Looking at building a pond but....

[daryl wilde]

The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??

Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood and
then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8 ft
or so and 18-24in deep.

Thanks Daryl

[Just Me \Koi\]

Make your pond bigger! At least deeper in more parts of it!

For my first pond I did what you are proposing and in a few months it was
all tore out and redone!1

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
>
> Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
and
> then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> or so and 18-24in deep.
>
> Thanks Daryl
>
>
>

[Gail Futoran]

Depends on what he wants the pond for. My
largest pond is smaller than the size Daryl's
proposing and it does just fine for me. I only stock
minnows, snails, and whatever else shows up
(toads, frogs, snakes, etc.). No filtration, no
aeration, just lots of plants, water stays clear, and
I don't have to spend most of my life fussing with it!
[The rose garden has me on a really short leash.]

So Daryl - where do you live? If in the far north,
your pond's going to freeze solid in the winter,
hence a deeper pond is advisable. I'm in
Southcentral TX and at worst have a thin sheet of
ice over above-ground ponds, but not yet the
in-ground pond (it's only 2 years old, though).

What do you plan to put in your pond? Goldfish,
koi (pond will need to be much bigger), minnows,
no fish? Will there be shade? Plants?

As long as you use a good liner, the material
it's covering shouldn't make a difference. But
don't stint on the liner.

Gail

"Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
...
> Make your pond bigger! At least deeper in more parts of
it!
>
> For my first pond I did what you are proposing and in a
few months it was
> all tore out and redone!1
>
> --
> _______________________________________
> "The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
> like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
> The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
>
> http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino
>
> "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive
~$500 or more. Has
> > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> >
> > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or
marine grade plywood
> and
> > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond
to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> > or so and 18-24in deep.
> >
> > Thanks Daryl
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[RichToyBox]

Making the skimmer box is not a problem, and the use of the marine plywood
would probably work well. The problem is that you want a weir that is
floating or spring loaded so that it is pushed over by the water trying to
get into the box, making a very thin layer of water be skimmed. As the
water level in the pond fluctuates, the weir needs to be able to move with
the water level. A thick layer of water entering the skimmer will not
produce the desired skimming action.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
>
> Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
and
> then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> or so and 18-24in deep.
>
> Thanks Daryl
>
>
>

[Jim and Phyllis Hurley]

Hi Daryl,

Are you planning an above ground pond? It will not respond well to plywood.
If in-ground, try old rugs for liners. Lots easier on the liner. If above
ground, 24" is a LOT for plywood.

We do not bother with a skimmer and use 55 gal barrels (buried in a berm,
cf. website) and kiddie pools for filters. CHEAP. You too can make cheap
filters!

I concur with those who suggest that bigger is better. More room more fun.
Still, available space and purpose are relevant. What has guided your size?

Have fun.

Jim


--
____________________________________________
See our pond at: home.bellsouth.net\p\pwp-jameshurley
Ask me about Jog-A-Thon fundraiser (clears $120+ per child) at: jogathon.net

"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
>
> Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
and
> then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> or so and 18-24in deep.
>
> Thanks Daryl
>
>
>

[noahsnana]

www.bickal.com He has a lot of DIY projects.


"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
>
> Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
and
> then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> or so and 18-24in deep.
>
> Thanks Daryl
>
>
>

[Pond Diver]

Awesome pond/deck. I love it! I just enrolled in school (again...) So I'll
have to wait for "phase two" of my pond/patio combination. Can't wait
though, your site has given me some great ideas.

In the mean time I'll be piddling in my puddle...


"Jim and Phyllis Hurley" > wrote in message
.. .
> Hi Daryl,
>
> Are you planning an above ground pond? It will not respond well to
plywood.
> If in-ground, try old rugs for liners. Lots easier on the liner. If
above
> ground, 24" is a LOT for plywood.
>
> We do not bother with a skimmer and use 55 gal barrels (buried in a berm,
> cf. website) and kiddie pools for filters. CHEAP. You too can make cheap
> filters!
>
> I concur with those who suggest that bigger is better. More room more
fun.
> Still, available space and purpose are relevant. What has guided your
size?
>
> Have fun.
>
> Jim
>
>
> --
> ____________________________________________
> See our pond at: home.bellsouth.net\p\pwp-jameshurley
> Ask me about Jog-A-Thon fundraiser (clears $120+ per child) at:
jogathon.net
>
> "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> >
> > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
> and
> > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8
ft
> > or so and 18-24in deep.
> >
> > Thanks Daryl
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Just Me \Koi\]

excellent and more complete response! I have Koi in my brain so I think
everyone else will keep Koi!

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"Gail Futoran" > wrote in message
...
> Depends on what he wants the pond for. My
> largest pond is smaller than the size Daryl's
> proposing and it does just fine for me. I only stock
> minnows, snails, and whatever else shows up
> (toads, frogs, snakes, etc.). No filtration, no
> aeration, just lots of plants, water stays clear, and
> I don't have to spend most of my life fussing with it!
> [The rose garden has me on a really short leash.]
>
> So Daryl - where do you live? If in the far north,
> your pond's going to freeze solid in the winter,
> hence a deeper pond is advisable. I'm in
> Southcentral TX and at worst have a thin sheet of
> ice over above-ground ponds, but not yet the
> in-ground pond (it's only 2 years old, though).
>
> What do you plan to put in your pond? Goldfish,
> koi (pond will need to be much bigger), minnows,
> no fish? Will there be shade? Plants?
>
> As long as you use a good liner, the material
> it's covering shouldn't make a difference. But
> don't stint on the liner.
>
> Gail
>
> "Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Make your pond bigger! At least deeper in more parts of
> it!
> >
> > For my first pond I did what you are proposing and in a
> few months it was
> > all tore out and redone!1
> >
> > --
> > _______________________________________
> > "The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
> > like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
> > The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
> >
> > http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino
> >
> > "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive
> ~$500 or more. Has
> > > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> > >
> > > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or
> marine grade plywood
> > and
> > > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond
> to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> > > or so and 18-24in deep.
> > >
> > > Thanks Daryl
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Jim and Phyllis Hurley]

Thanks, Diver.

Thank you. We enjoy the pond and deck a lot. The charis are where we often
have a cup of coffee or tea. Very relaxing. I am a professor and we have a
wireless lan, sooooo....I 'work' by the pond...

Jim

--
____________________________________________
See our pond at: home.bellsouth.net\p\pwp-jameshurley
Ask me about Jog-A-Thon fundraiser (clears $120+ per child) at: jogathon.net

"Pond Diver" > wrote in message
...
> Awesome pond/deck. I love it! I just enrolled in school (again...) So
I'll
> have to wait for "phase two" of my pond/patio combination. Can't wait
> though, your site has given me some great ideas.
>
> In the mean time I'll be piddling in my puddle...
>
>
> "Jim and Phyllis Hurley" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > Hi Daryl,
> >
> > Are you planning an above ground pond? It will not respond well to
> plywood.
> > If in-ground, try old rugs for liners. Lots easier on the liner. If
> above
> > ground, 24" is a LOT for plywood.
> >
> > We do not bother with a skimmer and use 55 gal barrels (buried in a
berm,
> > cf. website) and kiddie pools for filters. CHEAP. You too can make
cheap
> > filters!
> >
> > I concur with those who suggest that bigger is better. More room more
> fun.
> > Still, available space and purpose are relevant. What has guided your
> size?
> >
> > Have fun.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> > --
> > ____________________________________________
> > See our pond at: home.bellsouth.net\p\pwp-jameshurley
> > Ask me about Jog-A-Thon fundraiser (clears $120+ per child) at:
> jogathon.net
> >
> > "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more.
Has
> > > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> > >
> > > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade
plywood
> > and
> > > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x
8
> ft
> > > or so and 18-24in deep.
> > >
> > > Thanks Daryl
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[daryl wilde]

We are located in Texas too - right outside of Austin so freezing water is
not too big a concern :) maybe once every 5-10 years. This is why I am going
to have a deep part ~24 ins or so....

The area I am wanting to use is off the back patio and is partially covered
by a Oak tree- yes I know not the best spot for a pond, and I am concerned
with this but this is where we want it so we can be close and enjoy. This is
why I am looking for skimmer and waterfall box plans - $400 is just too much
mula.

Would like to put some plants and small goldfish or koi so there is some
movement and interest...

Daryl


"Gail Futoran" > wrote in message
...
> Depends on what he wants the pond for. My
> largest pond is smaller than the size Daryl's
> proposing and it does just fine for me. I only stock
> minnows, snails, and whatever else shows up
> (toads, frogs, snakes, etc.). No filtration, no
> aeration, just lots of plants, water stays clear, and
> I don't have to spend most of my life fussing with it!
> [The rose garden has me on a really short leash.]
>
> So Daryl - where do you live? If in the far north,
> your pond's going to freeze solid in the winter,
> hence a deeper pond is advisable. I'm in
> Southcentral TX and at worst have a thin sheet of
> ice over above-ground ponds, but not yet the
> in-ground pond (it's only 2 years old, though).
>
> What do you plan to put in your pond? Goldfish,
> koi (pond will need to be much bigger), minnows,
> no fish? Will there be shade? Plants?
>
> As long as you use a good liner, the material
> it's covering shouldn't make a difference. But
> don't stint on the liner.
>
> Gail
>
> "Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Make your pond bigger! At least deeper in more parts of
> it!
> >
> > For my first pond I did what you are proposing and in a
> few months it was
> > all tore out and redone!1
> >
> > --
> > _______________________________________
> > "The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
> > like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
> > The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
> >
> > http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino
> >
> > "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive
> ~$500 or more. Has
> > > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> > >
> > > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or
> marine grade plywood
> > and
> > > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond
> to be 6 ft x 8 ft
> > > or so and 18-24in deep.
> > >
> > > Thanks Daryl
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Sean Dinh]

You could build the pond now, and then retrofit a skimmer later. It's not
mandatory like aerator/filter.

daryl wilde wrote:

> The area I am wanting to use is off the back patio and is partially covered
> by a Oak tree- yes I know not the best spot for a pond, and I am concerned
> with this but this is where we want it so we can be close and enjoy. This is
> why I am looking for skimmer and waterfall box plans - $400 is just too much
> mula.

[Gail Futoran]

Check out:
http://www.austinpondsociety.org/aps.htm
You have a great local resource. :)

Water Garden Gems is just northeast of San
Antonio (and a few miles from my house), so
only about an hour from the southside of
Austin:
http://www.watergardengems.com/

"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> We are located in Texas too - right outside of Austin so
freezing water is
> not too big a concern :) maybe once every 5-10 years. This
is why I am going
> to have a deep part ~24 ins or so....
>
> The area I am wanting to use is off the back patio and is
partially covered
> by a Oak tree- yes I know not the best spot for a pond,
and I am concerned
> with this but this is where we want it so we can be close
and enjoy.

There are things you can do to catch leaves, like
netting. I don't do that but others do and can
help with information.

This is
> why I am looking for skimmer and waterfall box plans -
$400 is just too much
> mula.
>
> Would like to put some plants and small goldfish or koi so
there is some
> movement and interest...

Goldfish and shubunkin are wonderful pond
fish and while they can get large, not nearly
as large as koi. Not to mention not nearly
as expensive...

The usual space recommendation for koi is
1000 gallons for the first koi, 200 gallons for
each additional fish. Goldfish, by contrast,
require about 20 gallons each.

With the size pond you're planning, I'd
recommend one hardy water lily, and then
a variety of common oxygenators like
anacharis, hornwort, and maybe some
marginals. Lowes carries some water
garden plants, as well as the specialty stores.
(I'm sure there are some in Austin.)

You can always start small and do what a lot of
other people do and expand later. Just Me "Koi"
is absolutely right about that. If I were
younger I'd already have moved up to a much
larger pond, but I have all I can handle now!

Gail

[Gail Futoran]

"Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
...
> excellent and more complete response! I have Koi in my
brain so I think
> everyone else will keep Koi!

Yeah, but your warning was a good one! :)
A lot of people do upgrade before the first
pond has barely settled in. I would have upgraded
to a larger pond by now but have enough to keep
up with in the garden, so I'm content with my
mini-ponds.

Gail

[daryl wilde]

Thanks for the pointers.

Will let you know how it turns out.

Daryl

"Gail Futoran" > wrote in message
...
> Check out:
> http://www.austinpondsociety.org/aps.htm
> You have a great local resource. :)
>
> Water Garden Gems is just northeast of San
> Antonio (and a few miles from my house), so
> only about an hour from the southside of
> Austin:
> http://www.watergardengems.com/
>
> "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> ...
> > We are located in Texas too - right outside of Austin so
> freezing water is
> > not too big a concern :) maybe once every 5-10 years. This
> is why I am going
> > to have a deep part ~24 ins or so....
> >
> > The area I am wanting to use is off the back patio and is
> partially covered
> > by a Oak tree- yes I know not the best spot for a pond,
> and I am concerned
> > with this but this is where we want it so we can be close
> and enjoy.
>
> There are things you can do to catch leaves, like
> netting. I don't do that but others do and can
> help with information.
>
> This is
> > why I am looking for skimmer and waterfall box plans -
> $400 is just too much
> > mula.
> >
> > Would like to put some plants and small goldfish or koi so
> there is some
> > movement and interest...
>
> Goldfish and shubunkin are wonderful pond
> fish and while they can get large, not nearly
> as large as koi. Not to mention not nearly
> as expensive...
>
> The usual space recommendation for koi is
> 1000 gallons for the first koi, 200 gallons for
> each additional fish. Goldfish, by contrast,
> require about 20 gallons each.
>
> With the size pond you're planning, I'd
> recommend one hardy water lily, and then
> a variety of common oxygenators like
> anacharis, hornwort, and maybe some
> marginals. Lowes carries some water
> garden plants, as well as the specialty stores.
> (I'm sure there are some in Austin.)
>
> You can always start small and do what a lot of
> other people do and expand later. Just Me "Koi"
> is absolutely right about that. If I were
> younger I'd already have moved up to a much
> larger pond, but I have all I can handle now!
>
> Gail
>
>

[daryl wilde]

Due to how it is being placed in the yard it is better to accomidate it now.

"Sean Dinh" > wrote in message
...
> You could build the pond now, and then retrofit a skimmer later. It's not
> mandatory like aerator/filter.
>
> daryl wilde wrote:
>
> > The area I am wanting to use is off the back patio and is partially
covered
> > by a Oak tree- yes I know not the best spot for a pond, and I am
concerned
> > with this but this is where we want it so we can be close and enjoy.
This is
> > why I am looking for skimmer and waterfall box plans - $400 is just too
much
> > mula.
>

[daryl wilde]

Do you have more information on this weir?

Daryl

"RichToyBox" > wrote in message
news:wYSrc.7416$hi6.806533@attbi_s53...
> Making the skimmer box is not a problem, and the use of the marine plywood
> would probably work well. The problem is that you want a weir that is
> floating or spring loaded so that it is pushed over by the water trying to
> get into the box, making a very thin layer of water be skimmed. As the
> water level in the pond fluctuates, the weir needs to be able to move with
> the water level. A thick layer of water entering the skimmer will not
> produce the desired skimming action.
> --
> RichToyBox
> http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
> "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more. Has
> > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> >
> > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade plywood
> and
> > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x 8
ft
> > or so and 18-24in deep.
> >
> > Thanks Daryl
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[RichToyBox]

The weir in my skimmer appears to be some form of liner wrapped around a
piece of styrofoam. The liner material is flexible enough to allow the weir
to lean into the skimmer as much as needed, and yet float so only a small
amount of water comes over the top. They also built by folds, some form of
accordian type sides to force all water over the top. This allows the weir
to act as a door, closing the skimmer box off for cleanings.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
"daryl wilde" > wrote in message
...
> Do you have more information on this weir?
>
> Daryl
>
> "RichToyBox" > wrote in message
> news:wYSrc.7416$hi6.806533@attbi_s53...
> > Making the skimmer box is not a problem, and the use of the marine
plywood
> > would probably work well. The problem is that you want a weir that is
> > floating or spring loaded so that it is pushed over by the water trying
to
> > get into the box, making a very thin layer of water be skimmed. As the
> > water level in the pond fluctuates, the weir needs to be able to move
with
> > the water level. A thick layer of water entering the skimmer will not
> > produce the desired skimming action.
> > --
> > RichToyBox
> > http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
> > "daryl wilde" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The cost of the skimmer and filter box are expensive ~$500 or more.
Has
> > > anyone seen plans to build one? Any special concerns??
> > >
> > > Thinking of using either external quality (CDX) or marine grade
plywood
> > and
> > > then covering with liner......comments. Expect the pond to be 6 ft x
8
> ft
> > > or so and 18-24in deep.
> > >
> > > Thanks Daryl
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>