My Fish Pond Big Dig

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 . . .