Pond

[melosu58]

I am seriously pondering a pond. How much work are they and how expensive. I guess it all depends on size. Any experiences with ponds?

[meegosh]

I do not own one or have maintained one but building them sure are fun. I helped my friend's mom build one in her front yard. The liner was used and we cut it to fit, I think she paid $20 for it (no leaks). Besides the filtration the biggest costs I can think of is decorating it, we ordered probably 100 bright red bricks (2 pallets), lots of sand, stones for the waterfalls etc..

I hear prepping them for the winter freeze-over can be a chore. Also up here in Pittsburgh we have some Blue Herring that love to get in our ponds and eat whatever they can. We found buying a life-sized blue herring statue and placing it nearby keep them out.

Good luck, once I move out of my apartment that is the first thing on my to-do list

Edit: another thing I remember helping her build in the fall once the leaves started falling was a 2x4 structure that would set overtop with screen mesh stapled over the 2x4s to keep leaves and sticks out. Also makes cleaning it out before winter easier.

[theotheragentm]

Did you want it to look natural or is a box above ground fine, like a Koi garden?

[roka64]

Mike you have a lot of trees in your yard, is sunlight a high requirement? I have also been thinking about a pond....

[melosu58]

I kind of was thinking in the ground but all options are open.

[ccCapt]

Tagging along on this one. I was thinking about the same thing.....now to talk my son into digging the hole.

[melosu58]

I`ll be doing the same Larry. LOL

[theotheragentm]

I think the best way to have things done is to dig it and pour concrete with reenforcement for the structure, like a pool. That's way over my head and not cheap too.

I have a pretty temperate climate here on the Southern California coastline, and if I didn't have trees that drop leaves like crazy, I would just build an above ground box personally, something I could sit on and watch the fish.

Pond Armor - Non Toxic Epoxy and Polyurea Pond Liners and Sealers

Check out this site. It can give you some ideas. They're trying to sell their product, but it's a good reference for all kinds of ponds.

[vsnsofadrgn]

woow, its been a long time since ive been on aquarium advice and thanks you guys, my sw tank is doing great!!! this is a great question. i am going to build a pond as soon as the government sends me some money, lol! i found a kit on ebay thats decently priced, but i have a few questions that may be silly, do you have to cycle a pond??? how long after i add water do i add the plants??

[theotheragentm]

You should cycle a pond like any fish tank. Plants can be added during the cycling to speed up the process just like in tanks.