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Joined: Oct 2012
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OP
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4 |
My grandfather(who's 92)has a pond 250x250 about 6 ft deep in center but it has not been filled for many years...he wanted it filled back up but it doesn't hold the water. Apparently it has a lot of sand in the bottom and it leaks slowly. Some one suggested bags of enviroplug, which we bought but not sure the best way distribute it or how much to use. Any suggestions???
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,058 Likes: 278
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,058 Likes: 278 |
Welcome to Pond Boss.
That's almost 1.5 acres. Enviroplug, actually bentonite, has to be tilled into the bottom.
However, step one is cleaning out the pond with a dozer to remove the sand and other stuff that washed into it over the years. That way you can find the actual leak that needs to be repaired. Bentonite has a pretty spotty record of sealing ponds. A preferred solution is about 2 ft. of good clay that is packed with a sheepsfoot roller.
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
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent  Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,712 Likes: 3 |
Justy -- I too welcome you to Pond Boss.
I fully agree with Dave's post -- unless you somehow find a very obvious spot that is the leak. Such a spot may need a little more clay and packing, and the rest of the pond may need less.
A good heavy equipment operator familiar with ponds can give you the answers you need.
I'd start with a call to your local NRCS agent. I believe you also have some of the very best Aquaculture Extension Service people in the country. I'd contact them too.
Please don't be afraid to ask lots of questions here on the forum. That is why we are here.
Ken
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Texas sodium Bentonite recommends 8# per square foot or 1" thick for very sandy soil.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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OP
Joined: Oct 2012
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Thanks, I will try this....
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Joined: Oct 2012
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OP
Joined: Oct 2012
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Thank you, I will try and keep you posted!
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Joined: Oct 2012
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OP
Joined: Oct 2012
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Ken,
I am so new to all of this, I am not even sure how to contact the Aquaculture Extension Service...LOL...but will def research and try these recommendations!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850 |
Texas sodium Bentonite recommends 8# per square foot or 1" thick for very sandy soil. That's a LOTTA Bentonite! 43,560 x 1.5ac = 65,340 sq. ft. x 8# per sq. ft. = 522,720 pounds, or roughly 13 semi-truck loads if they're carrying 40,000# each. And that's only if the pond is flat, which it isn't. You can't go by the surface area, you have to go by the sq. ft. of the pond bottom..... That's one of the reasons why I have a leaky pond. Lots of sand in my area, and bentonite or a liner was about the same price. Not a lot of clay in this area, and I didn't know of a place to get enough locally. So, I'm stuck with pumping water into the pond or dealing with the water level fluctuations.
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721 |
Texas sodium Bentonite recommends 8# per square foot or 1" thick for very sandy soil. That's a LOTTA Bentonite! 43,560 x 1.5ac = 65,340 sq. ft. x 8# per sq. ft. = 522,720 pounds, or roughly 13 semi-truck loads if they're carrying 40,000# each. And that's only if the pond is flat, which it isn't. You can't go by the surface area, you have to go by the sq. ft. of the pond bottom..... That's one of the reasons why I have a leaky pond. Lots of sand in my area, and bentonite or a liner was about the same price. Not a lot of clay in this area, and I didn't know of a place to get enough locally. So, I'm stuck with pumping water into the pond or dealing with the water level fluctuations. You are correct. 
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721 |
Thanks, I will try this.... Justy be careful on what kind of Bentonite you buy when the enviroplug runs out. There is also bentonite that is nonswelling (which Alabama is one of the leading producers of). There Are Big Differences in "Bentonites". TSB recommendation is for that which swells 15 to 18 times. If you want to look at the 3 different ways they apply it you can visit their website linked below and look under product uses. Texas Sodium Bentonite BTW I dug a 8" well to take care of my water leaks / needs.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850 |
BTW I dug a 8" well to take care of my water leaks / needs. Got a quote the other week on an 8" well..... 10 hp, 500 gpm capability. Ouch!!
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 721 |
BTW I dug a 8" well to take care of my water leaks / needs. Got a quote the other week on an 8" well..... 10 hp, 500 gpm capability. Ouch!! ESSHUP I got a substantial price break by allowing them to do it when they did not have any work to do at their convienance. I think I had little over 7K total in it doing it that way many years ago. (220' Deep) If you do not mind me asking about how much does it cost in your area? I figure it would take me 15K now to do the same thing now..
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,565 Likes: 850 |
You're a little on the light side. The one quote was between $15K and $16K but that was just for drilling the well, the casing and the pump. It didn't include any piping nor any electrical work. 100' depth was estimated to be plenty due to the aquifier in the area.
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