Advise needed on new pond

[hms01]

Hi all,

I would like to seek the advise from other pond owners on what are the tell tale signs that the pond is ready for stocking? The pond bedding and sides are cemented, crushed rocks/stones were then laid on the bottom and to the sides using wire mesh. however i think a leak has sprung so water has to be constantly topped up to maintain water level. hoping that after a few weeks the water would stop leaking once it has leaked into the ground enough. too much trouble to empty the whole pond and gravel to find the leak, too costly

i am planning to stock the pond but don't want to bring in the fish till i am sure the water is stable and the pond is self sustaining. currently there are 100 odd red tilapia in the pond as lab rats. non have died so far. do i have to buy a test kit to test for nitrate ammonia KH etc etc?


all discussions would be welcome

 

[hms01]

Thinking of adding plants for the fishes to take shelter but since its concert and gravel bed i don't think i can have any rooted plants :/

 

[Gar88]

Thats a mini lake mate

It takes a few months for regular pond to get stabilised. In your case I am not sure. But since you have fishes living in there I would worry too much.

Is there any filtration? If not some pothos or other swamp plants is suggested. You could also make it a lotus pond by installing pots around and the lotus grows in it.

What will be the stockist?

 

[hms01]

Thats a mini lake mate

It takes a few months for regular pond to get stabilised. In your case I am not sure. But since you have fishes living in there I would worry too much.

Is there any filtration? If not some pothos or other swamp plants is suggested. You could also make it a lotus pond by installing pots around and the lotus grows in it.

What will be the stockist?

Thanks for your quick reply

The filters are located at 2 extreme ends of the ponds, as for lotus plants sound like a good idea as they don't need to anchor down,


stocking would mainly be catfish some carp and peacock bass for sportfishing

 

[Gar88]

Lotus you would have to anchor.
What i suggested was to plant the lotus plants in pots with old soil and just slowly place the pots around in the pond. They need soil to grow.

But if you want to sport fish here then regular trimming of the Lotus will keep their growth in check. Once they flourish then it is no stopping them but trim.

 

[hms01]

Thats a mini lake mate

It takes a few months for regular pond to get stabilised. In your case I am not sure. But since you have fishes living in there I would worry too much.

Is there any filtration? If not some pothos or other swamp plants is suggested. You could also make it a lotus pond by installing pots around and the lotus grows in it.

What will be the stockist?

currently i have stocked the pond with peacock bass and catfish and koi. wow planting is expansive so little planting has been done.

 

[gangster]

Awesome pond! love it I agree a bunch of lotus would be awesome in there! But why tiger shovel nose? WHy not throw some tigs in there? heheh