Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Small Backyard Pond

Hello,

This is my first post to this site. Alot of great info here! I am thinking of building a small pond in my backyard but I'm not sure if I can do it.

First, the pond will be in a low lying area between two slopes and hopefully will be filled by runoff and rain.

Second, it will probably only be about 20x30'. Our soil is heavy red clay, so I wan't to build it without a liner.

Is a pond this small possible without a liner? How deep should it be to minimize evaporation? The area is on flat ground; will a spillway be necessary (I live in the piedmont of SC)?
I have a neighbor with a grading business, so I can get the area excavated for cheap or free. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

jason

Hi Jason go to my websire and take a look at the pictures of the 20 by 30 ft pond 3 ft deep I am building off the end of my main pond. Also look at the greenhouse pictures I have a 1500 gallon Koi pond in it.

Bob

I've built small excavated ponds (less than 1/3
acre and 3 to 5 ft deep) that have worked out
well in clay soil. However, you may have to add water during the summer months to maintain the
level. But, don't expect a small pond to support
many fish other than koi or a few catfish
(assuming you areate and feed); and certainly not bass since the pond is far to small to
establish a food base and maintain any kind of
food chain.

Jason,
Sqeeky said it best. You can build the pond and it can be very nice. I am sure you will need to add water to it time to time and there is not alot that you can put in it in the way of fish. You can however plant some nice aquatic plants in it and have a nice aquatic garden to dress up your back yard as well as some Koi or Goldfish. You may want to look into a filtration system to TRY to maintain the algae grow that you more than likely run into because you will have a fairly shallow body of water that will support weed and algae growth. Good luck with your pond and keep us posted on what you do.

P.S. Build a bigger pond 1/4 acre or so that would be alot more enjoyable, room providing of course.

Take Care ,

Jerry

Jason,
I have a small pond 1/8 acre (3500 sf)with a average depth of 4'. I so wish I would have built bigger. I let the pond sit for 1 1/2 years and then stocked 25 hybrid gills, 3 LM Bass, and fathead minnows. I supplement with fish pellets for the gills. The fish are on their third year and are Big, fat, and appear very healthy. However, I have to keep removing the small Bass, they reproduce like little rabbits. I aerate on a regular basis and use a " benifical bacteria " to keep the water nice. I have to stock fatheads twice a year to keep the bass fed. GO BIGGER, you will regret it if you dont, or do not stock it.