Pond is filled, sand is in, waiting for the dust to settle... I washed
ALL the sand at least 3 times, and its still very dusty but i know it will settle. Here is some pics, the fluval is only temporary while I find time to build the big filter.
its white silica from lowes, the sandblasting kind- Ive used it before in tanks and it usually takes a few days to settle but always looks nice when its finished
I was just going to say that a light colored substrate will help you see the fish at deeper depths. How about some underwater lights used in outdoor ponds? I have always though about lighting in the pond on indoor set-ups. The lights can be at different depths (set on shelves and in caves) and the cords hiden in the corner liner folds. Rocks, plants, PVC, and air stones could also be used to camo cords.
Unsure on the Halagens, but if you go back to Lowes, 4' flor. shop lights are really cheap. Get a couple pulleys too. Since you have them, use them while the pond cycles or until it is time to replace bulbs. You can then upgrade bulbs and fixtures if you like.
The pond is doing good, added a few oscars when I came back from vacation. Thats a good idea about the underwater lights I will check into them.
And yes you can move it when empty, I moved it myself about 15 feet when I decided it should be on the other side of the basement .... probably 500+ lbs though and if it was going far I would say at least 3 people to move it.