Building a 9'x25' pond

[mrunlucky07]

I have been wanting to make a pond/deck for the past year and after much research have finally gotten started on the project. The pond hole is the first part. The pond is 9' wide, 25' long and will be 4' for the main depth. It is along a bit of otherwise useless space connecting the small side patio to the back yard. The entire pond will have a bridge over it connecting the existing deck on the side of the house and the new one that I am building in the back. As of now I am planning on sloping the liner away from the house at ground level and attaching it with a ledger board along the house to prevent water from getting under the house footing. I am about 2 weeks into the digging, all shovel and wheelbarrow. I discovered under the topsoil there is a layer of topfill, then woodchips and garbage, then brick, then sand and eventually clay. I found a nice crowbar buried that worked well for removing the bricks at least. It has been slow due to an abundance of rainfall, which is why I am posting now instead of digging. I have had my 1000gph pump running for an hour and there is still a good 24" of water in the hole. Here are some pics from the last two weeks, I will continue to update as I progress.

A few questions:

Is EPDM worth the extra money over standard 30mil PVC? It will only receive brief sunlight in the morning and is shaded the rest of the day. I am planning on using carpet as an underlayment, there are no rocks in the soil, or trees within 60'.

I am planning on one bottom drain and a skimmer. Is a skimmer worth the money since there are no trees nearby though?

Laguna pumps seem to be one of the most efficient pumps for the price range, any opinions on them?

As of now the filter will involve a DIY biotower. I am still researching ideas.


Suggestions are very welcome.


Here are some pics.

 

[michael]

keep taking pics through the process

 

[Muske]

Skimmers are a great way to hide the pump by not having it in the main pond taking away asthetics. Most skimmers have a knock out on the sides to plumb through and run the pipe to the falls or filter.

Never used a Laguna Pump. I had a 13 dollar electric bill last month so I know mine is cetainly a high eff. model. The savings of using a high effecient pump will off set the price in a very short time.

EPDM is a little more flexable in terms of strength. PVC is good, just never used it on a pond. EPDM is available in 40 and 45 mil. Just a little extra insurance.

 

[jimsuy]

nice project... keep us the update...

 

[TheRayMaster]

Looks like its gonna be pretty sweet! Keep us updated with those pictures!

 

[kumdoalan]

well...this project will be keeping you out of trouble for a while....

Sorry about all the rain.
The bricks are an interesting find. Not sure but you never can tell what plans for them you might have one day.
(They might be added to the walkway paving stones along side the pond for the story they bring to the pond)

 

[chrispel]

Looks good. I would be scared of the fence moving

 

[Muske]

Def. keep the old bricks. IDK if they came from your house construction or were in the soil. They look a lot like old Chicago Pavers. The ones used in making the roads throughtout Chicago back in the day. Re-use or sell them. I have seen them go for as much as 5 bucks a piece by me.

 

[75g brat]

looks good so far got more pics

 

[mrunlucky07]

Its been a frustrating week. Rained everyday this week and today was the first day I was able to get back in the mudpit again. Used some wood to stand on and removed an area about 4'x4'x2' deep in the middle. Its now about 5' deep in the middle.

Plans seem to change a little bit every time I dig, however this is the plan, let me know what you guys think.

I am going to build a timber frame so it is raised 12" above ground to be just below the decks I am going to be building on the ends.

The end near the existing deck will be 24" deep, 9' wide and 6' long. I will use this area for plants.

It will then drop to 5'. Should the drop be straight or sloped?

The main area will be 9'x 19' long. The bottom drain will be at the 5' depth below the shallow shelf to catch plant debris. The pond will slope gradually up to 4' at the far end. The main portion will be somewhat bowl shaped to funnel everything towards the bottom drain.

I got a bit ahead of myself digging along the fence, but want a shelf for planting cattails along the length of that side. Unfortunately I may have to do some back filling, but want to do it right. From my understanding baskets are the best way. I am thinking 8" wide by about 24" deep for the shelf, does this sound right? The fence post are mounted securely in cement which I stayed away from.

As of now I am planning on keeping stocking simple. Sunfish which are outgrowing their 75 and probably goldfish. I am sure it will evolve throughout the years.

Here are the pics from today.

I have been reading the board for awile, but am new to posting. So, a little background/introduction, I am from rural western PA, college at SUNY Oswego in NY for industrial arts/technology education, and now live in Virginia Beach teaching Technology. Here are some pics I took tonight of my tanks:

125 freshwater, DIY Stand and canopy built in the garage

72 African Bow

Planted Bow

I made the stands/canopy's on both of the bows as well. Always have to have some kind of project.

Anyway, the pond is going to be a long project and I am sure to have many questions to quiz you guys with over the next several months.