plan for pond, comments?

If you have a space in your water fall area could you just pop in a cheapy horse tank heater. At close to 3000 gallons your not going to raise the tempature much but maybe just enough to keep that thin sheet of ice off. Not that that should cause much of a problem though.

The heater would also keep the water from freezing up on the boulders around the stream, making it look nicer imo. I also think that the stream is going to be where you have more heatloss. As it will just change out the top layer of water that acts as a low grade insulation.
 
I have a suggestion that I would do If I was building a good sized pond i would want to make it more nature inspired. Water takes the path of least resistence and is very rarley very semetical. I would on the left side of that pond make that edge coming towards the stream go up the stream a couple more feet so that the stream doesn't have semetrical banks on each side. Also I would make sure you buy an assortment of sized rocks not just one size and throw in some rather large ones to break up the monotiny alot of ponds have around edges. Maybe put in a large rock in the stream as well.

Thats just my opinion though. I think it already looks great even before a shovel is lifted.
 
something else you can do, if all you're looking to prevent is a paperthin sheet of ice, is to add a bubble wand or airstone weighted to the bottom when it gets cold.. the increased surface agitation will deter ice from forming. :)
 
seems like a radically cool pond setup, cant wait to see the finished product
 
thanks for the advice and comment everyone :)

and i was actually thinking of putting a BIG rock in the middle just as sort of kinda an eye catcher (gotta work out a little more to move one that big) i figured i would use those floating heaters close to where the stream lets out so when it cools coming down the stream it gets warmed when coming in the pond and that would also help with the ice on the surface

still gotta get grandparents aproval lol
estimated cost total so far is a little over $1000 which i think is a pretty good deal for a 3000+ gallon pond/stream/waterfall

cost includes 2 heaters filter pump for waterfall UV calrifier and the liners

another question, do you think shifting where the stream enters the pond so that is flows along the edge of the pond would create enough water movement to prevent ice buildup?
 
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I live in Jacksonville, FL which sounds like a very similar winter environment as you have, maybe a handfull of days under freezing each winter. I have never had any issue with water freezing over here. That being said having the water enter the pond along the side for added circulation would be a good idea. Just make sure the pump is on the opposite side from the falls. A couple of other things I would recommend are a surface skimmer and a bottom drain. These are not necessary but will add to the ease of mtnc. They will also increase the cost but are well worth it in the long run. Her is the site I order most of my supplies from, he may be able to save you some $. His stock is not what the big guys have but he has great pricing and is very reliable. He also has some of his ponds on the site which may give you some ideas:http://www.practicalgardenponds.com/
Hope this helps.
 
You could put a couple of Koi in there if you change it to 4 feet deep with a 2 foot shelf. The stream will prevent the ice forming if it is that thin.
 
Hell, throw a ball or milk jug or anything that floats if you are worried about it freezing. I don't think it will be an issue at all in Louisiana! I have never used a heater in a pond in Pennsylvania, Georgia or Kentucky-all much colder than your climate.
 
It looks like it will be an awesome pond. I don't really have anything to add to the great suggestions so far, other than Good luck!!
 
thanks everyone :),
yea i was actually born in jacksonville, good city
but thanks for the site ill compare stuff with them and see whats cheaper
and oh yea i forgot i had a skimmer included in the cost too

also came up with this idea in case they dont want the stream idea,
would include a deck about 2 feet off the ground so pond would be 2 ft above and 2 ft below ground (4ft total), the filter built into the waterfall and all that good stuff,

also thought the addition of the shallow part would be nice because i can redirect the waterfall to that part along with the big part so can be veiwed from either direction and was thinking about adding something to where if you needed to single out a fish for anything just get him in the shallow part and close the door

pondidea-1.jpg


ideas suggestions :) thanks
 
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