I have a small pond/water feature but now I want a bigger pond! I'm thinking along the lines of about 4 feet by 6 feet or so. I will use a liner. Can anyone recommend a good book on pond construction all the way to maintenance? The maintenance is really on top of my list, since I have no clue about how to care for a large pond. I'm not sure I will do fish, but would really like to. I keep thinking I would kill the poor things. Anyway, suggestions please?
Planning a larger pond :)
Sue_WA there are many books on ponds out there but none seem to be totally complete in my eyes. I really believe that the best way to learn about ponds, maintenance, and construction in your own area is to learn from a local club. There are several in your area and I urge you to go to http://www.pnkca.org and check out the links to the clubs in your area. Good luck.
BTW, the Northwest Convention is being held this year by my own club in Boise Idaho June 11th, 12th, and 13th. I would love to see you come and learn as much as you can and meet people who share your hobby.
One of the main things in easy maintenance of ponds is good filtration. I don't think I have ever seen anyone filter the water too much but all the time I see people who cut corners on the filtration who fight their ponds all summer long. So to err on the side of wayyy too big is better than just enough filtration.
Ponditis, Thank you. I will take some time to read this website today. :-D
The reference I have now is the book that Home Depot puts out called Outdoor Projects 1-2-3. LOL, I'm a 1-2-3 kind of person! Maybe what I need is: 'Ponds for Dummies' (I wonder if there is one?) :-D
The Home Depot book details how to dig and line your pond. But is nil on maintenance.
Sue;
Sorry I don't have a specific book to refer you to, but most pet/fish stores will have books on pond maintenence. I think the Home Depot books are geared to building, not maintaining.
Molly
Among my better books:
Ortho's All about Building Waterfalls, Pools, and Streams by Charles M. Thomas and Richard M. Koogle
This has a short but very good maintenance section and a LOT on building a very good pond.
The Pond Doctor planning and maintaining a healthy water garden Helen Nash printed by Tetra Press
As I said above I have not found a book yet that is really complete. I have many books and have borrowed books from other club members to get my knowledge as well as being a club member and asking tons of questions and going to many yearly pond tours.
Thanks so much, I will absolutely check these out from the library. I am anxious to get started with the digging. It gives me something to do with these bleek winter days!
MollyMc, will check Petsmart, they have a pretty nice book section. Thanks!