Arapaima Pond Build

[mykidsmylife]

So, it's been a few days, how much has the water dropped? And whats the progress on the sunshade and roll out liner?

+1. I am following the progress closely. This is fantastic and fascinating.

[Nolapete]

1+ meters is plenty for the pacu. Even when they reach .75 meters in length they will only be .5 meters in height.

[Luc]

+1. I am following the progress closely. This is fantastic and fascinating.

Thanks Fishfriend1, mykidsmylife for comments and following it closely.
Settling tank is stable under where the 2 drums are connected. Doesn't drop much, checked yesterday and I estimate less than a cm p/day.

So settling tank done.

Nothing done yet on rail and liner. Again, a very busy week, but Saturday I can finally get some work done again. Did do some small stuff like test fitting and predrilling the bottom drain.
You will get some progress again on Saturday..
cheers,
luc

[Luc]

1+ meters is plenty for the pacu. Even when they reach .75 meters in length they will only be .5 meters in height.

Hello Pete, keeping fingers crossed on yr fix.
For Pacu, ok, well noted. Will sure check the fish out.
still a blank paper on what it will be for pond-mates, no hurry at all.

Nice picture at yr profile...getting Arapaima fever also? Lol

[Luc]

Tomorrow getting closer...finally.
Got the 'good' crew tomorrow, hard workers and they understand what I want.
List for tomorrow:

- Move the old pond a bit to see if that works.
- Last structuring with sand and water (to fill gaps and settle it) at the wall at the Settling Tank side.
- Cut the underlaying tarp to fit around the Settling Tank and down to the ground outside of the pond and inside the bog-area.
- Dig out another meter where the old pond has been moved. This should provide enough temporary space for Mr. T. after transfer.
- Put nylon big bags hanging over the concrete wall to protect the final Liner.
- Take the liner out of the bag.
- Roll it up ready for 'deployment'.
- Start rolling it from the settling tank until it's over the bottom-drain.

Rails not done yet, but will see when we can do that.
There are some idea's forming on how to fix and hide the top of the liner at the viewing/feeding side area...
Working on it.

Cheers,
Luc

[Fishfriend1]

Cool, can't wait for the pics on Sunday (cause you'll be busy saturday ). For hiding the lining, maybe just put some plants there or create a bit of an overhang over the pond? Probably already suggested lol.

[Luc]

Hello Fishfriend1. Front sure will get potted plants on the floor.
for the top, I figured to put metal hooks on the inside, hanging the excess liner, then to cover it, I'll get concrete-wood. Strong and rain proof.
additional benefit, keeping it free from any sunshine that will dry it out faster.
backside still not 100% sure, either slate or flagstone or concrete wood walk way.

[Luc]

I'm amazed...Couple of hours and we have all of the above list done.Liner is in the pond...
Need sunglasses...it's very bright...So no matter what, sunshade up before transferring Mr. T.
Afternoon I'll do the nerve-wrecking part, cutting the liner for the bottom-drain.
Silicone, screws and pre-drilled screw-holes all ready.
Just need to get that knife in the liner....eeeeeks...

Keep your fingers crossed, there's no turning back...lol

[Luc]

Ok, pictures of the now smaller pond..



You can see the empty "higher level" ground before the sandbags?
That's where the pond was before.
To make sure Mr.T. did not get scared, we simply folded over the liner to the other side.
We of course made sure there was open water-surface for him to come up for air.



Then, the liner is in. This will be awesome...huge pond.
Picture on the right, you can just see the airline for the bottom-drain sticking up.
Cleaned and now drying out..
But as said, need an urgent sunshade up.

Let's see if today I can put the bottom-drain in.
Test-fill for the drain on Tuesday, out on a trip on Monday.
If test ok, then I'm going to prepare for transfer Saturday in 2 weeks.
Simply need this group of guys to help, they are getting just as serious and enthusiast about it as me.
Great guys, work hard and they're having fun with it as well.

[Luc]

And Bottom-Drain and Dome finished.
2 more weeks if no leaks then we move Mr. T.