Author Topic: bottom of the pond... (Read 2861 times)

zydia · « **on:** July 29, 2010, 07:02:09 PM »

This is a horrible picture, but I am so proud of my pond water I have to share, I busted my body several years ago picking rocks and dragging them home day after day(hubby helped here)to a hole in the backyard and hubby helped here also, dry stacking for days and days and days by myself, because hubby did not have the patience to stack. In the dark of night I would come here and read, and skeem with my sister to come up with a plan. I read lots of pro and cons about rock bottom ponds and against my better judgement decide I had to have the rocks. I read lots of discussions about liners and pumps and skimmers. Today as sat by the pond with camera in hand and took safely a hundred pics and got no good ones because was to sunny and fish never behave on command, I still am in love with the rocks in my pond. I have the same set up I started out with, only new bulbs in uv lit.

My point is, that this forum had alot to do with building my pond, and I am grateful. I do not get too involved here, but do read, and get alot of information as am sure all the lurkers do.
Thanks for being here as teaching tool.
Zydia

matherfish · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2010, 07:19:04 PM »

Zydia, your pond is beautiful and very clear. Anyone can easily tell that you put many hours of hard work into it. Congratulations! How deep is the pond, and how large? Do you have shelter for your fish to hide out of the sun? they look very healthy.

Indiana Karen · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2010, 07:41:47 PM »

Beautiful...........water, fish and rocks!

Shhhhh, don't tell anyone...........I have rocks on the bottom too.

Esther · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2010, 07:59:49 PM »

All your hard work has been worth it. You have a nice variety of fish too.

marla · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2010, 08:07:01 PM »

OMG I can't believe how crystal clear your pond is!!!!! I want that water...not even any algae, what is your secret (you can email me it will be our secret

)
Yes I would love to see a picture of your whole pond.....I did all the rocks in our pond also, last year though we took the rocks on the bottom out for easier cleaning, but I do admit I miss them, they just add so much. yes how large and deep is it. I still can't beleive how clear.....what kind of uv and wattage do you have? maybe I need one

Pondering · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2010, 08:28:47 PM »

It's a beautiful picture! not sure why you would think it's horrible $:-\$ Please show us more

2vetts · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2010, 03:52:26 AM »

how do you prevent algae????

Kittyzee · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2010, 04:18:49 AM »

Wow--gorgeously clear water in a beautiful pond! Who gives a hang what other people think? It works for you and that's what counts!!

Esther · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2010, 07:31:05 AM »

And again I'll say----what works for me, may not work for you. So if it's not broke, don't fix it.

zydia · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2010, 07:16:48 PM »

Thank you for your nice comments.
My pond is on the top about 25x21 feet, at the deepest in the center is close to 5 feet, maybe a smig less, in the very center where the bottom drain is there are no rocks, we drain it in the spring and power wash it and suck everything out there, works great.
I have steps and flat rocks spaced to walk on when I need to get in. I have a savio skimmer under the dock with two 57 watt uv lits, a skippy filter at the top of the falls and a hand pump, plus a couple of spitters, and one sequence pump under the bench which runs everything.
I have a small fish load, but feed often.
Pond is deep on one side of the dock and shallow on the other. Water lettuce is crazy good this year and lillies not so much, I wish for a year when all is perfect, maybe next year.
Water clarity is not always picture perfect, rocks are not always clean, goes in cycles some good, some down right discusting. I try not to use chemicals and can get by mostly without.
You asked for the truth... I have and do it times throw in some micro-lift algaway 5.4, always with a submerable pump for extra circulation overnight then back to normal. My plants and fish seem to handle it fine. Took some more pics tonight after work and was wet and plants look droppy.
Happy ponding.

Kittyzee · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2010, 07:31:03 PM »

That's just ridiculous gorgeous!!

Love all the textures and colors--what a paradise!

marla · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2010, 09:03:30 PM »

WOW and that is not even enough enthusiasim for how BEAUTIFUL a pond and surrounding area!!!!!! Absolutely Stunning, you have a perfect spot to sit, and enjoy your paradise....Great job with the landscaping and added touches, wish you weren't so far away I'd be over for pointers

Indiana Karen · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2010, 06:21:28 AM »

Oh my gosh

No wonder you sit by it and take so many pictures.

Karen

Mikey · « **Reply #13 on:** July 31, 2010, 03:08:32 PM »

Beautiful pond! Can you ice-skate on the pond in the cold of winter?

SueSTx · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2010, 06:28:18 PM »

You have a right to be pround...your pond is georgous

LynneNY · « **Reply #15 on:** August 01, 2010, 08:17:53 AM »

Absolutely breathtaking!!!

zydia · « **Reply #16 on:** August 02, 2010, 01:59:56 PM »

Thanks for all the nice comments, going to included a picture of the bottom drain, the hand pump, and the fire pit, when they are loaded I am off to the backyard to enjoy my day off, feed the fish, build a nice fire, who cares if it is 83 and the airconditioner is running I love the smell, and I helped cut the wood. That is what mondays are for after working 36 hr on the weekend.

Kittyzee · « **Reply #17 on:** August 02, 2010, 06:30:01 PM »

Oh that's beautiful Zydia! Yup, she looked at her creation and saw that it was good.....

trish · « **Reply #18 on:** August 03, 2010, 07:22:06 AM »

Your pond, patio and yard is so beautiful and I'm very envious. What a great place to sit and relax.

Kat · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2010, 07:51:42 AM »

Excellent looking pond, landscape, & all the other features

The deck & dock are wonderful. All your hard work shows.

vibraphonusrex · « **Reply #20 on:** August 03, 2010, 09:16:47 PM »

I think that's a great picture! The fish look like they're having a great time, too. Nice, clear water!

Bob Blomberg

zydia · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2010, 02:47:14 AM »

Again I say thanks for all the nice comments. I have to share the credit with my hubby who can do it all, carpenter, plumber, electric. And my sister Bonnie who's pond inspired us, and she helped us come up with a plan on paper and helped us execute it.
Have a great day.

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #22 on:** August 04, 2010, 02:14:58 PM »

OMG! Your awful photos do not do your pond and garden justice! Kidding!

Absolutely hubeautigeous!

I love the planting around the clear water. Evidently you put a lot of work into this spectacular creation.

CoolShades · « **Reply #23 on:** August 12, 2010, 04:03:27 PM »

Beautiful landscaping I really like the deck and firepit area!!