Daily Log of Constructing a Tropical Fish Pond

[lousybreed]

ok here are the pics.

First pic from sliding door in kitchen
Second pic from corner in yard
Thrid pic from where the lawn furniture is on deck (main viewing area)
Another pic from sliding door area.

The area gets about 4 hrs of sun a day. Should be the right amount....

 

[lousybreed]

Now that the pond is in the area where it will stay several things popped up. First thing I need to do is get some smooth gravel to level off the pond. I will lift each side of the pond and put gravel under. Then move around the frame a little to let it sit in. After that I will pour a little sand on the bottom so smooth things out. I am going to put 2 threaded rods thru each corner to give it extra strength, I don't want this baby breaking.

I really need to get a liner and find a good wooden bucket. I am set after that!

 

[lazyNode]

So close... almost there.

Have you seen the Japanese bamboo fountains? Here is a link http://www.dragontrees.com/bamboofountains.html

It basically fills a swinging Bamboo log with water, and when the log is full it tips over and swings back up to be filled again. It also makes a nice wooden tic tock sound everytime it swings around.

You just gotto watch out as these things have a bit of spillage.

A bit like the duck pen that keeps swinging and drinking... the one that Homer is amused by as featured in the Simpsons.

 

[ct-death]

Took the Draft Weekend off didn't you!!?!?!?!:

 

[lousybreed]

Took the Draft Weekend off didn't you!!?!?!?!:

Yes, just to watch the Packers' draft. I believe my 1 yr old nephew could have done better.....Actually I went hiking in a redwood forest and then went to the beach the next! It is really hard to get anything done in this state. The weekend I hope to get some stuff done.

 

[lousybreed]

Today I picked up the pond project. I modified the structure to increase strength and I bought 800lbs of gravel to level the pond. I am almost done and will post pics soon. I really need to order the liner this up coming week.

 

[Rbishop]

Looking good!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

looks good. ground might need to be leveled some. well it looks that way.

 

[Reefscape]

Its really good to be watching projects like this progress from the start. I think you making an excellent job of it...very attentive..

Niko

 

[lousybreed]

Thanks guys. I leveled the pond today. It is done. Tomorrow I am ordering the liner and pumps and filters.
I am still looking for a good wooden bucket to use as a waterfall.....So far no good prospects. I am leaning towards a modified redwood planter.

The gravel was "fill fines" its small black and white stone that packs together really good. It was $19 for 800lbs. I only used about 400lbs so I lost the rest in my side yard. I still need to take the pics because it got dark before I could get the camera.

For filtration I am using 2 large foam filters and 2 230gpm powerheads. I am using maxi-jet pumps and Lustar's hydro-sponges which are like the cadillac's of foam filters. The discharge for both pumps will go to the waterfall.

For plants i am thinking 3 hardy lilies, some water irises, some floating water hyacinths, these reed thingys and for underwater I am going to try java moss, some crypts, and some standard cold water plants and that should be good. I want to start the pond off with some white clouds and paradise fish. they both are very tough and will make it through the early times.