Starting to build new small pond, thoughts, advice? - 11/05/05 02:15 AM
Hey everyone,
I have just started building a small pond on my property. this forum has been such a great resource.
The pond will be around 35'x40' with a max depth of around 5'. I plan and using a liner and using old carpet as an underliner(which i have an almost unlimited free supply of). I would like, if possible, to stock a few catfish in there for occasional recreational fishing, but mainly the pond is for aesthetic purposes.
I have a few questions however.
First this pond is dug into slight slope. I created a dirt barrier about 2' above ground on the low side. I am planning on having the water level reach about 1' above ground on the low side. Has anyone had problems with this or would I need to reinforce it with some sort of wall.
Also I plan on feeding the pond from my well. I was planning on having the well run a small waterfall into the pond everyday for a while, and havin an out flow on the low side which would help water some trees and drain into a small natural creek. Howe much waterflow would I need and would this be harmful to the fish? Would I also need an additional pump and an aerorator or would this flow provide sufficent circulation and aeration?
Also I am still undecided on how i should have the pond's bottom surface.
Should I leave the bare liner, cover with a layer of dirt, or gravel/rocks. I would like to put some rocks and gravel down but I am concerned about puncturing the liner and bacterial growth.
Also would a pond this small be able to sustain a few catfish or bass? Btw, I am in Southern California. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Shaun
I have just started building a small pond on my property. this forum has been such a great resource.
The pond will be around 35'x40' with a max depth of around 5'. I plan and using a liner and using old carpet as an underliner(which i have an almost unlimited free supply of). I would like, if possible, to stock a few catfish in there for occasional recreational fishing, but mainly the pond is for aesthetic purposes.
I have a few questions however.
First this pond is dug into slight slope. I created a dirt barrier about 2' above ground on the low side. I am planning on having the water level reach about 1' above ground on the low side. Has anyone had problems with this or would I need to reinforce it with some sort of wall.
Also I plan on feeding the pond from my well. I was planning on having the well run a small waterfall into the pond everyday for a while, and havin an out flow on the low side which would help water some trees and drain into a small natural creek. Howe much waterflow would I need and would this be harmful to the fish? Would I also need an additional pump and an aerorator or would this flow provide sufficent circulation and aeration?
Also I am still undecided on how i should have the pond's bottom surface.
Should I leave the bare liner, cover with a layer of dirt, or gravel/rocks. I would like to put some rocks and gravel down but I am concerned about puncturing the liner and bacterial growth.
Also would a pond this small be able to sustain a few catfish or bass? Btw, I am in Southern California. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Shaun