Possible new pond...NEED EVERYONE'S ADVICE

Captain Kitty

Captain Kitty

Scary Member
Sep 10, 2008
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About three inches from the sun - Florida
Well my friend was doing work for the local Lowe's and got a hold of one of their display ponds for $10.00. Yes, ten dollars. It's about five foot by three, maybe three feet deep and has a waterfall and came with all the pumps. He's decided to give it to me for $15.00. Good idea/bad idea? I know nothing of ponds but apparently it had koi living happily in it.

Also, if I do decide to get it, if it's near the house, would runoff from the roof affect the chemistry of the pond in any way?
 
Roof runoff often has tars and oils...as well as the sand particles from the roof shingles that often wear off and wash down too...I'd suggest keeping it far enough from the house that it'll not get water from the roof...I donno about what fish you'd keep in it or anything like that, but $15 for anything that big? Go for it.
 
Awesome, that's what I thought about the roof. I've got another spot in mind already. I'm not sure about which fish either since I've honestly NEVER thought about a pond until I was given the opportunity. NO WORRIES, I won't be putting anything in until I do my research... besides I have yet ANOTHER tank I'm building, some DIY's I'm constructing for here and elsewhere and I have two kids so it may go in the ground and get set up, but as far as doing much else with it immediately... not gonna happen. Thank you for the advice, anyone else able to point me in a good direction to start?
 
I agree about the roof, its better to have it away from runoff, including yard runoff so don't make it the lowest point of the yard. You also want to take into consideration placing it where you will get the best view/ most enjoyment out of it. As far as fish, any pre formed pond I've ever seen is to small for a permanant koi home. Minimum requirements for koi is around 1500 gallons, depending on filtration. I use a 150 preformed as a quarantine pond but not a permanant home. Depending on where you are in Florida you may be able to keep tropicals in it year round, if you keep livebearers you will be amazed how fast they reproduce and how intense the colors are when raised outdoors. Fancy goldfish will do well and still give a nice view from above. I dont know how old your kids are but my 5 YO loves the pond and really enjoys feeding and watching the fish, more so that the aquarium. You got a great deal for everything, congratulations!
 
Captain Kitty said:
Ok, how about this... Anyone have some good websites they could point me to in researching a new pond? From what to use as filler around the pond (sand) onward?
Click to expand...

Just missed this question, this is where I get most of my pond equipment and supplies:
http://www.practicalgardenponds.com/
He has pics of his own builds and good info as well. As far as using sand around/ under the pond, with a preformed pond in Florida it is not necessary but can make things a little easier for leveling. Sand is usually used under liner ponds to give a softer surface for the liner so to prevent punctures.
 
Yeah, in my research so far I've ruled out koi but maybe two or three comets would work... I'm just worried about the pond getting too hot. I'm actually leaning towards more of a planted pond with an area for turtles/ amphibians. I'll be placing it away from the house in an area that can be enjoyed by everyone. There is a nice spot I was planning a full-sun flower garden but the area would also be perfect for the pond. Thanks for the advice about the sand too. I will likely still pick up some play sand to fill in any crevices and help level it... yeah in know, but even in Florida you still gotta buy sand. =)
THANK YOU for the website!
FWIW: I'm in waay Southern Florida.
 
Good idea about the shading, overheating can be an issue. Don't let this deal get away, worst case scenario you are out one or two lunches, money wise, at most. If you don,t ever set it up you can sell it and easily get much more than your investment back.
 
True. I'll call my friend tomorrow and he'll bring it by. He'd use it himself, but doesn't have his own place, so his loss is my gain. =)
Morbid curiosity but are there any 'odd' looking plants/animals that would be happy in a pond? For a split second I thought alligator snapping turtles, but that means I'd be going through feeder fish on a regular basis.
 
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