Starting the dig...

[rasdbo]

unless you're going to try and keep tropical fish all yr, not much need for heating.

I got goldfish and shrimp that survived just above 30's at night in 2ft.

too bad ya doing it by yourself. should try for a son

 

[Muske]

If useing catails def. use, or contain them in planting pots like the good doctor said. Catails have a SHARP,pointed runner type roots that have know to puncture liners. Do the gravel like Joe said for all the plants, no soil is needed. The plants should recieve all the nutrients they need from the water. Some plants will not need the planting baskets, those you can plant directly in the gravel of the pond. Depending on the fish selection, a larger gravel/small boulders may be needed around the plants to get established and a strong foothold in the pond.

 

[Dr Joe]

I like the bit about the cattails; plenty of em around here!! The solar heat idea is also a very good one; as long as I can make it pretty for the wife-all that pvc would be an eyesore to her I imagine all it would take would be a small pump, the pipe of course, and a ball valve for when it's not needed. As far as the carpet goes, it's fairly decent; berber with a rubber/foam type backing. It rained pretty good yesterday, so I may or may not dig some more later...yeahhh, I'll probably dig...

You seem to be creative, 10 ten foot pieces of PVC cut in half and a bunch of 90* or 180* joints, fit them together, paint w/ Krylon Fusion flat black and lay on the shed roof. (the valve isn't needed, just drain when not needed so water doesn't stagnate).

OR

Make a trellis with it on top (or part of it) to hide it.

OR

Have your wife talk to my wife.........your wife will NEVER complain about anything you do again! (Yes, it's been that bad).

Dr Joe

.

 

[Dr Joe]

unless you're going to try and keep tropical fish all yr, not much need for heating.

I got goldfish and shrimp that survived just above 30's at night in 2ft.

too bad ya doing it by yourself. should try for a son

If my nephews were used as examples.....I'd stay with the girls!!!

Dr Joe

.

 

[nero6370]

You seem to be creative, 10 ten foot pieces of PVC cut in half and a bunch of 90* or 180* joints, fit them together, paint w/ Krylon Fusion flat black and lay on the shed roof. (the valve isn't needed, just drain when not needed so water doesn't stagnate).

OR

Make a trellis with it on top (or part of it) to hide it.

OR

Have your wife talk to my wife.........your wife will NEVER complain about anything you do again! (Yes, it's been that bad).

Dr Joe

.

LOL, It has been that bad Dr. Joe; you have forgotten my tank-tub creation... The wife reminds me of that one every chance she gets...

 

[nero6370]

Well I did some more digging today; who knew wet dirt could be so heavy...

 

[Taz2478]

now that's progress, lots of roots though.

 

[nero6370]

Dug a little more last nite; trying to find places for the dirt...I don't want to build up the berms on the pond edges too much; I am gonna have to flatten them out some as it is to lay my rock for the edging. I am still debating whether or not to have an additional shelf; for safety's sake if nothing else...I like the idea of a bog filter in the water feature; I would want to incorporate it into the waterfall. I plan on using the large berm near the shed for that; are their any diy bog pics around?? I imagine a large rubbermaid tote will be on the materials list...

 

[Muske]

Keep piling the soil near the shed. You will be amazed at how fast you run out of soil when you start backfilling around the filter and egedes.
You can always take it away from the edges easier, than wrestling w/the liner and trying to tweak it once its full.

 

[Yanbbrox]

Waterfall???