmer and back filled it
2 I dug the hole for the waterfall and dug a shallow ripple/beach area into the pond profile.
3 we put down the underlayement,,double thick in the glassy areas
4 layed the liner and placed rocks on the inside and edges to hold it for awhile.
Next step,fasten the liner to the skimmer and to the waterfall.We moved so fast today I didnt have time to get pics of the skimmer and waterfall steps.
13871

13872

13873

13874

13875

[Northernguy]

Thats is going to look amazing!:22:
It looks great already! :19: Your fish will love you for it!thumbs2:

Nice work smaug!

[Ellen4God]

Great job, smaug!!! :) How exciting this is for you! Although your wife may be a slave driver, I'm sure you're glad that she cracked the whip on ya today! Your pond is looking great, and you're that much closer to having it finished now! thumbs2: thumbs2:

P.S. Tell your daughter that I love her dress. :11:

[escamosa]

Hey, nearly water time, well done.thumbs2:

[mommy1]

it's starting to look more like a pond and less like a hole in the ground. can't wait to see it finished.

but i have one question. where exactly did you find those retaining wall stones...they look like tiny gravestones to me. :hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Ok,plumbing time.Tonight I plumbed the skimmer and the waterfall internally.It is all grey pvc sealed with teflon tape and clamped with stainless steel hose clamps.The pump is a tetraTec 2250 gph waterfall pump.I am using 1.5" flexible hose for all the plumbing.I will be connecting the skimmer to the falls with buried hose to allow for a natural look.
13882

13883

13884

13885

13886
More pics in next post.

[smaug]

Check out the puny prefilter on this high flow pump!I have more of a prefilter then this in my 58 gal aquarium:ssuprised:
13888

13889

13890

13891

13892
My next step is attaching the liner to the skimmer and falls.I think I said that yesterday but it was to chilly to work outside much tonight.

[Northernguy]

thumbs2: It looks like you know what your doing smaug! :19:
Nice job! :22: It coming along great!

[escamosa]

When you put all that together, did you have any parts left over?
I hate it when that happens.:hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

When you put all that together, did you have any parts left over?
I hate it when that happens.:hmm3grin2orange:
I have quite a few parts left over,mostly pipe fittings that I bought too many of anyway.

[Ellen4God]

Looking great. :) Not sure what I was looking at exactly, but it looks like you're doing a great job! :)

[smaug]

No pics to post concerning this operation but I connected the liner to the skimmer tonight,this was a bit nerve wracking as it involves cutting and punching holes below water line.I was dog tired from work today but I just had to get this done.Next I'm going to connect the liner to the waterfall,this wont be bad as everything is above waterline so if I screw up I can fix it easily.After that I can fill this momma upthumbs2: Well,of I go to the basement to change the water in my koi fishes temp tank,,,,,,,for the 20th time:help:

[Northernguy]

Thats great news!:19:
I know I'm looking forward to the final product or at least the fish in in their new home!You must be borderlining crazy by now!
I'm sure it will lokk awesome!thumbs2:

[Sharon]

How in the world did I miss this thread!!! I almost missed all the excitement!!! It looks great. I've wanted a pond forever, but there's small children next door, and we're afraid.............

[smaug]

How in the world did I miss this thread!!! I almost missed all the excitement!!! It looks great. I've wanted a pond forever, but there's small children next door, and we're afraid.............
Put a fence up!

[Sharon]

We have one, but the kids love to come over and chat, and we do enjoy them. They don't usually come over if we're not around, but a fish pond would be a big attraction.

[smaug]

Its a shame to deny yourself something out of fear.

[Poofaye C.]

You're good people Sharon....I probebly would have put a fence up and installed anyway. I have to agree with you tho, I would feel horrible if something bad happened. One of those, 'The big picture things,' I guess!

Smaug....great job so far. Looking great! I've been looking in on your project from the beggining...great thread!

[Northernguy]

Sharon make a sign for it!

Caution:
This pond is loaded with Pirhanas!thumbs2:

[Sharon]

:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: They can't read yet...they're four and two...:ssmile:

Smaug, I can't wait to see the finished project!:ssmile:

[AABatteries]

Electric fence...

[Ellen4God]

Electric fence...

Ouch! :help:

[Northernguy]

Electric fence...
Not for little kids! Your age maybe!:hmm3grin2orange:
Some kind of fence though!

[smaug]

Not for little kids! Your age maybe!:hmm3grin2orange:
Some kind of fence though!
Just a mild electric fence,maybe just 110 till they get over there fear of it then jump it up to 220:hmm3grin2orange: Anything for the fishys(blush)

[Kaz]

Sharon make a sign for it!

Caution:
This pond is loaded with Pirhanas!thumbs2:


Knowing children that would draw them closer rather than drive them away, I mean, pirahanas are cool man, who wouldn't want to see that. On the other hand you could just actually get a pond filled with pirhanas, that probably work a little better.

In fact I've heard you can get pirhanas for aquariums and having a 2000 gallon pond filled with pirhanas would not only be the coolest thing ever but would also put me one step closer to achieveing my dream of having a house that doubles as a supervillan lair. You know, set up some solar panels, a death ray, maybe a nice tesla coil and you know, my pit of pirhanas.

MuhwaHahaaAhahHAhaa!!!

I just can't get over how awesome that sounds.

[AABatteries]

Knowing children that would draw them closer rather than drive them away, I mean, pirahanas are cool man, who wouldn't want to see that. On the other hand you could just actually get a pond filled with pirhanas, that probably work a little better.

In fact I've heard you can get pirhanas for aquariums and having a 2000 gallon pond filled with pirhanas would not only be the coolest thing ever but would also put me one step closer to achieveing my dream of having a house that doubles as a supervillan lair. You know, set up some solar panels, a death ray, maybe a nice tesla coil and you know, my pit of pirhanas.

MuhwaHahaaAhHah!!!

I just can't get over how awesome that sounds.

Dreams can come true. :hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Will your Piranhna have frikking "laser" beams on there heads?

[Kaz]

Will your Piranhna have frikking "laser" beams on there heads?

No, but it will be pond of acid and they will have acid-proof suits.

*forsakes obvious reference for a far more obscere one that no one will understand*

[Sharon]

Smaug, I am so sorry for commenting that I wanted a pond, and why I couldn't have one. I think I may have derailed this thread....(blush)

Any updates on the pond? I'm dying to see it finished!!!:ssmile:

[smaug]

Smaug, I am so sorry for commenting that I wanted a pond, and why I couldn't have one. I think I may have derailed this thread....(blush)

Any updates on the pond? I'm dying to see it finished!!!:ssmile:
Aw sweety!No way I even considered your post a derailment.It was a fun side trackthumbs2: On the good news side of things,although it rained like crazy which kept me from working on it,I now have a few hundred gallons of free water!If I could filter it reliably at the moment I could actually put my fish in !!

[smaug]

Here is what will happen tommarow.
1.Bulid up under waterfall /splashway area liner.
2.attach liner to falls spillway.
3.dig plumbing trench from falls to skimmer.
4.plumb skimmer and falls
5.move electric outlet back a few feet from edge of pond
6.fill dirt around edging.
these steps will take me to the final step of adding water.Which btw I am actually having dreams about at night.My fish are actually doing way better in there holding tank then they ever looked in the little pond!I wish I could get pics that do them justice but the lighting is just horrible.

[Sharon]

Looking forward to it!thumbs2:

[Wild Turkey]

Cant wait to see it happen smaug! Make sure you take lots of pics for usthumbs2:

[smaug]

ok ,today I moved the electric box back 3 ft,I sat the skimmer in location and back filled it with sand,added flagstone to splashway area,plumbed the skimmer,pump and falls together.And I filled it about a 3rd of the way with water!I did not do a trench to bury the plumbing as I said I would,it will be much easier and more desirable to build up that side of the pond bank to allow for a garden situation.I will hide the plumbing in there.I really could put the fish in right now and I am sorely tempted to do just that,but they are doing very well in there tank in the basement.Here are some pics,I will need 2 posts for these.
13943

13944

13945

13946

13947

[smaug]

here is more.
13948

13949

13950

13951

13952
I thought Id throw in a pic of the future tenants,they look fantastic still.I can hardly wait to see there growth explosion this summer when they hit there prime.Of course my daughter just HAD to get in already,she will want to swim in it this summer for sure.Heck,I might too!!!!!(blush)

[Sharon]

It looks wonderful!

[Northernguy]

Outstanding smaug!thumbs2:
I really like the garden idea too!
Its a perfect way to hide the plumbing!:22:

[Wild Turkey]

Looks awesome!!! Looks like you had a little help too:hmm3grin2orange:
When are the fish going in?
The garden idea is an awesome ideathumbs2:

[KcEE]

LOOKING GOOD!!!! WOW! I envy you! That's really gonna be a great looking pond!

[smaug]

We are filling it up a little every day only doing 200gal or so at a time to avoid burning up the well pump or taxing the well to the extreme.If any of you have a well you know that if you runn a garden hose too long the pressure in your pressure tank will drop below a certain amount causing the pump to shut down,its a safety feature to help keep from flooding your house in case of a burst pipe or a forgotten faucet.Im about 7-8" away from full level,God only knows how much water that is.I just did the math,,,,,,its 900 more gallons to go,so I should be done by the weekend if I am prudent and go slow.So far the future residents are doing fine in there holding tank so no need to rush.

[Northernguy]

We are suppose to be a patient bunch!:hmm3grin2orange: Well we try!thumbs2:
Your doing great!That pond with a garden will look fantastic!

[smaug]

OK folks ,due to a mistake this morning the pond is now full.I turned the water on before I went to work 5am and called my wife this morning at 6:45 to shut it off apparently I had it running a little stronger then normal and it was full when she shut it off.Its also raining so that helped a little.I'm very tempted to put the fish in tonight but the temp diff between my basement and outside might be a bit much for them.Ill check it here in a bit.I still don't have the pump running yet but that would only take my about a half hour or so to finish up that are of the pond.Here is a pic of it full but still not completed,,,,,,,,,,,,that will be a while yet.
13972

[smaug]

I checked the temp,it was only 5deg off from the basement so I put them in there new home!!!I also used the media from the 2 filters I was running on there holding tank [cartridges from the penguin included] the falls has a compartment for bio media with about a 5 gal bucket of plastic stars,I added all the innoculated goop to that.I will come on later and post some pics.

[smaug]

Here are some more pics.The first one is of the pond full as it gets.For now anyway,I can still do some more leveling with wall stone and get another 3-4".
13975

13976

13977

13978

13979

[smaug]

Here are a few of the biological water fall.This is where the bio media goes and where I put the seeded media from the holding tank filter,that is all in a laundry bag underneath the perforated plate shown in the pic.It shows pics of the water rising and of it finally coming over the edge.Whoopee,I know,,,,,,,,,,,it was exciting for me.The second picture is of the lip of the falls,you are supposed to attach this to the liner for a water tight fit but the way I'm doing it I will just let it pour out over the rocks which are lined underneath,it shows the necessary silicon sealant to prevent leaks.13980

13981

13982

13983

13984

[smaug]

Here they are wondering what the heck happend,First they get pulled from the only home they ever new ,the 150 gal ,then into the shoebox tank for the past 3 weeks then into this!They must have thought they were in a frikkin lake:hmm3grin2orange: 13985

13986

13987

13988
The one I get a kick out of the most is the black moor,in the tank he seemed so big and fat and pretty,in this pond he looks just kinda sad(blush) I think Ill get him a few more of his kind,,,dang its good to have the room to say that now:ssuprised:

[Northernguy]

thumbs2: Woohoo! Its got fish and falls!:22:
You really did a great job smaug! I'm just a wee bit jealous!
Great pics too!:19:

[KcEE]

YAY!!!! The fish are finally in the pond you built!!! Great job! It must be really satisfying to see them in there swimming around. Are there still things to be done with the pond?

[smaug]

Yep,there is a lot yet to do.I need to do some final leveling to the edges so I can have an even depth from bank to water level the whole way around,then I can back fill with dirt around the entire perimeter.Then I need to add the rock work and gardening.I have also not installed the uv clarifier I bought for this as I could not think of an easy way to plumb it in with my main pump and keep it out of the weather.I may end up taking it back and exchanging it for an all in one pressure filter with UV light included,I'm in no rush or need for it yet.The biggest deal was getting the fish installed so they could be safe and healthy,the rest is all gravy.

[Sharon]

Looks like it's a lot of fun....for you and the fish!!!thumbs2:

[Ellen4God]

Yay!! That's so exciting, smaug!! Congrats on getting it fish-ready, and then fish-filled!!! I'm sure they're loving you for it. thumbs2: thumbs2:

[Anomaly]

Wow, just found this thread and read the whole thing. There's a ton of great info here, Smaug, and the pond is looking great!

[smaug]

Thank you all for your nice comments.Today Im going to level the edges and get it ready to backfill with dirt around the banks to create a more natural look as well as reinforce the blocks from moving from water pressure.The weather as warmed up enough now to start feeding the fish higher protein food,they will really get to grow now.I still haven't gotten the uv light hooked up yet but feel no real compulsion to do so.I may wait for the green water to kick in and do an experiment to see how quickly this unit rids it.

[Northernguy]

That would be a really good test to run! It would be interesting to find out how long it takes to clear it up.:22:

[Rue]

Wow! You've been givin' 'er! Congrats on almost being fully ponded!

[Wild Turkey]

Sounds good man! Have you had green water problems in the past?
Good luck once again, cant wait to see more pics

[smaug]

Have I had it in the past you ask?:ssuprised: Ive had it so bad you couldnt see the fish a few inches under water.AAMOF,I am plagued by it normally.Its ugly but not detrimental,the fish probably are not affected at all.I have done a little today so far such as doing some levelling and putting a big thick piece of filter material in the falls/filter.I will be doing some backfilling later today.

[Northernguy]

Kinda sounds like a some shade may help the situation.Not sure but would it help to keep the sun off it for some of the day?

[Wild Turkey]

The first thing that popped into my mind my rotting vegetation, i was thinking fallen leaves or plants in the pond, maybe not(blush) :hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Shade is the solution and later in the summer it comes in the form of pond lilys.The problem with lilys and koi is that koi just love rooting up plants and eating there roots.When koi are little this isnt such a big problem but when they get over a foot they are absoute pigs when it comes to rooting.I will be getting a few lilys despite this,as there rooting can be discouraged with large rocks around the tubers.As for getting as much shade as I would need to have to avoid green water,I dont think Ill be able to have enough.The surface sq footage of this pond is 180,I would have to shade over 80% to discouarage GW.I have tried anachris in the past but the buggers eat that stuff too.
BTW.
I have done some more work such as back filling and completing some more leveling,I was able to add another 4" of water to it this way.I will post some pics later today,I did not take any in progress as I am getting lazy and in a hurry.I also priced a large skid of scaping rocks today,,,,,,,,,,pricey for dirty ole stone,,,,,,270.00 a cube for std field stone.

[Northernguy]

Ouch! Rock,sand and gravel are free up here.All we have to do is take a drive into the bush and pick all the natural stone or sand you want.
Is there no place like that where you are?
What about something like this for shade.

[smaug]

Ouch! Rock,sand and gravel are free up here.All we have to do is take a drive into the bush and pick all the natural stone or sand you want.
Is there no place like that where you are?
What about something like this for shade.
Not really the natural aproach Im looking for.As picking up rock in the woods,if its a state park,notta,nope ,no how.As for local farms,no,we dont really have an abundance of really good rock lying around.
14017

14018

14019
here are some more pics of the latest work,I have done this to reinforce the rocks and pavers I used to level the birm so the water pressure does not push out the leveling stones.Its an imperfect solution but the best I can do being untrained in excavating work.
14020
Above find a pic of the residence,they thought it was chow time.
During my trip to the pond shop today I saw some beautiful Japanese strain koi I would like to have,maybe next time.

[Poofaye C.]

It's look'in so good now!!!

[Northernguy]

It's look'in so good now!!!
thumbs2: Yup! :22:

[escamosa]

Doing a great job i reckon smaug.thumbs2:

[Lady Hobbs]

Been following this thread and find it really interesting. Much more interesting to watch someone else do the work. :) That tree looks as it will offer a bit of shade on the pond, too, which will be nice. Can't wait to see finished product.

[smaug]

I did a bit more backfilling and rockwork today,the rockwork will likely be temporary till I decide if I like it and if it works to naturally hide things.I also used weedx fabric around the banks to discourage weeds,I am unsure what to use on top,mulch,stones,flat rocks,Ill figure it out as it speaks to me.We also got out the rc submarine which we have had for years but never had a body of water big enough to use it in.The fish immediatly took to bashing it around and follow it.I have a vid but I dont know how to post it.
14035

14036

14037

14038

14039

[smaug]

Here are a few more,my wife was complaining about the muddyness,I like it,it adds a element of being deeper then it is and allows the fish a dimension of safety if they cant be seen the whole way to the bottom.Besides that it will settle after a time.
14040

14041

14042

14043

14044
The first pic in the thread before this was taken this morning and the last was of course the last one.

[Northernguy]

The sub must have been fun! lol
The water should clear in a few days unless the current is stirring it around.I can't see it being that strong though.
Keep up the good work!

[mommy1]

very cool! are you gonna plant some plants around the pond or leave it like it is? i think some bushes and flowers would be beautiful around the edge the pond.

[Rue]

Tell as us soon as it's totally done and landscaped - Hobbs and I will be by.

We'll be the ones with lawnchairs, big floppy hats, and beach umbrellas...

...and a cooler...

[smaug]

Yup,Ill be planting lots of stuff around it soon.

[smaug]

Well,,,,,,,,,the water turned pea green over the past 3 hot days.I suppose its time to break out the 18w uv clarifier,,,,,,,which I did just a little while ago.It will be a good experiment to see if it really works or not.The new lilys have hit the surface and are going to look real good soon.Ill have pics later this eve.

[smaug]

Hey Wild turkey,I'm the king of not only double posts but triple as well!!

Anyway,I got some pics snapped for your viewing enjoyment.The pics of the comets with the Koi should give some people pause before they buy them for a 20 gal tank,they are as big as my foot long juvenile koi!The first shot is of the uv clarifier before installed.The next shot of just a piece of rubber is the light installed,the rubber is for weather proofing.I will cover it better soon.You can easily see the pea green water which is actually not nearly as bad now as it would be tomorrow,it would get bad enough to not see a fish just inches under the surface.
14101

14102

14103

14104

14105

[DrNic]

I'm still reading through this full thread but I just wanted to say that this is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing!

[Northernguy]

Those fish look happy in there!thumbs2:
They don't mind the water color but I guess it would make it easier to watch them.Looks great!:22:

[smaug]

14125

14126

14127
Those fish look happy in there!thumbs2:
They don't mind the water color but I guess it would make it easier to watch them.Looks great!:22:
The fish are eccstatic.Nope,they dont mind the color at all,,,,,I do,,and I built there house,it will look the way I tell them it will:14:
Anyway,my daughter was bugging me today to ge in because it wa so hot,so I let her put in the fountain pump.BTW,the green is alread clearing up a bit so I guess the uv works.Check out the fish,there truly horrified:ssuprised:

[Algenco]

14125

14126

14127
The fish are eccstatic.Nope,they dont mind the color at all,,,,,I do,,and I built there house,it will look the way I tell them it will:14:
Anyway,my daughter was bugging me today to ge in because it wa so hot,so I let her put in the fountain pump.BTW,the green is alread clearing up a bit so I guess the uv works.Check out the fish,there truly horrified:ssuprised:

Wow! kids are amazing, I would go into Cardiac arrest, the ground/water temp can't be very high in Pa this time of year

[lava]

FRIGGEN AWESOME SMAUG!! how do I subscribe to thread?!? :) Cant wait to see how it will look like when the water will clear up more!

[smaug]

Wow! kids are amazing, I would go into Cardiac arrest, the ground/water temp can't be very high in Pa this time of year
Actually the water was very warm.She did get cold when she got out thoughthumbs2:
Lava:Just got to thread tools and click subscribe.Thanks for the comp!

[Northernguy]

LOL Swimmin' with the fishes!thumbs2:

Its clearing up really well!:22:

[fins_n_fur]

WOW! It's coming along very nicely! :19:

[smaug]

Today the sun was hiding and the temps dropped.The green water is gone partially due to that and the uv light.Now we shall see if the light keeps it away now that its gone.I will be getting my stones soon so I can rock this thing in and make it look a bit more natural.Just a shame I gotta pay so much for something nature provides for free but I just dont have anyplace to go pick a bunch up:scry: I still havnt gotten my plants yet,work is just so busy that when I get home I am bushed.

[Ellen4God]

It's looking great, smaug!! :) Congrats!

[Algenco]

have you ever tried barley straw for reducing the algae?

[smaug]

have you ever tried barley straw for reducing the algae?
Barley is a long term solution and only works so so if you have a pond in full sun all the time.I will be adding a bail to this pond soon,they take about a month to come to full affect.Right now the green water is gone so hopefully the uv light will keep it from returning.

[Taurus]

Smaug..I just read through this thread quickly. Amazing!!! Lots of hard work there but it looks great! But whew......:18:

[Taurus]

Here are a few of the biological water fall.This is where the bio media goes and where I put the seeded media from the holding tank filter,that is all in a laundry bag underneath the perforated plate shown in the pic.

Smaug, I'm just curious. What did you use for biomedia?

[smaug]

Smaug, I'm just curious. What did you use for biomedia?
The bio falls came with a big bag of finned cylinders,probably 3 gals or so.I also added a gallon of corral life bioballs and I seeded it all with the media from the canister and hob filter I was uisng on the holding tank the fish were in for a few weeks.With a body of water this size I am unsure just how much media is enough and how long it will take to cycle.I am sure it will take a very long time for ammo to build up to a dangerous level with so few fish.I havnt even tested for that yet.There are no signs of toxins as the fish are all happy and holding there fins high and wide.I just might test that today.Ill let ya know.

[smaug]

I just checked the ammonia,results, zero.

[smaug]

Hey!Now I'm triple posting.Today I bought 5 grass plants for the outside of the pond.The first pic is 3 small Japanese fire grass plants,they get about 5ft tall with a spread of about a foot or so,this will hide the back of the falls.The next is the only surviving herb left over from the old pond.It will really hide nothing but it is a neat little plant [meadowsweet].The next shot is of some sort of striped grass which will hide the skimmer and get about 5 ft tall with a 2ft spread.The last shot is a whole pond shot just to eventually show progression.This was all 25 bucks.
14174

14175

14176

14177
Last night I was browsing around in the wet lands below my house and found a huge spread of creeping jenny,or charlie,whatever you prefer.This stuff loves being feet wet or dry as long as it can spread to water it then grows shoots off of its stems,its really a weed but they sell it for 7 bucks a pot at pond shops around here.

[Cameron]

Looks good, they creeping charlie will look cool, it really doesn't look like a weed, but has weed like properties, good luck!thumbs2:

[smaug]

I have been a bit disgusted with this project lately,that is why I haven't said much.Over the past week it has been obvious I was losing water as it hasn't been warm enough to lose it to evaporation.I was so peed off about it all I have done lately is just feed the fish and not even look at the pond.I get that way(blush) Anyway,I contained myself enough tonight to inspect the moving water features for obvious trouble and found that the waterfall is to blame,to be exact the liner under the falls were bunched up and allowing water to run back under the falls container,this was also allowing some of the water to run back in which now loaded with mud was discoloring my water as well.I hope this was the trouble,I have broke my back on this hole in the ground and it is wearing me thin.This weekend I'm hoping to get some flat stones to scape with and buy some more plants.Pics to come.

[Sharon]

Glad you've found the problem!!!...Now, get on a heating pad!:hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Got more plants tonight,I don't remember what they are,its 2 tall growing variety's of grass and a bunch of ground cover plants.I planted the grass but will wait to plant the ground cover when I have the stones in place.The water is much clearer now and I definitely fixed the leak as the water I put in last night is still at the same level today.The plants today were another 60 bucks or so.I'm actually only a few plants away from being done,I want some gay feather plants yet for color and butterfly attractors and I haven't really decided how planted I want the water to be.Probably not much,I prefer wide open spaces in the water,the better to see the fish!I did have a blast tonight when I was digging the holes for the grass,I got lots of worms to throw to the fish,they were darn near boiling the water for them.Anyway the whole pond pic shows the new grass planted in the rear right of the pond,the pic of the fish close to the falls shows that the green water has cleared up.The true test will be a few hot sunny days in a row.
14308

14309

14310

[Northernguy]

:22: You have done some great work on your pond smaug! It has really turning out beautiful!
Keep up the good work!thumbs2:

[rich311k]

It looks great. Amazing work you are doing on it.

[smaug]

I got my rocks this weekend and placed many of them around the pond.I am upset about the large amount of liner that is visible around the banks and can think of no easy way to fix this.In short,I'm disgusted again.I also am still losing water,maybe a 1/4" a day,I know this isn't evaporation so I think my falls may still be leaking.I sure hope its there and not a hole.I have also planted many plants and the one thing I am very happy with is the uv light is doing a fantastic job as the water is crystal clear,I do mean invisibly so!Ill post pics as soon as I can stomach the idea of looking at it.Has anyone else gotten so sick of a project they cant stand to look at it anymore?

[Northernguy]

lol Your just having some thought blockage!
Get some ideas by looking at gardens or other ponds!
You could always go to a nursery and ask them for ideas!
Check out some landscaping site.
If I find some I'll post some links!
Don't let it get you down!

[smaug]

I did some planting tonight of some bushy low growing ground cover.It looks very similar to diandra except it is a terrestrial.The dwarf jap maple is in it preliminary spot.I considered planting theses the whole way around but cost and root growth concern me.The pics of fluffy show the better clarity of the water.
14372

14373

14374

14375

14376

[Northernguy]

You could fill the area inside the rocks with dirt and plant flowers in with the plants. Build a low deck over the liner on the other side!

[Sharon]

I'm going to ask what is probably a "dumb question"(blush) ....why not just use more rocks to cover the liner?

[smaug]

I'm going to ask what is probably a "dumb question"(blush) ....why not just use more rocks to cover the liner?
I cannot do this due to the steepness and depth of the pond at its very edges.It does not slope to 16" it is dug square edged.The amont of rocks it would take to stack that high in the water would be enormous.Ive thought about using bigger flat rocks and standing them on edge but the weight and chance of ripping the liner is too great.

[Northernguy]

I think she meant outside the pond on the exposed liner.

[smaug]

Oh that!Thats not the problem,its the inner vertical walls of the pond that I think are an eyesore.I will have the outer weed fabric covered areas covered in plants and rocks within a few weeks.That part will look great.I think I found my leak at the waterfall.Where the falls come out of the container is a wie flat spout,the water is returning back to the conatiner and running down behind the liner.easy to fix,the liner is supposed to be attached to the back of the spout eliminating that possibility,in my rush I felt it wasnt nessacary.It was(blush)

[Sharon]

Thanks for explaining!:ssmile: I'm sure once it's done, it'll look fine. Smaug, are you a perfectionist? I am, and it certainly makes enjoying "projects" difficult!:ssmile:

[smaug]

Thanks for explaining!:ssmile: I'm sure once it's done, it'll look fine. Smaug, are you a perfectionist? I am, and it certainly makes enjoying "projects" difficult!:ssmile:
The funny thing is if this were anyone elses project such as my wife or daughters I would be right there saying"it looks good" You can barely see it","it will look great when its done".Yes I am a perfectionist and it sorely p*&^%#s me off.The good news is I just researched the japanese maple I bought.It is a "Tamukeyama" laceleaf.It is perfect for pond side use as it stays small and its roots would be onobtrusive to my liner.Im gonna get a few more of these puppys!Google it ,if your into trees these guys are real cuties.I did do some rock work tonight but I was too tired to snap any pics,Im goin to bed soon.

[Northernguy]

lol I'm sure it looks great!:22:
Even though you are a perfectionist,something I completely understand lol,others see at a different perpesctive.They don't see any fl%^& ups that you know about.Most here also know little about landscaping so you look like the Pro! lol
Have a good night! thumbs2: :22:

[Algenco]

what about planting something like creeping phlox in pots around the edge, the plant would hang over and cover the liner

[Sharon]

Creeping phlox is very pretty....blooms early, and stays green all summer...Great idea!
Smaug, problem solved! Now, stop worrying!:ssmile:

[smaug]

what about planting something like creeping phlox in pots around the edge, the plant would hang over and cover the liner
How far will it "creep"?It needs to go at least a foot.The creeping Jenny I first thought of wont go that far across dry ground,or hot rubber for that matter.

[Sharon]

I don't know if the Phlox will "creep" across the rubber either...Rockcress may be a better choice. Better wait for someone who know for sure, though.:ssmile:

[smaug]

I made a BIG mistake tonight.We went and bought 4 fantail fancy goldys.They were beautiful.So,I bring them home and stock them.The comets wont leave them alone,theylook like they are being used to play soccer with.One was chased into the skimmer [recued] and I cant find the 4th.I tried to catch them but they run to the deep part and it got dark before I could devise a better plan.These suckers were 9 bucks each and they are being kicked the crap out of.Not biting or nipping but simply chased and battered.I cant imagine they will live through the night.These little fellas are about 2",the comets doing the whipping are almost 8" ,the koi are staying out of the fray at the moment,thats good because they are mostly over a foot.Im gonna post this in the coldwater section.I suppose this is just breeding behaviour directed toward the wrong party?They are also chasing each other [comets].my daughter wanted a koi,should have got her the koi:scry:

[DrNic]

That stinks. Are you going to try to return the fish if they last the night or do you think it's a lost cause?

[smaug]

If I can catch them tommarow I will take them back if he will take them.I may call around to a few friends I have and see if they want them if he wont reinburse me.

[smaug]

Alrighty then ,what we had yesterday was a big ole case of curious what you are syndrome from the comets.I came home from work today at noon expecting to find 4 dead goldys,what I found were 4 very happy goldys eagerly awaiting feeding time.On faith on the way home I stopped and got some small nugget goldfish food just in case I couldnt catch them and so I could feed them.I fed both big koi food and the little stuff and everyone ate happily.No chasing or butting, everybodys fine.Im glad I couldnt get them out last night as they are doing fine.Sorry to redundantly post this as I had alread posted in my other thread for goldfish.I wanted a record of it here so it makes sence in context.I also connected the liner to the falls weir so I can stop losing water.This was a major pain as I was kneeling in 1 foot of water to get it done.Moral of the story,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do it right the first time or your all wet:help: :hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Just some pics of the afformentioned inprovements.In the back of the pond by the fence in the water is 3 new water celery plants,if they spread for me likme they did at the pond shop they could be the answer to the exposed liner.That jap maple is a tamukeyama,they stay small and have a flowing type growth as they age.Im thinking of a few more of them.
14452

14453

14454

14455

[Sharon]

That is really looking good!thumbs2: Are you happy with it now?

[smaug]

Getting there hun,getting there(blush)

[DrNic]

smaug, If you don't mind me asking where in the US are you? Have you had any problems with raccoons or birds like ducks or herron?

The pond looks AWESOME!! I'm so jealous!

[Gayle]

It looks wonderful Smaug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very well done!!!

[Northernguy]

Very impressive smaug! Thats a great idea for covering the liner!thumbs2:
Nice tree! What kind is it?
When the garden fills in, it will look awesome!

[smaug]

smaug, If you don't mind me asking where in the US are you? Have you had any problems with raccoons or birds like ducks or herron?

The pond looks AWESOME!! I'm so jealous!
Im in Pa.There have been no problems with any predators so far largely due to the yard being fenced in with a 5ft chain link fence,Herons do not like being fenced in as they need a bit of a run to get airborne,the pond is to deep for raccoons.The only critters that concerns me are mink or king fisher,with the latter being the most dangerous as they can set up in the trees all day and dive at there leasure.That is until I see one and can get to my trusty red ryder and shoot his eye out(blush)
NG:That tree is a "Tamukeyma laceleaf maple",this is a very small one but they get about 6 ft and real bushy.

[smaug]

We went out to breakfast this morning and came back with these![the pond shop is only 2 miles down the road from the restraunt].They are 1 yamakabuni koi a 2 other select japanese strain koi.They look like there skin is made from irridecent metal.I know the pic is crap.
14459
We also picked up 3 more water celery plants.Still tempted to buy that channel cat at wal mart.

[Northernguy]

Would the cat not go after the smaller fish when it starts to get big?
Those fish will look great in the pond! lol
That tree is stunning!

[Wild Turkey]

Looking great smaug! Its really coming together with the tree and plants and stuff, love itthumbs2:

I also love catfish, i would probably get suckered into buying it (if you have the gallons, i think you do?)

[smaug]

Would the cat not go after the smaller fish when it starts to get big?
Those fish will look great in the pond! lol
That tree is stunning!
All the fish in there should be almost 8" or bigger before autumn.,the fantails probably around 6".I dont know how big this cat would be by then.By the end of next year the koi will all be over a foot and half,the fantails at 8 and the comets are way big and fast enough.
WT: I got the gallons, 2300 I think.

[Northernguy]

Thats true! lol

Hmmm I wonder:
I wonder how big that cat would get after a year in a pond that size?lol
Would your fish attack the cat at first?
Would you be able to get it out if you had to?
Where would you keep it in the winter? lol
Just a few thoughts you may want to have before going for it!:22:

[smaug]

I wonder how big that cat would get after a year in a pond that size?lol my guess would be just under a foot
Would your fish attack the cat at first? no the cat would lay on the bottom during the day and come out to search the edges nooks and crannys at night.
Would you be able to get it out if you had to?With 2 people and a pole net
Where would you keep it in the winter? lol He would do fine in the winter just the same as the other pond critters.I havnt lost a fish in the winter time yet.

[Northernguy]

thumbs2: :22: :14: :hmm3grin2orange:
Well thought out! lol
Do you have the tank space ,still?

[smaug]

That is up in the air.Tha tank space I mean.I have at the moment 8 koi,5 comets and 4 fancytail goldys.Im gonna let the idea fester for awhile and if he isnt there the next time I go I wont buy him(blush)
I have a thought that of I buy that fish it may save him from being bought by some DA{pm me for meaning} who will put him in there big ole 55 gal tank or there 100 gal outside pond.IDK,Im still brewing on the idea.

[Northernguy]

Have you condsidered a greenhouse type structure for the winter months.Something the sun can shine through to keep the temps just above freezing or would that be too cold.
I don't know how cold your winters are there.There is a guy that does it up here but he has the dough to play like that.

[smaug]

its no nessacary to warm the pond.The fish go into a state of dormancy,no eating very little respiration,they produce little to no bio load.Just keep a hole in the ice for what little air exchange that is needed and they do fine.Channel cats are commonly stocked in farm ponds in my area and they all freeze over during the winter.

[Wild Turkey]

Yup channel cats are local around here, smaug is only a few hours from me so he shouldnt have any problems

[ladyoutlaw50]

:hmm3grin2orange: Let me know when it is.Maybe I can pick up Ellen on the way!thumbs2:
may I join you all?? I am always up for a backyard get together!! LOL

[Northernguy]

Alrighty then! lol thumbs2:

[Gayle]

Smaug is right the fish will be just fine over winter as long as the pond is deep enough to not freeze all the way. And his pond is way big enough for that!!!

[ladyoutlaw50]

Wow!! Yep Wow!! I just finished reading this entire post!! Wow!! I am so flippin impressed!! I wish I had the funds and the room to attempt a project like this one!! Smaug, your hard work paid off --- very very nice!!! I am sure your "neighbors" will enjoy the endless hours of watching your fish swim around.
Kudos to you for a job very well done!!!!thumbs2:

[smaug]

Wow!! Yep Wow!! I just finished reading this entire post!! Wow!! I am so flippin impressed!! I wish I had the funds and the room to attempt a project like this one!! Smaug, your hard work paid off --- very very nice!!! I am sure your "neighbors" will enjoy the endless hours of watching your fish swim around.
Kudos to you for a job very well done!!!!thumbs2:
Thank you!Here is another pic,this one had 6 water celery plants now instead of 3,and a channel cat in the water somewhere.

[Northernguy]

Thank you!Here is another pic,this one had 6 water celery plants now instead of 3,and a channel cat in the water somewhere.

Hmm,let me get my glsses! lol
What pic? hehehe


Ladyoutlaw I don't think is neighbors ever say much! lol

[smaug]

Dang it!,,,,,,,,here,,,quit your bellyachin.
14470

[Northernguy]

Mighty fine pond!thumbs2: :hmm3grin2orange:

[smaug]

Today I got some more pea and egg gravel as well as some water plants.Its shaping up very well and the fish are doing fantastic.They are growing and getting fatter all the timem though I have yet to see the channel catfish I stocked last week.If he is anything like my tank cats he hides all the time.He wont be able to hide when he gets over a foot long,then 2 then 3!!
The plants I hot are 2 dwarf cat tails,2 sensitive leaf ferns,another pond lily.
14536

14537

14538

14539

14540

[smaug]

more pics.
14541

14542

[Northernguy]

Lmao when i saw the pig! He rocks!! lol:hmm3grin2orange:
You must be proud smaug it looks incredible!:22:

[smaug]

Yeah,the pig is cool.We have had him for years.Thx for the comps:22:

[Algenco]

looking great bud thumbs2:

[Lady Hobbs]

Pond and plants are looking great. Nice job Smaug.

My son returned from CA today to tell me he was out checking his pond here and found the goldfish his son tossed in the pond nearly seven years ago and it's now huge. I asked what he feed it and he says nothing but guess he wouldn't since he's not even in the state all winter long :) The pond feezes solid in the winter but the fish seem to survive and I'm not sure how. His pond is not lined or has a pump. It's just dug in his backyard but is huge........like a small lake. Big enough that "The Lake Doctor" has to use a small boat to treat it. Doesn't have your nice plants, either.

[Gayle]

Wow it is looking so great!!!!! I love it!!!! So you know I am going to be moving soon..............LOL wanna build me one just like it???

[William]

its looking fantastic!!

[iZinedane]

wooh!
nice pond thumbs2:

[smaug]

Pond and plants are looking great. Nice job Smaug.

My son returned from CA today to tell me he was out checking his pond here and found the goldfish his son tossed in the pond nearly seven years ago and it's now huge. I asked what he feed it and he says nothing but guess he wouldn't since he's not even in the state all winter long :) The pond freezes solid in the winter but the fish seem to survive and I'm not sure how. His pond is not lined or has a pump. It's just dug in his backyard but is huge........like a small lake. Big enough that "The Lake Doctor" has to use a small boat to treat it. Doesn't have your nice plants, either.
Ponds like that are cool.It means they are going along naturally like they should.I would love to have an unlined dirt bottomed pond,the planting possibility's are much better.
Gayle:I cant picture me ever building another one of these,too much work.:hmm3grin2orange:

[Wild Turkey]

Ponds like that are cool.It means they are going along naturally like they should.I would love to have an unlined dirt bottomed pond,the planting possibility's are much better.
Gayle:I cant picture me ever building another one of these,too much work.:hmm3grin2orange:

Sounds like an excuse to rent some heavy machinery to methumbs2:

That pond is quickly becoming a masterpiece smaug, very, very well done pal

[brianyu]

thumbs2: wao nice can wait to see those plant grow.
but those plant die in winter ? or is will grow back in summer ?

[smaug]

thumbs2: wao nice can wait to see those plant grow.
but those plant die in winter ? or is will grow back in summer ?
The pond lilys are left in place and if doesnt freeze to the rhizome they come back in the spring the water celery and the cat tails get set deeper in the water where the freeze will not get the roots and they come back as well.The sensitive ferns come inside to my fish tank where they live out the winter in the lap of luxury till spring.The plants surrounding the pond all come back in the spring as well.

[smaug]

Got some more plants,2 more sensitive ferns and a dwarf lotus.I also got with te deal some fairy fern.I put a handful in my planted tank and left the rest in the pond.What you see in the net went in the tank.The lotus is in the pond with only a few of the leaves above water level,Ill get pics when it puts on more growth.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showgallery.php?cat=842
Pardon the pic post in this way ,I took these pics with my phone.

[Ellen4God]

It took me a little while to find some pictures, but I found them!!! Your pond looks great, smaug! Great job with it. :) Can't wait to see it grow and mature!! thumbs2:

[Cath]

Hi
I have just read this thread your pond is fab I would love to see some recent photo's.
Cath

[smaug]

Thank you!
18427
This was taken mid summer.I just really looked at that pic again.That makes me really miss summer.The pond is covered with ice right now and all the fish lying on the bottom.

[Rue]

Very nice!:1luvu:

Betcha waiting for spring is hard!

[smaug]

Ive got some redoing to do to the pond this year.I am going to slope the sides to a more natural pitch,right now they are to steep and the liner is visible above water.I will lift the edges of the liner and remove dirt underneath it till the edges are all even with the level of the water.It will be so much nicer this way and allow a more natural scaping to be accomplished.

[EmmanuelJB]

This was a very intresting threat. I just skimmed through all 24 pages of it! I can't wait to see more pictures once you slop the sides more! Great job on the pond so far! thumbs2:

[bushwhacker]

ok so i'm insanely jealous of this pond... when i bought my place the owner had cut the whole place of trees in the back leaving me a pile of logs and dirt that i cant move... that would have made the perfect place for a pond

[Bristley]

I just found this thread and read through all 24 pages. That pond looks awesome. Great job Smaug.

[Northernguy]

Its changed a wee bit in the last two years!:19:
I am looking forward to some pics in the Spring!Looks awesome in the last pic!thumbs2:

[smaug]

Its changed a wee bit in the last two years!:19:
I am looking forward to some pics in the Spring!Looks awesome in the last pic!thumbs2:
Not even a year old yet NG!

[Scrup]

Looks great! Do you think any of the plants will make it? How deep did the ice go?

Reading through all the digging just reminds me to find a place that rents bobcats when I get my house.

[smaug]

Yup all the plants visible will make it as I have them placed deep enough to avoid any ice that will happen.

[Northernguy]

Not even a year old yet NG!
Sure it is!
It just grew bigger!lol

[Ellen4God]

How's it going now? :19:

[smaug]

Poorly! cosmetically anyway(blush) Ive lost much of the shade that once kept the pond clear.I was a sloppy pond keeper this year and the plants suffered as did water clarity. The fish are fine and the water quality is good if not pretty.Next year will be different. I am going to drain and clean it of all detritus and start over with fresh filter media and some new plants.The plant selections will be dicey though as 2 ft long koi can be real dozers when it comes to eating plants:hmm3grin2orange:

[Ellen4God]

Poorly! cosmetically anyway(blush) Ive lost much of the shade that once kept the pond clear.I was a sloppy pond keeper this year and the plants suffered as did water clarity. The fish are fine and the water quality is good if not pretty.Next year will be different. I am going to drain and clean it of all detritus and start over with fresh filter media and some new plants.The plant selections will be dicey though as 2 ft long koi can be real dozers when it comes to eating plants:hmm3grin2orange:

ha I'm sure! You'll get it back up and running beautifully, I'm sure!