Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Floating pallets for shade

Has anyone used pallets to create artificial shade over other submerged structures ?

I used 2 treated fence pickets to join 2 pallets, then used swimming pool noodle sections (long foam sticks) wedged between the top and bottom slats to make them float. I drilled 1" hole in top of each pallet, then drove 1/2" rebar through that hole and into pond bottom to keep it positioned over rock pile in about 6 ft of water.

My thought was this should keep fish around the rocks more often throughout the day instead of moving to deep water earlier in the day.

I also thought about putting single floating pallets in about 2 ft of water in diffent areas to provide small fish a place to gather.

Does anyone else have ideas for creating shade in the absence of trees ?

I think your theory is sound but the aesthetics of floating pallets don't appeal to me since my pond is only 100' from my house.

Do a search on floating islands.

If I do a floating island, I will likely use your idea and position it over top of submerged structure.

This is a very good idea if you dont have money to spend and need the shade for the fish. I am with Ryan it would not be that attractive, but I dont think this is the point, however, this really just depends on the person I guess. I have seen and had the chance to work with some floating island and they are a really cool addition to a pond. You can plant many diffrent type of plant on them. I have even seen herbs grown on them (Bob Lusk has mint). The plants roots will grow out the bottom of them and add habitat that some forage fish will hang around. These floating island add great beauty to a pond and are deffinatly something to look in to getting. The ladies of the house really enjoy these. Another cool thing is it provides a place for the turtles to bask in the sun.

The idea is a good one. Just another example of the originality of this site.

Otto

You can sit some potted water plants in the pallets if the pallets are upside down. Plants such as water cannas, pickeral weed, aquatic elephant ears, water callas, etc. That will help hide the pallet. Bouy it on the 4 corners enough that it rides the correct height in the water for the plants.

burgermeister has a wonderfull idea. this is why i love this site, all the outstanding idea and knowledge of the members.

I like Burgermeister's idea too but you would have to plan to add more floats as the pallets soak up water. My pallets sink once waterlogged and feel twice as heavy now.

That is correct, Ryan. Also, as the plants grow they will get heavier.

I have used floating pallets as fish attractors. In the early spring, you can catch crappies one after another under a floating pallet.