Forums36
Topics40,963
Posts557,995
Members18,504
|
Most Online3,612 Jan 10th, 2023
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
We are about a week and half underway on a new pond construction. The surface area will be somewhere between 2 and 3 acres. As of now we are planning on an 18 inch surface drain pipe, and an inline water level control structure (Agridrain) with a 6 inch PVC pipe. Does anyone have any experience with these? I will post pics as we progress.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,505 Likes: 3
Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
|
Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,505 Likes: 3 |
No answers for your questions, Matt, but welcome to Pond Boss! Can't wait to see pictures - we're kind of simple like that around here!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 44
Lunker
|
Lunker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 44 |
Hi Matt, Welcome to the forum! Glad you found it early in your pond's life, I didn't, and wish I had. Loads of great info and wonderful folks here. I'm up in the Appleton area, and you'd be welcome to swing by and see what I did for water control. I had some previous posts with diagrams. Looking forward to hearing more about your project.
Jeff
I used to think I was crazy and all alone... Now I know I am not alone!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
I am still working on trying to figure out how to post pics. I am currently working on figuring out what I want for structure. I was considering having the contractor put in a small island before he finished up. Any thoughts or ideas on this?
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,752 Likes: 33
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,752 Likes: 33 |
Posting Pics Use that link for posting pictures. Use: http://www.acme.com/planimeter/ to determine surface size.
Last edited by jludwig; 04/23/12 04:46 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,318 Likes: 6
Ambassador Lunker
|
Ambassador Lunker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,318 Likes: 6 |
I think island's are very cool! It's great structure and an extra area where fish can catch bugs of all sizes, and frogs and such! Could also be a great spot for a feeder if you ever decide to feed at some point. Of course that would depend on size of island.
Last edited by RC51; 04/23/12 04:49 PM.
The only difference between a rut and a Grave is the depth. So get up get out of that rut and get moving!! Time to work!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,539 Likes: 845
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
|
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,539 Likes: 845 |
Islnds ARE cool, BUT:
1) They provide good nesting habitat for geese.
2) In a small pond, they create problems if you want a deep pond.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
Last edited by esshup; 04/23/12 10:53 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
A couple more pics:
Last edited by esshup; 04/23/12 10:54 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435
Ambassador Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
|
Ambassador Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,435 |
Island: good place to get rid of extra dirt, but in addition to what esshup said, (1) they will get overgrown with weeds if you don't maintain (2) make your pond look smaller I had one in my last 1A pond and didn't like it.
Just do it...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389 |
We have the structure your looking for, looks like it's gonna be great!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5 |
Just an idea instead of a dirt island. Build some floating islands. Then use your extra dirt to build a slip and slide hill into the pond for the kids. [img] http://.com/p3.UuKS3r[/img]
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,185 Likes: 29
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,185 Likes: 29 |
Oh, that's awesome! What do you use for the slide itself? I have a fairly steep incline into the pond, and that may be a blast to set something up!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5 |
We are still in the construction phase. I am planning on using a sand base then conveyor belt covered with epdm membrane. Another option is a roll of thick mil plastic sheeting. I am also looking at building up the pond edge to send the slider up and out a short distance. It's been a fun project and the kids can't wait for the slides.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
We have been rained out for the last week. There is another 5-6 feet of the dam to be built yet. Other than that, just shaping and removing 1000 yards of black dirt from pond basin, which the contractor is buying from me. Almost time to start adding structure and seeding the slopes. I have the side hills enrolled in CRP, and need to have everything reseeded by the 14th of May.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389 |
What part of the state are you in?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
Very southwest corner of the state; a small town called Cuba City. We are about 15 miles from Iowa and Illinois.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389 |
Very cool, I'm not far here in northern Illinois. I was just turkey hunting near you last week. Let me know if you need any help, would love to see your place as things progress.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
Peepaw where are you at in Northern Illinois? Have you ever heard of Keystone Hatcheries? It is in Richmond, IL, I had seen something on the internet on them. You are welcome anytime to come check out the project!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 389 |
Mike's my man at Keystone. He's less than 10 minutes from me and offers our habitat products as well. I buy all of our fish from him for our sportsman club stocking program for our private 830 acre lake, Wonder Lake. Great outfit to work with!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
Good to hear that about Keystone! They can deliver to me for $29 which is very reasonable, so I was hoping they were recommended. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,539 Likes: 845
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
|
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,539 Likes: 845 |
Matt:
Same here - checky your PM's. I'll probably be going up to Keystone in the next week or so for some fish for a pond in Illinois.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94
|
OP
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 94 |
So currently the dam is a little over halfway done. Up until yesterday the contractors hadn't worked in a week due to rain. There is currently 2-3 feet of water in the basin area. Upon inspection yesterday I found a very small trickle of water starting just below the dam (where dam meets undisturbed soil). There was always a small spring that started in this area. The water drop in the basin yesterday was about 1/4". My concern is where is the water coming from and what will happen and much higher pond volume with the increased water pressure.
The core trench was fairly deep into very good clay and nothing was trickling prior to recent rains, although another 30 yards below dam there was some running water.
Is this anything to be concerned about, or is it too early too tell. The contractor was a little concerned.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
|
Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277 |
Only a little concerned? Springs can be nightmares anywhere around a pond.
If the spring is truly behind the dam it might not be a problem but it is hard to tell. 1/4" drop isn't a big deal. The water is wicking back into dry soil.
Were there any wet spots when doing the core trench?
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
|
|
|
Moderated by Bill Cody, Bruce Condello, catmandoo, Chris Steelman, Dave Davidson1, esshup, ewest, FireIsHot, Omaha, Sunil, teehjaeh57
|
|