I'm sure we will get one more snow storm before spring. I think the weather is maybe colder here and we definately have more wind then you guys in the east but we usually don't get that much snow or percipitation in general.
We do get lots of tornados, though. As soon as April hits the sirens will start. Maybe I will be able to hide in my pond hole by then;)
Planning My First Pond... Any Advice?
Funny - I didn't look at your state until now, just your zone. I never thought of Nebraska as a cold state...guess I better take a geography refresher! I'm glad we don't have tornadoes (or hurricanes) up here, except for a very a rare occasion. I should probably stop complaining about snow. I guess every region has it's challenges!
Enjoy your pond building. I do hope you'll be posting pictures of your progress!
Our one more snow is barreling right at this region - 8-12 forecasted. The pond is right to the overflow point now with all the precipation we've already had, both heavy rains and snows. This is the wettest winter I can recall. If this coming snow melts quick we'll flood for sure. But I'll take the snow. You can't shovel a tornado away.
I have filter question. I bought a very nice pressurized filter that says it can do about 1400 gallons. Well, now I'm thinking of taking my pond a little bigger then that. If I added a waterfall filter and a skimmer, would that be enough filtration for a pond that is about 1600 to1700 gallons? Full sun, small fish load.
Great thread with some very good info.
Eve, I was wondering about the location looks pretty close to the Pine. I was wondering how big that pine will get and how old it is. Might be a good thing that your utilities were in the way. I have some pretty huge Pines one of which may have to be removed because after more than 25 years of growth it has finally encroached on the road. Right now I'm trying to decide if I will take the whole tree out or maybe just limb it up and plant something under it.
Songs, I just had to show your shed to my Ric. We have been talking for years of doing something very similar. We have talked about building a small stone Spring House to house all the mechanics. I envision a partially open door with a stone ledge that the water will run over and then down a natural looking spillway and into the pond. Although we haven't really planed it all out yet and I have some pretty large boulders to work into the design. I will be watching for some more good ideas.
evista - The skimmer won't really make up for the filter being a tad undersized. A little oversized is better than undersized. The waterfall will aerate but not filter. The skimmer will remove debris but not a lot of actual biological filtration takes place in most skimmers. Have you thought about adding a bog filter along with the skimmer, waterfall and pressurized filter? Bog filters are great. My small goldfish pond has a pressurized filter and I love it. In the right application they work really well to filter and allow water to get up to a waterfall. You'll like it.
If you have a split cord, you can add a 2nd pressurized filter at the other end of the pond. I did it that way, to keep the water flow going, and it seems to work well. A UV light on your filter would be a great idea, with your pond being in the sun. Some pressurized filters have them built in the unit.
I will have to read up on the bog filter. The second filter is a good idea, otherwise I might just make the pond about 1400 gallons. The one I got does have a UV on it. How many pumps would you need for two filters and a waterfall?
On epump for each, although you can use the out-take from one of the filters and run the tubing through the rocks to make it the waterfall...then you'd only need one pump per filter, and the exit water will also be your waterfall.
MerryMary is one smart ponder!
Snapple, you nut,lol.... Hoping to get your way mid summer. If I drive, do you need any fish? I have a couple I need to unload (unless a heron wipes me out at some point) I just won't ship them, so would do a drop off.
Yeah!!! I started digging today. I only got the sod out but I feel much better just starting that and being able to see the pond outline. I was suprised that it only took me a little over an hour. There will be freezing rain tomorrow, so I thought I better take advantage of the 65 degree weather!
The measurements are about 15X7 with a little narrower in the middle for a bridge, which I hope will add some shade for fish. I found a better pond calculator for irregular shaped ponds and I think my gallon size will be just right for my filter.
I should of got a picture of my Scottish Terrier marching through the trench that first outlined the pond. I'm pretty sure she thought I was digging for her amusement. She will probably be the foreman of this project. Lord knows she has lots of hole digging experience.
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
Talked to a friend last night who has a trench digger and knows about electrical stuff so hopefully we can get power out there cheaply.
I dug some more last night. Got the first shelf cleaned up and started on the deeper section. Started pilling dirt for the burm on the backside. One of our friends was upset I started without him (because I had promised beer and pizza for help) but I assured him there would be plenty to do.
I will have to take a picture of my son's "pond." His sandbox is full of water and he keeps telling me that is his pond. It actually would make a nice shallow pond, nice sand/gravel bottom. He can't wait for fish!
Any suggestions on a skimmer? They are really expensive. Do I need an installed one or one you don't cut the liner to install? They also have those floating ones with the little cylinder.