First outdoor pond started...

[Conner]

Cool, I'm still trying to find somewhere with some good plants. I stopped by a store after work yesterday, but they had everything labeled as either "Hardy Marginal", or "Hardy Water Lilly". When I asked one of the guys what the plants were, he said they were marginals .

Hopefully I can find a place that knows what kind of plants their selling...

Speaking of bog, is it going to be filled w/gravel to the top?

I was going to leave about 6" of open water above the gravel, because I wanted to stock the bog with lots of gambusia, rosy reds, and/or small/dwarf sunfish, and/or madtom catfish. I wanted to do gambusia and rosy reds so that, if they reproduce at all, then the fry will likely end up in the main pond to be eaten by my other fish. Kind of a natural food source to supplement what I'll be feeding.

Is that a good idea, or should I raise the gravel up to nearly the surface of the water? There's about 14-15" of gravel in the bog already, with about 5-6" of water above that.

 

[Conner]

Congratulations! I like the natural look. You're going to enjoy this so much.

Thanks! And yes I am.... Just can't wait to get all the landscaping done now. However, I'm hope sick with what may be the flu, and its raining again . Stupid fall weather...

 

[gangster]

ya its def. fall. went from 90 almost a week ago, to snow.

 

[Conner]

It went from 90's and dry here, to 60's and rainy, literally overnight. I love this weather normally, just not when I'm trying to dig a damn pond and do some landscaping!

 

[Muske]

Go back to the store and see if the pots contain any tags. If not, try to take pics. and post them here. The water depth should be fine. Some plants like there roots only in water and the crown above the waterline, other don't mind. If you see a plants struggling, it can be moved down the road.

For plants in the bog, look in ditches for bullrush. I have mine right next to the falls and in my first shelf. At least that were it started. The plant itself is on the top shelve in 6-10" of water. It has spread up, down, and over the shelf. Some of the runners are going up form the bottom which is 28-30". I prune those and give them away as small softball sized clumps on a yearly basis to a buddy that is using them as shoreline restoration at the lake he lives on. Bullrush is a Northern Pike habitat plant so you can see what we are doing It gives you an idea that it is not picky, as are most aquatics, and grows in high flow areas. Heres mine getting pounded by the flow and lovinh it.


I think it actually lke the high O2 and just rips.

 

[Conner]

I'll bring my camera and try to get some pics today, if I make it out of the house. If not, maybe this weekend...

 

[Conner]

Oh yah, the bog has cleared up dirt-wise quite a bit. Its still not completely clear, but its getting close. I may have to add some more gravel in, as it looks like there are a few low spots in it. Or maybe I'll just rake it around until its level and leave the depth as is.

 

[Conner]

I stopped by that pond store again earlier today, and took pics of all plants they had. The marginals are all $12.99 a pot, and the hardy water lily's are $29.99. Seems kind of high pricing to me, but then I've never bought pond plants before. i'm gonna be looking on craigslist and freecycle, etc. looking for free or cheap plants first. Here's the pics:

 

[Conner]

Also, would something like "Microbe Lift Autumn Prep" bacterial starter be a good thing for me to invest in? Or should I just let the feeder comets do their work and seed it naturally? I can get a box here in town for up to 5,000g for $31.95, or something like that...

 

[Muske]

For fall/cold water treatments, I prefer liquid form. If it wasn't 30 bucks I would say do it. If it goes on sale, you might want to grab it. It can most likely work in the cooler waters of spring just like fall.

As for the plants, the first pic. is water hyacinth, an annual you will want to get next spring, not now. The liilies look a little small and 30 bucks is a rip off this time of year. If they are willing to come down in price or a buy one get one deal I would do it. Like you said, craigslist or pond/Koi clubs might have some. I need to look at the plants pics. for more info.