View Full Version : Question on big holes... in the garage.
popvox
12-28-2005, 1:13 PM
want to convert our garage into an indoor pond. not the whole thing mind you, the other half would have a couple tanks. My question is however, would it be plausable/legal/safe to DIG a giant pond in the garage. Has anyone attempted to make a pond, inground, inside? I think I'd go about 3' down and about 15' wide, and 5' long, then bulid 2' tall glass walls. Any info would be appreciated.
~Matt
danny boy
12-28-2005, 1:36 PM
it all depends on the foundations really. many garages are built on raft footings and if this is the case then the answer is a flat no. other than that its the same principal as putting a sunken bath in or extending a cellar.is the garage against the house? whats it built of? this is something that does need professional aadvice and i cannot really give you that without looking at the area
popvox
12-28-2005, 3:44 PM
Thanks for the response,
I'm glad to know that this wouldn't be too large of an expedition if done properly. I can't wait to look into it. When (if) this happens, I'll deffinantly post some pictures.
If it is an unplumbed or wired slab foundation it will be possiblbe but a real pain, cutting first throught the slab and then removing the rock base. Expect to use up a couple blades on the concrete saw.
Oddball
12-28-2005, 4:22 PM
The cost of wet-sawing the slab and piecing out the part you want removed will be very expensive. Would you consider instead using a fiberglass hatchery pond? You can buy them, at close to your dimensions, from stock. You can even have it custom made for an exact measurement. Places like aquaticeco.com will even install side glass/lexan panels so you can view your pond fish in a more traditional side-view manner. Filtering will be much easier since you can use gravity to move water instead of maintaining positive pump pressure.
good luck friend, sounds like it's going to be one hell of an undertaking
danny boy
12-28-2005, 5:23 PM
put the circular saw away, just kango and re finish afterwards far quicker and neater. if using concrete i reckon it would have to be tanked but im not certain of that. if it were mine thats what i would do. also depth is a key issue. i doubt the sides would need reinforcement for what its would cost to have someone in the trade round to do it i doubt its really worth doing unless you have a) lots of money or b) its a show piece for the house. could be a good car pit if you empty it though....
put the circular saw away, just kango and re finish afterwards far quicker and neater. if using concrete i reckon it would have to be tanked but im not certain of that. if it were mine thats what i would do. also depth is a key issue. i doubt the sides would need reinforcement for what its would cost to have someone in the trade round to do it i doubt its really worth doing unless you have a) lots of money or b) its a show piece for the house. could be a good car pit if you empty it though....
Kango = jack hammer?
danny boy
12-28-2005, 9:03 PM
yep i think thats what you guys call it across the pond
bro your dream is possible . but the local's in your town hall may say no . hear in C.T you can't have any pit type structure in your garage via fish or automotive repair style . but you have to think do you wanna dig it all by hand cuz that's how it's getting done unless you have 12' garage door's to fit in a back hoe !! go with oddball's idea it make's sent's ( it's my choice and route for an indoor pond as well) beside's if you have to move your pond is coming with you not being left behind !... :grinyes: good luck keep us posted... :thumbsup:
all the perminate tank's I've seen built on this site are cool but what happen's when you have to move??? not everyone get's to live 50yr's in the same house $hit happen's.... :(
yourmylunch
12-29-2005, 12:49 AM
it would be easier and better for resale value if you put the pond outside and glass it in like a sun room add on then you can use live plants in there to and see it from the living room and still have room in the garage. if your set on the garage you will need to get a permit and have it inspected it would be like a pool not like an outdoor pond with a liner wich alot of areas require a permit to install good luck and post some pics that would be awsome
popvox
02-04-2006, 8:33 PM
Wow,
I am rather excited, such great ideas. I did some research.. and it would be impractical for me to build an inground pond in my current location, however... I think I might invest in a hatchery pond. That way, when I move, it can come with me (the wisdom you guys have!) Sounds very reasonable. How ever, my dream will have to rest for a while, as I just adopted a 100 gallon tank from a friend http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=167656#
Drool and I plan on stocking it and getting it stable before taking on the pond. I'll keep you updated.
~Matt
popvox
02-04-2006, 8:34 PM
Sorry about the random link! it was supposed to be a drueling happy face!
Matt