Would this work? Making a pond...

[Sawyer]

I'm going to make a pond for my 6 common and comet goldfish. How big will it need to be, over 200 gallons?

I'm going to dig a hole (how big, in dimensions, would it need to be to be the right amount of gallons?) and then line the hole with pool liners or tarps or something. Probably tarp since they're cheaper. If I line it with tarps, they will need to overlap and I'll need to pull the edge of the tarp up over the hole and hold it off with bricks/rocks... And then I'll need to put netting/chicken wire/screening over the top of the hole to keep out predators. Will I need to put sand in the bottom of the pond (before I put down the tarps) to make it level?

It's important to have the pond in a shady place, right? And does it need to be several feet deep for them to survive in the winter? I live in a warm place, so it barely ever gets under 30F.

[kyryah]

Tarps probably are not going to work. They will leak, and crack and not hold up. You are better off to just go with the PVC pond liner, you will end up saving money in the long run.

Make sure that there is a spot in the center of the pond that is at LEAST 2 feet deep. That is what helps regulate temperature and allow for the fish to survive the cold AND WARM weather. If the pond gets too hot, that is bad too.

Kristina

[Sawyer]

How much would PVC pond liner cost? Is it easy to find?

It will probably be at least 3 ft, preferably 4ft deep.

[kyryah]

Pond liner can be bought at Home Depot, Lowes, Manards, or online at various places. I think even Meijer and Walmart have it. Price depends on the size.

Run a google search on DIY goldfish ponds and you will find a lot of info.

Kristina

[kyryah]

Another route is just to buy a preformed pond. That is the easiest way to go.

Kristina

[Sawyer]

Hmm, I guess I'll buy the pond liner then.

Oops, I just realized I posted this in the wrong section (should be in the pond section)

[April12]

What are you planning to do for filtration? It's fairly simple to make a DIY filter out of a 55 gallon drum.

[Sawyer]

I have no idea. I'm sure my dad knows how to make one though and Ive seen 55 gal plastic drums on craigslist/free cycle for cheap/free.

[Kashta]

Oops, I just realized I posted this in the wrong section (should be in the pond section)

Hi again, Sawyer. Is it great? We have a section for everything you need! (I've just moved the thread for you to our pond forum.) So many members have goldfish ponds, so the two forums obviously go hand-in-hand.

I don't have any technical pond info to relate here, but I'll give you a head's up that everyone loves seeing fishy pics and equipment setup pics.. so we'd love to see photos of your setup and your fish along the way.

Have fun and enjoy!

[Sawyer]

Yeah, when I get done with it I'll definitely post pics!

So how big should it be? I want it to be 3-4 ft deep a least (but it could be much deeper since deepness won't take up anymore space, just more money in liner) but I'm not sure how wide or long it should be. I don't know how much swimming room six 12+ inch goldfish need and I'd also like to make it a bit bigger in case I'm able to get a couple more pond goldfish like shubs.

[Sawyer]

how much should the liner cost for a 6 foot long, 4 feet wide, 4 feet deep pond (570 gallons)? I'm hoping its cheap, because my parents already don't like the idea of a pond, even though I told them it should cost barely nothing.

[Flaringshutter]

Sawyer, a pond can be done on the cheap but it's much better to plan it all out first, from start to finish and add up your costs before starting. Come up with a firm design and map out the price for each item. If you present your parents with a solid plan that includes everything, they are much more likely to agree than if you just vaguely say "i think i want a pond or something". Also, if you don't plan everything first it will surely end up being much more expensive than you were hoping. Plan on spending at least $500, when you count the pond liner/preformed pond/whatever, the filter media and any fittings required to make the 55 gallon drum into a filter, the hose and drain fixtures, something to shade the pond or floating plants.... it can add up quickly.

Here is my recommendation:
First, read lots of articles on building a pond. Look at photos. Buy some koi magazines with pond build articles. Do LOTS of googling! This is a super important step. It will give you an idea of the look you want for your pond, the difficulty of any DIY projects involved, and the size of the whole build.

Go with a preformed pond. These are easy to use, easy to maintain and can be found at most hardware and pond supply stores. They can be drilled for a bottom drain, and with a preformed pond, it's easy to dig out a hole the right size and shape, plus ditches for any plumbing.

Look on craigslist for pond filters or that 55 gallon drum. But remember, with a drum filter you're going to need a pump to run it, plus hoses and fittings. Then you have to be sure it is watertight and has good flow, and that the hoses are the right size for the type of pump you have and the pressure it creates. So it may be cheaper and easier to buy a plug-and-play pond filter. Again, look on craigslist and in the recycler for cheap filters. You can also post a "wanted" classifieds ad here on AC or over at MFK!

Don't forget to count the small things, like shade structures or floating plants. Even a 4 foot deep pond will heat up very quickly in midsummer sun. If you can locate the pond in the shade, do that. Then lights. A wire or hardware cloth cover to keep out raccoons, herons, hawks, cats, etc.

Now, this is a BIG project. Even with a preformed pond, you're going to need to dig a huge hole in the yard, do some DIY plumbing work, build a filter and figure out how to power everything. So it's important to have your parents (and friends, and coworkers, and neighbors, anyone you plan on asking for help!) totally and completely on board with the idea. BEFORE you begin.

Like I said, it's important to lay everything out before you buy ANYTHING and figure out where you can afford to be cheap and where you need to invest in quality equipment. Your parents, your budget and obviously your fish will appreciate it.

[Sawyer]

My brother and I are probably the only ones that will be working on this. Except my dad will have to set up the filter. It shouldn't be too hard for my brother and i to dig the hole, we've dug huge holes just for fun.

I've been trying to talk my mom into it, but she thinks its stupid, no matter how many times i tell her that my goldies will die if they stay in a tank much longer. so I'm not mentioning anything thats not absolutely necessary, like netting to go over the top and liner for the bottom (a filter IS absolutely necessary, right?). Small stuff like plants and stones I'll get later. There's several shady spots i could put it and i can make it 6 feet deep if that'll help keep it cool. And it would be cheaper just to dig a hole and line it, so even though a preformed pond would be easier, I'll just do that. I definitely can't spend anywhere near $500 :(