Pond on a Budget

[rocketdoctor]

Hi:

I have by some steps in my backyard that I want to put a 4X4 pond it has a slite grade above that I was thinking of adding a small stream about 8 ft long with a 3 ft overall hieght. The stream will be used by my girls for their mermains and water toys. I would like to put just some cheap goldfish in there.

My wife said I can't spend any money on this, well i can probably spend some weekly pocket money but no serious investment on new pumps and filters for this.

anyone have suggestions on building a pond cheaply, I figure I can use the pond liners and find a used pump to get the water to the top of the river, anyone have suggestions on how I can make a filter?

I was also thinking of making the little river out of concrete anyone have experience with that?

Ive also posted around my local area for anyone wanting to give away cheap pond filters and pumps. maybe that may turn something up.

 

[WeeNe858]

if you want your girls to play with the toys i would recommend making it a neutral pond. the fish will obviouly put out bacteria and thats not good. as far as making a filter you just need to keep it clear of particles, so a small rubbermaid tub with filter floss will do that.i recommend using pond liner through out the project. cement needs to be sealed and usually is the reason why many people dont like their ponds due to the unatural look


you can start by diggin and preforming your pond. when you have it how you want it you just drape the liner over it all and place rocks over the liner. turn on the pump and adjust the rocks and fix leaks

GL

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

I used cement for my outdoor pond and simply stuck some small gravel and rocks on top of it so that it looked more natural. I also went low teach and threw in a bunch of feeders that have since then grown.

I live here in the Bay Area as well and always see cheap stuff for sale on Craigslist.org

Heres a link to my pond thread http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40890

 

[AliceInChains]

My grandfather just dug a hole and lined it with pond liner and bought a pump to keep the water moving. Its only around 300 gallons but its fun to watch the fish.

 

[rocketdoctor]

whats a neutral pond I definately want to get some gold fish, I don't think bacteria would hurt them, you should see the food they eat off the floor

 

[cjohll]

a small pond will quickly overheat and the fish will all die unless it is deep but that wouldnt be too safe with kids around.

 

[rocketdoctor]

Im thinking of something 4 feet wide and 3 feet deep is that too small, I had preformed one when I first bought my house about 3 feet in diameter by 21/2 deep but the racoon ate all the fish. My Kids are 4 and 6 so Im not too worried about the pond.