Finally building a big pond...product advice requested

[jclements]

When I joined this group back in 2001, we had a nice in ground pond in Kansas. Then we moved a few times to an apartment, rental house, our first purchased house, all in Florida and then to Texas. During that time, we had raised ponds and various container ponds. I am happy to report that an excavator is scheduled for Friday!!!

This pond will be a rounded off rectangle shape with a waterfall at one end and a skimmer at the other. Approximately 14x24' with half at a depth of 3' and half at 2' (5500-6000 gallons). I also want to include an attached bog on one side for lotus. So far, I have looked at sequence pumps and then aquascapes, savio, and Atlantic brands for skimmers and waterfall filters. I am currently leaning towards Atlantic products. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Jessica 

[PondmaninAL]

Jessica, if you go with two skimmers or put just the one at the back side of the bog so that the water has to circulate through the bog, you should need much more filtration to keep your water clean. Make sure to place the skimmer at an open area in the bog so that you are not sucking in any dirt that might be part of the bog. As far as advice on equipment, stay away from Aquascape. To me, it is over priced junk.

Congratulations on the big step. I envy you.

[jclements]

Thanks! We have only been waiting about 8 years to get this thing built!

[PondmaninAL]

Jessica, if you go with two skimmers or put just the one at the back side of the bog so that the water has to circulate through the bog, you should need much more filtration to keep your water clean. Make sure to place the skimmer at an open area in the bog so that you are not sucking in any dirt that might be part of the bog. As far as advice on equipment, stay away from Aquascape. To me, it is over priced junk.

Congratulations on the big step. I envy you.

Oh, it's to early in the morning. That should have read, "you shouldn't need much more filtration".

[Kat]

Congrats Jessica!  I know you've been wanting one built & it is exciting that the process is being started.  Be sure to take pics during the progress & keep us updated.

[jclements]

Thanks, Kat! We are hiring out the digging and doing the rest. The bid we received was really high, more than what we were estimating.

I will upload a sketch tonight. We are currently thinking about pumping water from the skimmer to the gravel at the bottom of the bog as well as pumping to the waterfall. Skimmer and waterfall will be at opposite ends. I will quit rambling now because a picture will be worth 1000 words!

[Indiana Karen]

Woohoo Jessica!!!!!!!!!!!! 
I'm so excited for ya.
I'll leave the advice for the experts, I just want to see pictures.

Karen

[Esther]

WOW. I bet you have mixed feelings somewhat, apprehension and excitement. Also it is a great learning experience for the boys.

[tranquility]

Jessica we are in the middle of a pond build about the same size gallon wise but, ours is 10x15 and 6' deep all over...we are doing it a slightly bowl bottom--not too much just enough to help the crud move along to the bottom drains...a pond that size will really benefit from bottom drains--we are doing one with air and one with out...not sure of the brand of skimmer we are using as it was a gift from a friend...I'm really leaning towards the sequence pump too probably the 4,200 gph and 1,300 gph submersible pump in the skimmer...I like that sequence has a 3 year warranty and energy effeciant...and I know alto of ponders using it that really like it...all of our filtration will be diy--gravity fed mechanical filter with brushes and matting-next step a static bio filter and lastly a boiling K1 barrel....We have our hole 80% dug and all I'm doing now is gathering the last of the the equipment and then we can get er' down....
Lawanna

[jclements]

Lawanna, I will definitely have to stop in on my way back from my next drive to Kansas to buy koi from you! I love those asagis you have!!

[miguynmkoi]

I'm so excited for your new pond, Jessica!  Also it looks like you did your homework planning your dream pond.  Sounds fabulous so far...of photos will tell    Congrats!

[tranquility]

Jessica we love them too...wish they weren't soo much trouble at times but, they are worth it to me...Not to worry though--their babies are tuff as nails...We are hoping the new pond helps keep Fred and Ginger healthier...they will have a bit over 1,000 gallons of water each when we get them in it....and being 6' deep we are hoping they can stay a bit warmer during the winter and come into spring healthier...
Lawanna

[Sunbeam56]

Lim pumps. With a bog, you are gonna get stuff in the pump - you need a pump that will take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

I don't think you can over-filter a pond.

[ThornyGardener]

A new pond is really exciting.

Yes, WLim pumps are great. Have his UVs and a filter too. But not cheap.

One of my biggest mistakes was cutting costs on some equipment and paying a bundle in the end. I learned not to skimp on anything permanent (ie glued to the liner) or cheap pumps that send the electric bill sky high. I have had 2 Atlantic filterfalls and they both leaked at the bulkhead fitting, I think because the plastic is thinner and may warp slightly when buried. The plastic weirs were warped as well, something I didn't notice until they were 'permanent'. My skimmer is Laguna skimmer filter and the plastic is really thick and sturdy -- I stand on it all the time.

I built my pond about 14 square and will pass on that it is about 2' too wide to reach the center with a pole net. On occasion something has fallen in  the center and I have to lay a 16' across the pond like a balance-beam and tip toe out.

[Johns]

I have had 15 years experience with Sequence pumps and can recommend them unequivocally.

[finnpond]

Ditto on the Sequence pump...  5 years and absolutley not one problem, running 24/7/365... cross fingers...  Also a modified Savio skimmer with brushes has had zero issues...  I DIYed up-flow Skippy-type garbage can filters with tuile netting... My biggest mistake was using an inferior liner that lasted one year, so went to the roofing supply place and bought 45 mil EPDM and am most happy with it...

Dave

[Jerry]

I am approachin5 5 years with my Sequence too.  no problems!