Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Just getting started

Hi,im new to the pond building. I found this website looking for information on air pumps, seems like a great place to start. i havent started digging my pond yet, too wet down here in south louisiana. im planning on digging a one acre pond kinda u shaped about 10 foot deep in the deepest areas.right now in getting prices on pumps, water well and aerator system. i would be thankfull for any help and suggestions. cant wait to have it done and be fishing with the grandkids. Thanks Danny

Danny:

Welcome to the forum!

Take a look at Vertex Water Features. Sue Cruz is a breeze to work with, and Vertex is an advertiser here as well.

Vertex

Do you have any idea of what fish you want to stock? If you wanted to try something slightly different than your traditional LMB/BG/CC pond, there are a few interesting options.

Take a look at the archives, especially the post about acronyms. You'll get used to them pretty quickly.

You'll want to search about cover/structure for fish, etc.

Basically, you can go about it (stocking) 2 ways. Stock forage fish the first year, let them grow so you can practically walk across the water on them. Provide proper spawning habitat for them. Then stock the predators the next year.

Or, stock everything at once.

Look into supplemental feeding so you know the pros and cons.

What you stock the pond with all depends on what you want to catch, and how involved you want to get with the management of the fish in the pond.

You could stock only hybrids and have almost 0 reproduction, and have to restock annually or semi-annually to replenish the fish that are removed. Or, you could stock a combination of hybrids and pure strain, or strictly pure strain.

Sit down, take a good long think about what goals you have for the pond, and we'll guide you so you can achieve your goals.

It's much easier and cheaper to get the pond planned out before you start digging.

Find a good dirt guy that is well versed in constructing ponds. Lots of guys out there move dirt, few know how to make a hole in the ground that will hold water.

Thanks for the reply, i think i have someone who will dig my pond for the dirt, we already did a pond boring sample and it looks like it is silty clay, which i think should be good for holding water, correct me if i am wrong. a few people around here with ponds have bass catfish and some type of bream that gets really big i was thinking of that kind of fish. something big enough to clean and eat, maybe red ear perch. i know i have a long way to go, but im excited. i really want some shape to the pond, and would like help with depth, mounds, shelves, etc. maybe if i can send someone a drawing of what i have in mind they can tell me a good bottom shape. Thanks again. Danny

i have a picture of the layout and measurments of my pond but can't figure how to attach it, looking for any input on aerators , thanks Danny

If you can store it on Photobucket, then you can copy/paste it here using the "enter an image" key; 4th button to the right.

don't have a clue what i'm doing here trying to get the picture up

well i finally got the picture up, looking for any input as to how many aerators and where to place them, what size etc..i think this area is about 1/2 acre, correct me if not please. the areas that show 5 foot will be 3 to 5 for spawning areas with pea gravel i will put a lot of structure also, i have been reading a lot on this site is is awesome for information.any input would be great before i start digging, this is south louisiana, a silty clay. i am digging a water well also for filling Thanks for any input. Danny P.S. i know my pic looks funny u can laugh, but i hope it is enough.

Welcome to Pond Boss, Danny!
Like your place, there's nothing south of my ponds but a few miles of trees, marsh, swamp and water.
I have excavated ponds in St. Mary Parish kept full by rainwater, rarely more than two feet below full pool.
Coordinates are 24degrees 41' 15.20"N and 91degrees 23' 18.20"W.
If you're not too far from me, feel free to visit and bring the whole crew. Cell 985-312-6831.
You might get ideas on what you want to avoid doing.

Finally started the pond, sending a picture of starting and a picture of my pvc trees , what yall think ! i'm excited, and thanks everyone this site is very informative. Danny

BayouHunter,
I really like your PVC "christmas" tree concept. Is the black pipe .700 OD irrigation tubing and the PVC/connectors 3" (or 4")???

Are you going to weigh it down with cinderblocks?

Thanks,

hey Dj, Glad you like my trees, The black pipe is 1/2" poly tubing comes in rolls. each one of my trees has 100'. and the pvc is 2". i left two feet of 2" stickin out the bottom to drive down, over here there is no rock it's all clay. Danny