Water Ponds questions

My son is wanting to make a 8 x 12 little pond behind his house. It's 3 ft deep now and he's thinking he may go another foot deeper. Toying with the idea of putting goldfish or something similar in it. His question now, is does anyone know of anything he could use for a liner that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? He's a do it yourselfer. (Dug this out by hand!). Or would he be better off in the long run to go with cement?

Three feet deep is deep enough, you can go deeper if you would like to though. Definately put fish of some kind in it otherwise you will have a terrible misquito problem. When I had my first little pond I put feeder goldfish from the bait shop in there and they are still thriving several years later. I would definately not go with cement. In our weather in heaves and cracks too much and it will also leach into the pond and make it very difficult for you to maintain your pond as it will mess with the water quality. I went to the local garden center and purchased my liner. I have heard that you can use the rubber underlayment that is used in roofing but have no idea what the cost of that is. Think of it in terms of a long range investment that will last for many years. That way it will not seem so expensive. Much more expensive and troublesome not to do it right the first time...... :^) Let us know how it goes, you will love your new pond!

Here are my two little ponds. They are only 18 inches deep and the fish and plants over winter good. I empty the little one and put the fish and plants in the bigger one. I put a tarp over until all leaves fall and then take it off. I put a stock heater in to keep a hole in the water. I put a board across to hold the heater away from the side. Bev

Thanks. I'd wondered about mosquitoes with standing water like that. He was talking about getting a solar pump and recirculating the water but don't know if he'll go that route. I'll be sure and let him know about the cement. Hadn't thought of that either!

Bev your pond is gorgeous! It looks so peaceful and relaxing.

Without moving the water with a waterfall or fountain the fish will die and you also have to have oxegenating plants like parrots feather. As far as mosquitos ,the fish will eat them but I also keep a bug light on. Thanks for the complement. Bev

Anachris is the best oxygenating plant you will find. I keep this, hornwort and parrot feather in my pond for oxygenating and for the fish to hide in from predators. The first 2 you can get from your fish store and maybe the parrot feather too. I got my parrot feather from the river. I only keep goldfish, not koi, and they seem to do fine with only a small solar driven fountain.

My smaller pond has been so overgrown with foliage lately that the solar pump hasn't been able to see the sun enough to work. Still the fish are fine.

Also, if your son is interested in growing pond lilies, they should be kept in the still end of the pond.

Molly

Thanks Molly. And thanks everyone for all the info!