pond design question?

Question

I am thinking of adding a pond to my yard. I like the shape of this one http://www.maccourt.com/lowes/ponds/lp7918.html because where I would put it has something of a Y shape. I want to keep some goldfish in it, but I don't think 100 gallons is very big for fish and plants. I though about using just a flexible liner, but I worry about it getting a hole and the fish having no water.

Is it possible to use the premade one at the bottom and just sinking it about twice as deep, then using a liner inside so that if it does tear, the premade pond would still hold the fish and some water? Has anyone ever tried this? Or am I just worrying too much? I'd like something about 200-300 gallons total for the pond, plus a little waterfall at one end. Any suggestions on filters, UV, pumps as far as brands to buy or stay away from?

Answer 1

Worrying a little too much, I think. The rigid liners are not so good - temperature extremes and UV rays tend to break the plastic down over time, and they are subject to cracks or being upheaved from the ground with freeze/thaw cycles, etc. What works better, in my opinion (based on the 3,000 gallon pond we've had for the last 8 years and the four ponds we've built over the years) is heavy EPDM vinyl liner - at least 30-40 mil thick, or as thick as you can find. It is VERY difficult to puncture, will allow you to make any shape pond you desire, and will not crack or "come out" of the ground once you lay it in.

First, though, put an underlayment layer of sand, 3-4" thick, and then something like commercial underlayment down to prevent roots, etc., from growing up to the EPDM layer. I prefer carpet pad - MUCH less money than underlayment and it does essentially the same thing. Let your EPDM sit in the sun to warm up before you try to work with it - it will be much easier to maneuver and get all the wrinkles out as you put it over the underlayment and start to fill your pond with water. This is what we have done with all four ponds we've built, and have yet to have any holes or tears.

Also, I'd definitely recommend going with a veggie (or bog) filter over the UV and bead filters. We started with the mechancial filters, and resisted putting in a veggie filter until just last year. Surely, technology has got to be better than some dumb ol' plants, right? WRONG!! Every year, we fought to maintain the water quality (take care of the water, and the fish will take care of themselves - make sure you understand the fish waste to ammonia to nitrites to nitrates to plants cycle!). We finally put in the veggie filter last year, and our water was crystal!! It is SOOOO much easier to clean!! This year, we completely did away with our mechanical filters and rely exclusively on the veggie filter, and our fish have never been happier.

Most pond building instructions I've run accross recommend building "stepped" sides. We live in an area that edges a national forest, and we have problems with predators (racoons, etc.) getting into our pond, so if this might be something you will face in your area, I recommend doing away with the steps and building steep sides, at least 3' deep. Plants can be grown in pots on stands to still lend a natural look.

One final thing - no one ever says, "Gee, I wish I had made my pond smaller!" We started out with a 500 gallon pond, and within a year, wished we had gone bigger. So, we expanded our original small pond to the 3,000 gallons we have now. We put one about the same size (500 gal.) in for my grandpa, about 4 years ago, and now he wants to expand, too! Moral to the story: err on the side of bigger - it will save you from more work later on! Bigger ponds, once they are established, are no more difficult to care for than smaller ponds, and also are less susceptible to any crashes caused by filter or pump problems, etc.

I think ponding is a wonderful hobby - I wish you the best of luck, and I have included some really useful links, below. Please feel free to contact me through my profile if you want more information/sources. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The poly ponds are very safe and durable. You should not have any issues with it leaking. 100 Gallons is more than plenty enough. My pond and waterfall is a measily 8 gallons!! Your pond supply store should be able to recommend the correct size pump based on the size pond you eventually decide on. I would highly recommend a filter of some sort as well. Because you will not have fresh water going into the pond on a regular basis, algae will become an issue. With occasional treatments and the filter, you should be able to keep it under control. Be very wary of predator birds. Get all of the rocks, plants, and other hiding spot things into your pond before you put the fish in. The pond you chose in the link is a nice one and has a deep section in the middle, this will give the fish a place to go when the critters and birds come for free lunch. I also recommend Koi fish. Thye look like Goldfish but are much more hardy. I've lost too many regular goldfish because they were weak.

Answer 3

I would have to say you are worrying too much here. These preforms are great and rarely do you have need to worry (As long as you do not attempt to walk in the pond while placing it or cleaning it. The flexable liners are great as well. Made from heavy duty recycled rubber tires (also $9.99 /sq. foot at Lowes on rolls in the garden section) Tough to put a hole in them. This is what I used on my 15K gallon pond. However if you are new to pond keeping, try the preform first. You can always add a preform and "add to" the preform in the form of a water fall. They come with a filter in most cases and can easily house goldfish and plants. Remember add floating plants like water lettuce, water cress or water hyciths.

If you were going to use both, The rubber liner should go below the preform not the other way around. Really it is over kill though. Beckley makes a really great durable filter. I have run them on my ponds for years with no worries or problems. Just remember to calculate the volume of water correctly. Your filter should turn the pond water volume over a minimum of 3 times 5 is best. UV Sterilizer is not really necessary. Nice to have on larger ponds but not needed.

Good luck with your pond and your new garden addition!

Answer 4

I would go with the liner before I would sink a prefab pond lower than it should go. Those liners are thick and you can double them up for a thicker layer. A small hole will take a long time to drain 200-300 gallons. Make sure you remove any large rocks from underneath. Your method will work, but if the edges of the prefab get bent inward, they could actually tear your liner.

Make sure you know your freeze depth for winter. For example, in Nashville, the suggested minimum pond depth is 24". If you haven't done much of this, it would probably be worth it to consult a professional. At the very least, have a long talk with the folks at the pond supply store in your area.

Answer 5

I put in a 90 gallon prefab pond by myself....dug a big hole....stuck it in and back filled under it....It currently has goldfish in it which are big.... 2 goldfish, 1 cat fish,had frogs but they grew up and took off. I made a makeshift trickle of water on rocks by attaching an extra hose to the filter and running it under and up through rocks, It also has a bell fountain. the pump that came with it was great it had a decent size sponge filter that I had to rinse out once in awhile ...that one burned out and got a smaller one which has a smaller filter (don't ask me why) and it has to be changed every 30 mins (needs to be upgraded)...unfortunately I don't live at the house where the pond is anymore so I can't enjoy it :o(......I'm jealous 200-300 gallong pond????....you go girl!!!..as far as pumps go...I can't remember what ones are the best.

Answer 6

Premade liners from a decent company have a great track records of not tearing or leaking. I won't worry at all about using just a liner and digging the exact shape and size you want.

Assuming you are in the US, this is probably the best company on the net for pond supplies.
http://www.pondliners.com/

They also have a very helpful staff for helping you plan your pond and get just the right equipment. All of their equipment is top drawer as well.

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 7

You are really being a little over worried. The flexible liners are VERY strong and if used properly are just as strong as the bucket types. Try accessing this link, it will be really helpful to you and recommends using the flexible liners.

http://pondsofreflection.com/info/index.html

Also the owner of the CO is really nice, so he will be happy to answer questions that you have over the phone, without charging ya. As long as it's just a few questions... :o).

Best of Luck!! :o)

Answer 8

sounds good but make sure you do the liner just right