Pondering about building a pond..

[TeChris]

Ok I have 4 4"-5" orange pikes and I thinking about building them a pond in my apartments patio(yes im on the bottom floor). If I build it, it will be a wooden frame and pond lined type. It kinda has to be in L shape to conserve some patio space. My idea is still in its infancy, I just want to gather some ideas and opinions to see if it would even be a good idea and doable.

Main Concerns:

Temp: I live in Tampa FL and since the pond would be outside would it be able to maintain a temp of 75-80 degrees with a heater even on day like today where night time temps are 55- 60 degrees?

Rain/sprinklers: Where the pond will probably sit part of it will be next to patio screening. Sometime water from sprinklers or rain gets on the patio. Should I be concerned if theres any thing that would wash off the screen and into the pond?

The yellow lines will probably be where the pond will sit and the measurements are aprox. Still don't know if i'll use that whole space. The pond will probably jet out from the sides/wall maybe 1'1/2"-2' but well see.

 

[Muske]

Sure you don't want to keep those pikes in an enclosure you can see them better.....

Some of your concerns:
A good insulated wood framed pond should hold heat well. A top for evenings and cold spells will retain some heat. If the filter return(s) splashes the surface a lot, you may want to plan an evening system that doesn't splash as much.

Screens shouldn't effect water parms. that much. Water source for the sprinklers would be more of a concern, which may effect placement of the pond.

I would do just a large rectangle pond along the wall. If you do 8' lenghths, lumber and plywood is easier to work with.

If I told my wife a pond was going in front of the slider, I wouldn't be here favorite.

 

[TeChris]

Sure you don't want to keep those pikes in an enclosure you can see them better.....

Some of your concerns:
A good insulated wood framed pond should hold heat well. A top for evenings and cold spells will retain some heat. If the filter return(s) splashes the surface a lot, you may want to plan an evening system that doesn't splash as much.

Screens shouldn't effect water parms. that much. Water source for the sprinklers would be more of a concern, which may effect placement of the pond.

I would do just a large rectangle pond along the wall. If you do 8' lenghths, lumber and plywood is easier to work with.

If I told my wife a pond was going in front of the slider, I wouldn't be here favorite.

lol ...theres actually two sets of slider doors on that patio. Where i'm standing to take the picture is where the other opening is.

When I asked the leasing office about fish tank restrictions they said nothing bigger than a 75g inside. Then I asked them about building a pond on the patio they said they didn't care, go figure. To be honest rather build a pond on the patio then buy a big tank to put out there. For one it would be a good experience and two I don't want to carry a hunk of glass again. At least with this build I could take it apart.

The sprinklers I can easily block off by putting cut pvc over them to stop them from spraying the patio.

I'll think about the rectangle shaped pond because that would be alot easier and cheaper. I'll probably go look at prices for parts and start thinking about filtration.

Thanks alot for the reply!

 

[Muske]

Filtration can be easily DIY.

Look for a good pump.