The_Tominater needs help with starting a pond

[The_Tominater]

ok guys i have a level back yard but i dont know were to start i want to build a back yard pond and put some pretty big fish in it i live in arizona so etme help

[The_Tominater]

ok i want to build a pond that is about 5 foot wiide and 7-9 feet long and about a foot deep

Tominator,

Whether you are in AZ, or VA, you still need to keep a pond at least 18 inches deep, I prefer 24. That depth is need for cooling in summer time, and to keep from freezing too deep in the winter.

Lori, it is hard to tell from your pics which sides are high and low.

[RogerMcAllen]

Tominator, I made you your own thread....

I definately agree that your pond should definately be at least 18" if not 2'. I get a lot of evaporation here, I would imagine that you could easily loose too much if you left it as shallow as a foot, besides the fish like to be able to swim down to escape the sun/heat.

[The_Tominater]

i agree with what yal said how do i change my profile

[The_Tominater]

how would i get started. would i use a sand bottom rocky ? what

[Bernie]

Whew..!!!

Not sure which thread to work in here.....but, I'd certainly agree that depth
is important (I like 20-24" as a minimum!!)

So is planning for plants, landscaping and Water Circulation (meaning placement
of water features like pumps, skimmers, waterfalls, etc.) In warming weather,
aeration is also important.

As far as the bottom goes; it used to be the theory to keep the bottoms clear
or clean. But more recent theories (and I whole-heartedly endorse) are to use
sufficient pebbles, small rocks, gravel, etc. .......simply provides more bacteria
surface growing capability. Also gives fish a pleasant way to occupy their time
"nosing" around the stuff at the bottom ([acronym:c261b421d9="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:c261b421d9]!).

Bernie

[The_Tominater]

thank u guys for all ur help you were very helpful

[lori_z3a]

If you want to have big koi then you need space for them to swim up down and all around - that is why I plan on building my pond up - more depth - so I agree you will have to dig deeper than 1 foot - plus it keeps the fish safe from predators like racoons - birds of pray or any animal that loves to eat fish - you might also think about adding something in your pond for the fish to hide in and keep in mind they need shade as well as sun.

Here we get very cold freezing winters so I winter my fish inside - plus I get to see them in winter as well as summer.Think about a good liner as well - I went cheap and now have to replace it (holes )then you will have to do a search to see what kind of plants are safe for your fish because if there are plants in the pond -be it floating or not - koi or what ever kind of fish you have love nibbling on them. Hope this helps some.

[pondmom]

Research, research & more Research!!
Ask as many questions as you can!!
I didn't know about alot of the forums out there when I build my pond. If I did, I would have done things alot differently.
I started out with a 600 [acronym:3887e0073e="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:3887e0073e] pond and within 4 months, I was digging my 5000+(and still not large enough) pond.
I added a skimmer, purifalls, bottom drains. And just this past summer, added 4 55gal barrel TT/biofilters plus, another makeshift bottom drain.
If I did my research the first time around, I would have never had sloped sides, id have removed the treestump so I "could" enlarge the pond if I wanted too.
I would have never put the rocks in the bottom of the pond(see photo gallery) as the removal was a Bi**h!! (I did it all myself) 39 YO female here
But all in all, I love my pond.
It's the best therapy in the world!!!!!
Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions!!

And for your pump~ I'd strongly recommend an out of pond pump!!
Trust me~ been there !!