Messages

1

Pond Chat / Re: Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: July 14, 2007, 12:53:45 PM »

 

Okay, so its almost 4 months later and I'm finally going to get this thing fixed. The koi fish are doing well on their own - they are fighters. So far I've gotten the landscaping around the pond cleared, trimmed, and looking better. I do wish to get the lily plants (seems cleaner to me).

Since the pond has been 'down' for almost 2 years I thought it would be wise to get a professional to set it up first. I'm waiting on 3 bids from different landscapers. My question to you guys is the following: Have you guys heard of making a 'custom' filter using foam pads from floor polish machines?

The guy that does my landscaping is charging me about $400 to reattach the lines to a pump (~$125) and then have the water go into this 'bucket' with the foam 'filter' pads. This includes the labor too. He said it works like a charm for another client that has a pond and koi. He told me that it's much cheaper to just clean the pads than to keep buying filters.

What do you guys think? Everyone else is charging about $1000 to put the pumps, filter, and labor.

Thanks,

Dave

2

Pond Chat / Re: Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: April 08, 2007, 06:47:24 PM »

Hello Everyone,

Thanks again for the replies - especially the helpful links! Would it be a good idea to just go with the external filtration set up. Will I be able to have the external filter pour the filtered water through the opening of the rocks for the waterfall/cascade-looking thing.

 

3

Pond Chat / Re: Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: April 06, 2007, 01:44:02 PM »

  Here are the pictures:

4

Pond Chat / Re: Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: April 05, 2007, 02:27:09 PM »

Thanks! It seems like a fun, rewarding hobby. I’m going to nose around this forum site and get all the information about ponds, koi, plants, maintenance, etc.

I’ve been researching ‘solar pumps and lights’ – I’m skeptical (too good to be true). Though they seem like a great idea, I’m concerned about performance and durability. What brand of pumps and lights are preferred around here btw?

Happy Easter

-Dave 

5

Pond Chat / Re: Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: April 05, 2007, 01:22:39 PM »

Whoa! I haven’t been around here much since my original post – thanks everyone for all your support.

Where do I begin? First of all, we FINALLY closed this Monday and I just got the water connected to my home and the electricity sometime today as well. The pond is there…waiting for something to happen.

Upon closer inspection, it is about 8 x 6 ft. Still not sure how deep exactly, it does have the cement/flagstone around the edges, has the aquatic plants growing out of it, I know there is some sort of waterfall, and about 4 hoses sticking out – and not connected to anything.

The water is murky, green with algae, and the fish are swimming about – I think there are about 4 or 5 of them. I have the day off tomorrow so hopefully I can poke around and find out more. I’ll post some pictures up and see if you guys can help me classify some of these plants, pump size needed, fish food, etc. I know so many questions, but I am interested in this ‘pond stuff’ )

BTW, I’m in the Sugar Land, TX area.

-Dave

6

Pond Chat / Buying a home with a pond already built, but...

« on: March 10, 2007, 06:07:10 PM »

I have absolutely no idea what to do! I have to admit, I've never really thought about ponds much and never really cared to have one. That is, until I saw this house that we may end up owning pretty soon (next month or so).

I'm not sure on the size - perhaps about 5' x 5' and not too sure on the depth. It is very nicely adorned with the plants, stones, slabs, etc. Here's the thing: the home has be vacant for almost a year and I'm not sure how long the pump and filter have been 'off.' There are hoses sticking out - not even sure where they belong. And get this, there are FISH in there (Koi???) I'm guessing about 3-4 of them. I feel sorry for them! :'(

I'm not sure how long they have been on their own, but what should I do IF I do get this home? Where do I start?

Thanks in advance - I'm new to this. I do appreciate it and I definately want to keep the pond.

Dave