This thread was generated by reading Reedman's post telling that his pond almost pumped empty. I got to thinking that maybe there are people reading this forum who are wanting to build a pond or just in the process of starting one. I am not an expert by any means. But I have learned some things by reading this forum and making my own pond. So I decided to post a list of the things that I think are most important when you are building a pond. The items are not listed in order of importance.
Before you start digging, check with your local township/county people to learn if there are any rules or restrictions about putting a hole in the ground and filling it with water.
1. Water source. It is so handy to have your hose easily accessed so you aren't constantly having to drag a hose every time you need to top off your pond, hook up the Scarecrow, or rinse your filter media.
2. Electricity source. It should be conveniently located to avoid the temptation to run extension cords. There should be lots of places to plug in your pumps, fountains, spitters, lights, etc. You will always have more things to plug in than you expected when you first started. Check with your licensed electrician.
3. GFI. Never run the risk of an electrical disaster. Not only can it kill your fish but your life is in danger too if something goes wrong. Call that electrician guy again.
4. Automatic shut off float. Either purchase a pump with a built in float that will turn off the pump when the water gets low, or buy a separate float to protect your pond from being pumped too low, and endangering your fish, and wasting a lot of water. Your pump could also burn up trying to pump water when there isn't any. Never put your pump on the bottom of the pond when the water return has the potential to send it out of the pond. Before I had my float valve, I came close to disaster three times. I'm a slow learner.
5. Pond size. Remember that this wonderful dream pond has to have constant care and grooming if you want it to look really good most of the time. So make it small enough so you can handle it easily. Many ponds are quite deep so make it difficult to actually get in and pinch off dead lily blossoms and dead pads. I am in mine about once a week. I am constantly scooping mulm and crud off the bottom so if your pond is terribly deep and wide, it will be more difficult to reach every area with your vacuum or skimmer net. You will have to reposition your lily plants from time to time as they grow and you may need to get in your pond for that too. Try to buy pots with handles at the dollar store or put rope handles on your pots. Read the DIY sub forum to make a "pot getter" so it is easier to move your pots without getting in the pond.
6. Pump size. Opt on the side of larger GPH (gallons per hour) rather than smaller. You will want to turn over your pond volume once every half hour. I know some say every hour but I think that the more the water is moving, the more potential you have to keep it clean and not develop dead spots in your pond. Also, you may want to run additional water features like a fountain with the same pump.
7. Filter size. GO BIGGER. This pond is going to give you fits at times when you can't get the water to clear. Yes I know that green water is not harmful to your fish or plants but I'm sorry, I don't like not being able to see my fish. I have never allowed my pond to go totally green in 5-6 years. But it takes work. If you are not willing to work at it, you'd better not build a pond. My pond is all DIY and about 1750 gallons so I am able to give it what it needs. If it looks like it is going green, I slap 2-3 mesh baskets of additional filter media (quilt batting type) in the waterfall drops and clean them, up to three times a day depending on the mess. This is in addition to the constant filtration in the skimmer/filter with media and Black Knight brushes and the Skippy biological filter.
8. MONEY. Go bigger rather than smaller. Revolving credit accounts work well. (LOL) You will be constantly buying fish, water plants, bog plants, landscaping plants, filter media, fish food, paying the electric bill, paying the water bill if you are on city water, medications for the fish, cute knic nacs for around the pond, fountains, spitters, spending money on postage when you do trades etc., cement for the patio by the pond, lawn furniture for the patio by the pond and it goes on and on. Oh and some people have to buy the rocks for around the pond even, if they live in an area devoid of them. By the way, your pond will be in a constant process of change as you see something better to do here or there. Watch out because once you think you have it just right, your brain begins yearning to have maybe a pot with just one mini lily up on the patio. Then it is two pots. Get my gist? Oh and don't forget the trips to your local pond store and pond supply source. Then there are the pond tours and maybe even trips to meet up with pond forum friends across the country. Takes a couple of bucks. Oh and one or two lilies are never enough.
9. Pond care. Ladies, I know you love water lilies and the sound of falling water. But don't forget if DH is kind enough to build you this wonderful water feature, it may end up being yours to care for totally. You know the kids won't help one bit. So if you're a very busy person, maybe you'd better stick to a disappearing fountain and a pot with a lily in it. And men, you know your ladies, if they are constantly using hand sanitizer, if they won't touch a toad and have never figured out which end of the shovel to dig with, they probably won't be much help with your pond.
10. Location. Don't put your pond where tree roots will puncture the liner and don't put one where planted stuff drops leaves, pine needles, twigs, flower petals, or seeds in the pond.
I know this does not talk about any building or structural stuff but you can figure that out for yourself. There is sure to be things I have skipped or others find more important so maybe they will add in some thoughts.
