My Fish Pond Big Dig

It's my opinion that there are few plants that can rival the beauty of water plants. The water iris is gorgeous, as is the delecate water hyacinth bloom. But the giant lotus bloom that measures about 8 inches across among the leaves that measure about 16 inches diameter is spectacular.







To the left of the picture, just below the black eye susan, you can barely see the Fishmate 3000 UV/bio filter. The small lotus bloom just to the left of the filter is in the center of a 300 gallon cattle tank. This tank serves as the bottom pond for three other higher level ponds.



Well, I went and did it. Added more fish from the old ponds. Somehow, I caught a few that dumbed into the net. Also, planted sedge grass around the perimiter of the pond. This stuff grows about a foot tall and has small lavender blooms. Still haven't got the cement block to surround the pond perimeter. In time, just another round to it.

Before long, I'll have my filter problems worked out and I can illustrate how I accomplish this critical and very difficult task. How to keep the water crystal clear, free of toxic chemicals, promote plant growth, minimize algae growth, and reduce the required maintenance that takes my time. I'd rather just sit and watch the fish and enjoy the beauty of the water plants and blooms.

More later,

It's my opinion that there are few plants that can rival the beauty of water plants. The water iris is gorgeous, as is the delecate water hyacinth bloom. But the giant lotus bloom that measures about 8 inches across among the leaves that measure about 16 inches diameter is spectacular.







To the left of the picture, just below the black eye susan, you can barely see the Fishmate 3000 UV/bio filter. The small lotus bloom just to the left of the filter is in the center of a 300 gallon cattle tank. This tank serves as the bottom pond for three other higher level ponds.



Well, I went and did it. Added more fish from the old ponds. Somehow, I caught a few that dumbed into the net. Also, planted sedge grass around the perimiter of the pond. This stuff grows about a foot tall and has small lavender blooms. Still haven't got the cement block to surround the pond perimeter. In time, just another round to it.

Before long, I'll have my filter problems worked out and I can illustrate how I accomplish this critical and very difficult task. How to keep the water crystal clear, free of toxic chemicals, promote plant growth, minimize algae growth, and reduce the required maintenance that takes my time. I'd rather just sit and watch the fish and enjoy the beauty of the water plants and blooms.

More later,

Well, here's the pond with the backfill in position for the rain to do its deed. Not finished as the surround blocks will encircle the exposed dirt and sedge grass will grow against the rim of the pond. Will help keep the fish from jumping out and add a decorative touch to the pond.

Even got my viewing bench set in an appropriate spot for evening viewing.






A couple of fish in the old pond trying to get my attention and something to eat.

You can tell that I'm getting anxious to get some plants and fish in the new pond.

I think I have the filter accessory worked out.

Well, I went and did it, filled the tank with water. I'll wait a few days to decide about moving the dirt around the pond for back fill. Might decide to get the rim more level. Got about 2 inch across the 8 feet and that's a bit much. Most likely as good as some of the ponds in the back ground. Enough for now as I'm sure the appearance will improve as I get some cement blocks situated around the perimeter. Thought the tank would be higher, but I got to ambitious with the excavation. More later,

Hi Pards,

The geese have considerable interest in the "big dig" project. The excavation is ready for tipping the cattle tank from Tractor Supply into the the void for a "first fit". Wasn't even close!

The cattle tank is 8 feet in diameter and has a depth of 2 feet. The tank holds at least 600 gallons. Sort of marginal for Koi (they need 36 inches in this region) to make it over winter, but they do OK in the 300 gallon bottom level tank of my pond complex as it's full depth in the ground. Over time, I've added deeper and larger tubs to my ponds. The original was a 160 gallon plastic tub from Sam's Club. The 18 inch depth doesn't do much for summer heat or winter freeze, but it does the public safety concerns. So, I keep a 24 inch fence around the complex to keep little ones and dogs out of the water.



Not all my projects are carport modifications or cowboy shooting activities. Sometimes I attempt to increase the size of my fish/plant ponds that I spend some relaxing time sitting and viewing the fruits of my labor. As long as there's shade to sit and watch the fish and the spectacular giant lotus blooms, I find this a completely relaxing time for doing absolutely nothing of importance.

Much of the dirt was hauled out back of the house to help build a berm for shooting. The dirt stacked up around the excavation is for back fill. I'll use decorative cement block around the "blue" to hide the tank and provide a natural look to the pond when plants are also added to the top of the decorative cement block surround.

Unfortunately, a thorm is rolling through the area and I had to retreat to the house where AC provides the cooling/drying environment. Could only excavate for about 2 hours in the morning and evening for this project as the ambient temp is near 100 during the day. :(

More later . . .