introductory ponds questions

[Prometheus]

id love to get a small outdoor pond but im new to the idea and im not sure how to do it. idk much at all yet about this. ill make a list

id only be getting something small like a 75 gallon pond, im assuming such a small pond is easier and cheaper than having to landscape and put down tarp and stuff and do serious constrution for something bigger. iv basically been told its as simple as digging a hole for the premade molding, set the pond in, plug up the essentials.

- whats a "accessory list" for a complete setup equiped to keep fish?
- whats the construction procdure?
- any differences in maintanence from a normal indoor tank?

i plan on putting this thing inside a green house. i know how to build a green house myself, the purpose of it would be to keep the dog from eating the fish, keep the pomd warm during the winter (im in georgia), and allow me to go outside in the middle of the winter and still enjoy it despite the cold.

i know this is a lot of info so even a link to a site with info on this will be helpful, even if it just gets me started.

 

[Muske]

How big is the greenhouse going to be?

If say a 10 X 10', a much larger than 75 gal. pond can be done. Try 750 gal.

 

[Prometheus]

something like that, maybe a little smaller, but only by a foot or so. the reason i mentioned that size was cause im trying to do this on a budget. i wouldnt want to spen any more that maybe a few hundred. that and i wanted to go with a premade one so i dont have to put tarp down.

 

[xdragonxb0i]

dont go with premade, its tacky...
if u really lazy,
dig a whole, make wood frame and tarp it. I think someone did it for around 200
try something like that, just make it in ground,
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213775

The tarp isnt too exspensive compared to the filtration. just keep in mind that u have to have a good system to clean the pond.

 

[Muske]

The filter and pond will cost you a couple of hundred.

 

[Prometheus]

i like that setup on the link. how would you do something like that if it were in the ground? in other words, the wood would rot if it were buried. what substitute do i use instead? just "landscape" the hole i dig so the tarp lays how i want? and then what would i do around the edges to secure the tarp in place?

 

[xdragonxb0i]

I think they used treated wood
Look in the indoor ponds

They have nice diys
U just need to adapt to be outdoor

And yeah u can just lay tarp in a hole
The water will push on the dirwalls and side so that it won't collapse on u
I can't find a the link but a guy used 4x4 stack up on each other
To create a half inground pond and the other half is above ground

 

[Dr Joe]

If you want to go with in ground, your soil should be compacted enough so as to not cave in on itself during construction. If you've got good clay soil your in business. Dig and sculpt the hole (3' deep is a good depth for in a greenhouse) the way you want it (remember the liner is thick so don't get to fancy). Make the edge of the pond six inches higher than ground level so any external flooding won't enter the pond.

Figure out the size pond you want then the "liner" (EPDM rubber liner, not a 'tarp' (a tarp may give you a few months before it leaks)).

There are liner calculators online from the companies that sell it.

You'll want at least a foot to lay over the top edge so make sure you measure to the top of the mounded edge.

If you like, you can make a wooden frame (treated 2"x6") above ground instead of edging with rock.

Depending on the type / size / number of fish, filtration systems vary from an in pond filter to a sump system. (filters run 24/7/365, but usually at a lower turnover rate (1x-3x) than an aquarium).

Aeration is a nice addition if the isn't any water splashing in the pond (ie waterfall, spitting frog or fountain). (fountains can be set on timers if they have a separate pump and just run 8-12 hrs a day).

A good water test kit is essential.

Possibly a net cover to keep fish in and critters (that can dig or break in) out.

Some water plants (above and below) to help with water quality.

That's should keep you thinking for a hour.

Dr Joe

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