Dirt Bottom Pond?

[bettagurl]

Is there any way to have a natural(dirt) bottom pond(around 750-800 gallons) without it being cloudy? (after a few months even)

I could use a few inches of gravel, but I'd prefer something cheaper, and natural for my plants.

 

[Notophthalmus]

It won't be cloudy unless you have something disturbing the sediment (like koi).

 

[bettagurl]

It won't be cloudy unless you have something disturbing the sediment (like koi).

I'm going to have 3 goldies, so they'd be nosing around in it.

 

[Notophthalmus]

They won't cause too much mess, especially with it being planted. The plant roots will keep a lot of the sediment trapped.

 

[bettagurl]

They won't cause too much mess, especially with it being planted. The plant roots will keep a lot of the sediment trapped.

What kind of dirt would I use? Anything special?(lol)

 

[Notophthalmus]

Any old dirt will do, provided it's not contaminated with pesticides or other nasty chemicals. You can mix in leaves too, to improve plant growth. You can also put down a layer of gravel on top of the dirt after you put your plants in, to help keep the fish from rooting around.

 

[legendaryfrog]

I could imagine any old soil would work, as long as its not contaminated or anything.

 

[bettagurl]

I could imagine any old soil would work, as long as its not contaminated or anything.

Well the cheapest soil here($1.50 for 20lbs) says it has no chemicals or fertilizers.. and I use it in my potted plants in the pond, so I guess I'll try that.

 

[Notophthalmus]

Will this be an outdoor, in-ground pond? If so, you could just use some of the spoil dirt from the excavation, unless you think it's contaminated.

 

[Dangerdoll]

I don't know if I would risk taking excavation soil.... BG, I think your optimum choice to buy it and as labeled no chems or ferts, I think you are better off.... if you can afford it, I say go for it.