Psychobilly
🧀Muenster
So you only got to feed an.....attempted murder? 
Gonna Build a Little Pond
- Thread starter Amarok
- Start date
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
Nice !
Often ( always exceptions ) submersible pumps are 'volume" oriented. The less head - the better.
Also , any restrictions should be presented to the output, never the intake.
Seen a bit of 'over 0C' around here,,,
I got a little skim of water on my pond ice.
Spring , shes a coming.
Been edjumacating myself.
The pump will rest in a DIY skimmer and feed to a DIY biological filter constructed in a rain barrel. The pump is rated for 5.9 vertical feet but won't need to push more than half of that.
Working plan is for a 12' x 7' pond. This will allow a maximum depth of 3 feet or a little better, helping to mitigate some of the big temperature swings.
As mentioned, it is illegal to transport living game fish(unless purchased from licensed blahblahblah). That said, if my crows just happen to drop a perch or two in there as a favour. ?♂️
Might be fun to see how big they can grow in a season and then catch them in the fall.
I think I have most of what I need, other than rocks. Have to decide about getting a yard dropped off(presuming the truck fits in the alley) or just gathering them myself(does not sound appealing, but is cheap).
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
I can see you HAVE been reading !
Come across any 'wet/dry filter' plans ?
Ya dont see them on too many aquarium because of their bulk. Very effective because of the graduation of saturation.
No need to get spendy on this media. Anything with surface area will do. Sand , gravel, hardwood bark, ,,,
Flax straw is premium, as it contains anti-algae properties.
The filters can also precondition cana- growing medium. Course Coco and hydroton can be 'charged up' in there.
Not yet. Especially given that I already have the barrel and the pump which will match very well capacity-wise with the planned pond, I'm pretty set on the filtration end unless I learn something completely new. I even have some of the fittings kicking around.
I've watched and read a lot and will continue to try to learn. Ozponds has been a great source for vids. He's smart and frugal and explains things well. Only problem is that being in Australia and therefore upside down, his ponds keep emptying into the sky. ?
Hell of an idea. I've been contemplating aquaculture for a few years and was thinking about hanging a mesh basket with an auto at the top of the filter but never considered charging medium in there. Thank you for that . ?
Did you build yours? Natural or liner?
If this turns out anything like I hope, it will be my new favorite place.? ????
Only problem with making summer more enjoyable is that the return of winter is that much more of a blow. Oh well, that's a problem for future me.
Psychobilly
🧀Muenster
There's a lot of good filtration options, but it looks like you and Jewels already have that sorted
Your bio-load shouldn't be huge unless you go nuts with fish / wildlife that can do that (Like I undoubtedly would) have you thought about any aeration options? Some guys who keep "Monster Fish" build little waterfalls to do it, and use regular air stones for when the need arises. Amarok....Just saying bro, there's a species of REALLY small Catfish here called a "Mad Tom" that you can easily get from the aquarium trade.....They are totally fine without a heater it seems, and, you could get one !!!!
How much volume will the pond have?
How deep will the pond be?
Will it be aerated in the winter, or will it have a stock tank heater, or will it go through winter naturally?
How deep will it freeze? All the way to the bottom or will liquid remain?
Until those questions and a bunch more have answers, there are a bunch of other questions that aren't yet anywhere near critical path and not yet getting much thought. Ornamental fish are on the 'not yet' list.
---------------
If I get a functioning, circulating and filtering pond this year, it will be a success. I would like to begin to establish an ecosystem, including the surrounding vegetation. I intend to plant a bunch of wildflowers, and add berry bushes and shade/privacy vegetation to the area around the pond.
How all these things turn out: my actions, nature's reactions, and my responses to those, will determine the path forward. Given that this pond is intended to serve the local fauna, it only makes sense to consider that fauna's demonstrated needs and wants as opposed to trying to force my ideas on them.
------------------
Half an hour south the snow is almost gone, but still lots here, so the learning and gathering continues. I picked up the hardware cloth for an underlay to keep moles and other burrowers away from the liner, as well as more pvc fittings for the skimmer/pump/filter. Still deciding on a cushioning underlay but leaning towards an inch or two of soil over the hardware cloth.
(Feel free to jump in with any feedback or if you see me making a dumb mistake.)
Psychobilly
🧀Muenster
That's a good way to go though; Getting it setup first and seeing how your climate reacts, is a good way to start. Once you DO have an idea of how it goes with your climate, then it'd be sweet to have a good ecosystem. I know you can get beneficial bacteria, but this could impact local critters that may drink from it (You aren't supposed to eat Aquarium fish because of these microbes) so having a legit ecosystem will save some head aches for you in the end.
For aeration, I'd recommend at the very least some type of air stone. A small waterfall feature will do essentially the same job, but the main thing is to make sure something is breaking the surface of the water so it doesn't become "stale" with that terrible smell water has when it's out too long. The cheapest option there is an air stone setup, though a little pump for a waterfall, or, even just a pipe or hose to allow the water to "drop" onto the water inside the pond, will give you aeration on this.
We have a pond out front and nothing but a sponge like filter in it, and natural plants, and in Winter, it's covered with a tarp, which seems to do well enough to let the Goldfish survive the Winter, though your climate is a wee bit colder than mine, so I can't say for sure this will work the same way.
I'd say once you have it setup, and let it run for a while, you'll be able to gauge what to do next, and, of course, come Winter, you'll be able to see if it does in fact freeze all the way down, which, you should get yourself a heater for it just in case (The ice gains mass, and could put a legit hole in your liner or worse) so have at least some form of heater on hand so your hard work isn't destroyed by ice.
Depending on the temps you see, which, I've seen your forecasts in Winter, and that IS cold, there's a chance that some form of water movement will help keep it from freezing up, but again, the heater is a LOT better insurance.
Plants are a neat addition, and there is I'm guessing quite a few species of aquatic plants in or near your local rivers that are capable of being in the pond so that it's getting nitrates out during the Spring / Summer months.
I'd say once you have your basic setup completed to your liking, you can start checking how you'd like to go about the rest (Air stone / some form of aeration to keep the water moving) and of course that heater for "just in case". At your age I imagine this kind of labor isn't easy, but I also feel like you'll enjoy it once completed, and a heater as I stated before, will help ensure that you don't end up with a busted pond from ice.
As for dumb mistakes.... I may not be an expert, but the only thing I'm seeing, is your not wanting to move here
And to reiterate me hoping you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor; Get a heater just in case it's not deep enough to prevent full freezing. Also it'll allow Deer to drink from it in Winter.
I guarantee I'd still be going long after you dropped, mr IT guy.
Some of the ol' joints are wearing out, but the muscles, heart and lungs are all in better shape than most. I've spent a life working hard and one of the reasons I am doing this project is for the exercise.
Hugh Jass
Canna-Mycologist
I have to admit, I was feeling a bit despondent after failing to come up with anything perfectly insulting enough when you asked for feedback about dumb mistakes. I mean, I had it tee'd up *twice* and... zilch, zippo. Thanks to Billy for insuting you when I couldn't. I still feel a bit less than....I guarantee I'd still be going long after you dropped, mr IT guy.
Some of the ol' joints are wearing out, but the muscles, heart and lungs are all in better shape than most. I've spent a life working hard and one of the reasons I am doing this project is for the exercise.
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
This is precisely why I don't heat my pond.
In winter, it is simply a giant mass that consumes electrical energy, with no benefit or enjoyment for myself.
Besides, you can store goldfish like Christmas decorations. You put them in a bin on the cold basement floor and don't think about it for months.
Psychobilly
🧀Muenster
I guarantee I'd still be going long after you dropped, mr IT guy.
Some of the ol' joints are wearing out, but the muscles, heart and lungs are all in better shape than most. I've spent a life working hard and one of the reasons I am doing this project is for the exercise.
Man if your joints are wearing out maybe roll them better?
Like with a bubbler or filter? Right?
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
Goldfish dont eat below 5C.
Dont eat - dont shit
I would imagine a 30 gallon tote would be good for a pound of fish.
Aeration is largely a function of surface area and temp.
And yes a bubbler will add heat and keep the water from becoming solid if temperatures happen dip below freezing.
Dont eat - dont shit
I would imagine a 30 gallon tote would be good for a pound of fish.
Aeration is largely a function of surface area and temp.
And yes a bubbler will add heat and keep the water from becoming solid if temperatures happen dip below freezing.
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
Trouble is, the ground could freeze 2 Meters, or more.
I am too frugal. If I won't shovel money into a hole I wouldn't plug an extension cord into one either.
I somehow misspoke, in my original reply. I was meaning to say, size does not matter.
Moving water is relaxing even unto itself.
Preform kijij score
4 foot X 2 or 3 ?. Mid shelf in the corners.
That is her , today -all ice.
You can see the melt-gap forming at the waterline.
All the Elm-sludge down there will kick start my compost pile.
Butt-ugg, in the winter; but when I look at it, I see something else.
?
I am too frugal. If I won't shovel money into a hole I wouldn't plug an extension cord into one either.
I somehow misspoke, in my original reply. I was meaning to say, size does not matter.
Moving water is relaxing even unto itself.
Preform kijij score
4 foot X 2 or 3 ?. Mid shelf in the corners.
That is her , today -all ice.
You can see the melt-gap forming at the waterline.
All the Elm-sludge down there will kick start my compost pile.
Butt-ugg, in the winter; but when I look at it, I see something else.
?
Psychobilly
🧀Muenster
Trouble is, the ground could freeze 2 Meters, or more.
I am too frugal. If I won't shovel money into a hole I wouldn't plug an extension cord into one either.
I somehow misspoke, in my original reply. I was meaning to say, size does not matter.
Moving water is relaxing even unto itself.
Preform kijij score
View attachment 163711
4 foot X 2 or 3 ?. Mid shelf in the corners.
That is her , today -all ice.
You can see the melt-gap forming at the waterline.
All the Elm-sludge down there will kick start my compost pile.
Butt-ugg, in the winter; but when I look at it, I see something else.
?
Do you do anything special with the sludge ? Or just add it? I use fish water on other plants, but haven't ever added it to soil for weed plants as of yet.
I know of another guy who keeps "monster fish" and he had a pond with a Red Tail Catfish where the filtration ran the water through his weed plants but he still had to add nutes as it wasn't enough by itself.
Sweet!
I'm already considering a second, smaller pond for right beside the deck. I'm looking at a 50gal stock tank as the main reservoir.
So true. I think it probably reaches into the most primitive part of our brain. To our ancestors the sound of running water meant life.Moving water is relaxing even unto itself.
Jewels
Tilts at Tables
Not sure if it is the pH , or the strength , or what,,,?
But, filter sludge will kill a houseplant.
The spring offering is basically anaerobic Elm leaf Tea.
I call it a compost pile, yet it is essentially organic garbage dump for 6 months of the year.
It has accumulated more than a mouthful by the time spring comes around.
Bullfrog
In Bloom
I've always thought it would be cool to have a pond where I can keep fish bait.
I've been involved in a couple of pond builds when I was landscaping. They were both small waterfalls with auto fill reservoirs. It's not hard to do but I'd advise you to have a good plan from start to finish, before you start the project. Jot down a drawing or find a photo of something you like that you can reference and jot down notes as you go. Figure out all the parts and tools you'll need before you get to work. Once you get to work, No. 1 is keeping sharp things away from your liner until you're ready to trim it to size. No shovels, no sharp rocks, nothing that could puncture the liner. When shaping your hole, dig it a few inches deeper than you want the pond to be then fill it with sand or clay, something free of stones. Lay the thickest landscape fabric you can find down in the hole, then lay your liner down. We used fabric on both sides of the liner, just to help keep the liner safe from punctures. Especially important if you plan on putting any big rocks or boulders in the pond on top of the liner. Believe me you don't want a hole in your liner cause your pond won't work. Maybe if you used clay on the bottom and packed it really well it might still hold with a puncture but better to take caution. Go slow and careful and things should go great and be a ton of fun. One of the last things is cutting the liner if you have excess, then blending the pond into the landscape. Hope everything goes smoothly for you, it really was a lot of fun for me, and I even got paid to do it.
Speaking on crows, there was a partial white crow that hung around my neck of the woods for a few years, haven't noticed it in a while though. Those birds are survivors, smart as heck. There was a flock of rock pigeons living across the street in an old lumber yard where the steel buildings are just a roof with no sides. The crows would mimic the pigeons and the babies would start screaming, then the crows would fly up and gobble up the baby pigeons. Pretty gruesome scene. The pigeons wouldn't try and stop the crows, but they sure did go nuts, as you can imagine. Needless to say, there isn't much of a flock of pigeons anymore.
I've been involved in a couple of pond builds when I was landscaping. They were both small waterfalls with auto fill reservoirs. It's not hard to do but I'd advise you to have a good plan from start to finish, before you start the project. Jot down a drawing or find a photo of something you like that you can reference and jot down notes as you go. Figure out all the parts and tools you'll need before you get to work. Once you get to work, No. 1 is keeping sharp things away from your liner until you're ready to trim it to size. No shovels, no sharp rocks, nothing that could puncture the liner. When shaping your hole, dig it a few inches deeper than you want the pond to be then fill it with sand or clay, something free of stones. Lay the thickest landscape fabric you can find down in the hole, then lay your liner down. We used fabric on both sides of the liner, just to help keep the liner safe from punctures. Especially important if you plan on putting any big rocks or boulders in the pond on top of the liner. Believe me you don't want a hole in your liner cause your pond won't work. Maybe if you used clay on the bottom and packed it really well it might still hold with a puncture but better to take caution. Go slow and careful and things should go great and be a ton of fun. One of the last things is cutting the liner if you have excess, then blending the pond into the landscape. Hope everything goes smoothly for you, it really was a lot of fun for me, and I even got paid to do it.
Speaking on crows, there was a partial white crow that hung around my neck of the woods for a few years, haven't noticed it in a while though. Those birds are survivors, smart as heck. There was a flock of rock pigeons living across the street in an old lumber yard where the steel buildings are just a roof with no sides. The crows would mimic the pigeons and the babies would start screaming, then the crows would fly up and gobble up the baby pigeons. Pretty gruesome scene. The pigeons wouldn't try and stop the crows, but they sure did go nuts, as you can imagine. Needless to say, there isn't much of a flock of pigeons anymore.
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