bottom cleanup

[Pat]

How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
Thanks
Pat

[Pat]

I install bottom drains.

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:eZHUf.1493$Qm2.220@trndny03...
> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
> Thanks
> Pat
>
>

[Gail Futoran]

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:eZHUf.1493$Qm2.220@trndny03...
> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
> Thanks
> Pat

I used to use a shop vac but now have frogs
so I just use a strong net to bring some of
the sediment up, not too much at one time.
I suppose it depends on how much you get.

Gail
near San Antonio TX

[~ janj]

On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:17:45 -0800, "Pat" >
wrote:

>> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
>> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
>> Thanks
>I install bottom drains.

You did install bottom drains, or you're asking if you should? A pond that
has a 12 foot diameter, a bottom drain would sure make things easier. Check
out my website on how to go over the side using a tetra bell vacuum bottom
drain, so you can retrofit a pre-existing pond. (Click on My Filter). For
heavier stuff, that the koi don't get moved down to the location of the
bottom drain, I use my shop vac. ~ jan

--------------
See my ponds and filter design:
www.jjspond.us

~Keep 'em Wet!~
Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
To e-mail see website

[Koi-Lo]

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:eZHUf.1493$Qm2.220@trndny03...
> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
=======================
I have a fine mulm net to get what collects in the deepest part. A less
fine net gets the leaves, small twigs and any frogs that didn't survive the
winter. Once the pumps are turned on the circulation of water stirs up
what's left and it ends up in the filters.
--
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~ }<((((o> ~~~ }<{{{{o> ~~~ }<(((((o>

[[email protected]]

I am one of those who's daddy said "dont want no leak, dont put in no holes".
actually, my current koi pond doesnt appear to have any mulm on the bottom. after 5
years I can still see the little gravel scattered on the bottom which the koi like to
remove from the lily pot and scatter. they also pick it up and spit it into the
bucket filter.
My pond is rectangular so the water falls in at one end, is sucked out by the pump at
the other. the koi stir up the bottom and eventually it looks like all the mulm just
gets dumped into the veggie filter.
every fall when I move the plants from the veggie filter I find a couple inches if
mulm which I use a wet dry to remove and put it on my flower beds.
my pond is netted to keep out leaves
I feed the highest quality koi food I can find and very little of it at a time.
overfeeding leads to fouling the water.

My other two ponds out at the dacha dont have netting and get filled with leaves and
I have a pond service come and drain and clean the ponds in spring after the temp is
above 55 for a couple weeks. Ingrid

"Pat" > wrote:

>How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
>My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
>Thanks
>Pat
>



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Zone 5 next to Lake Michigan

[Pat]

My name is pat, too.

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:IldVf.253$tZ.160@trndny03...
> Jan - I didn't write that. I have no idea how that got my name on it.
> Weird... I don't have bottom drains. Never heard of them till now, but I
> won't be
> messing with my liner. I will get a fine net to scoop the bottom layer.
> Thanks
> Pat
>>
>> You did install bottom drains, or you're asking if you should? A pond
>> that
>> has a 12 foot diameter, a bottom drain would sure make things easier.
> Check
>> out my website on how to go over the side using a tetra bell vacuum
>> bottom
>> drain, so you can retrofit a pre-existing pond. (Click on My Filter). For
>> heavier stuff, that the koi don't get moved down to the location of the
>> bottom drain, I use my shop vac. ~ jan
>>
>> --------------
>> See my ponds and filter design:
>> www.jjspond.us
>>
>> ~Keep 'em Wet!~
>> Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
>> To e-mail see website
>
> "~ janj" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:17:45 -0800, "Pat" >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
>> >> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
>> >> Thanks
>> >I install bottom drains.
>
>

[Pat]

Hi Pat :-) I didn't know you were out there. Hello - Where are you from? I
live in NJ. Just getting the pond going this year. Do you have pics? I'll
add my initials to my post. :-)

thanks
Pat B - NJ



"Pat" > wrote in message
...
> My name is pat, too.
>
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> news:IldVf.253$tZ.160@trndny03...
> > Jan - I didn't write that. I have no idea how that got my name on it.
> > Weird... I don't have bottom drains. Never heard of them till now, but
I
> > won't be
> > messing with my liner. I will get a fine net to scoop the bottom layer.
> > Thanks
> > Pat
> >>
> >> You did install bottom drains, or you're asking if you should? A pond
> >> that
> >> has a 12 foot diameter, a bottom drain would sure make things easier.
> > Check
> >> out my website on how to go over the side using a tetra bell vacuum
> >> bottom
> >> drain, so you can retrofit a pre-existing pond. (Click on My Filter).
For
> >> heavier stuff, that the koi don't get moved down to the location of the
> >> bottom drain, I use my shop vac. ~ jan
> >>
> >> --------------
> >> See my ponds and filter design:
> >> www.jjspond.us
> >>
> >> ~Keep 'em Wet!~
> >> Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
> >> To e-mail see website
> >
> > "~ janj" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:17:45 -0800, "Pat" >
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
> >> >> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
> >> >> Thanks
> >> >I install bottom drains.
> >
> >
>
>

[Pat]

I live in Oregon near a small rural town called Amity. A few pictures here
http://20d.us/rockpage/ of one of my small ponds. If you look close in the
first and last picture you may spot my drain. It is a short length of pvc
pipe that the pond overflows into. To drain the pond I simply pull the pipe
out of its fitting located at the bottom of the pond. I made the rock using
some chicken wire and mortar. This pond is located beside my patio just
outside my living room. It can be enjoyed from the living room through the
patio doors or it is very pleasant to sit on the patio beside it. My pump
is turned off for the winter however I turned it on briefly to take these
pictures a week ago. To make a bottom drain I stick the pipe through the
liner and put a hose clamp around it.

"Pat" > wrote in message
news:zYyVf.727$Q9.334@trndny07...
> Hi Pat :-) I didn't know you were out there. Hello - Where are you from?
> I
> live in NJ. Just getting the pond going this year. Do you have pics? I'll
> add my initials to my post. :-)
>
> thanks
> Pat B - NJ
>
>
>
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> ...
>> My name is pat, too.
>>
>> "Pat" > wrote in message
>> news:IldVf.253$tZ.160@trndny03...
>> > Jan - I didn't write that. I have no idea how that got my name on it.
>> > Weird... I don't have bottom drains. Never heard of them till now, but
> I
>> > won't be
>> > messing with my liner. I will get a fine net to scoop the bottom layer.
>> > Thanks
>> > Pat
>> >>
>> >> You did install bottom drains, or you're asking if you should? A pond
>> >> that
>> >> has a 12 foot diameter, a bottom drain would sure make things easier.
>> > Check
>> >> out my website on how to go over the side using a tetra bell vacuum
>> >> bottom
>> >> drain, so you can retrofit a pre-existing pond. (Click on My Filter).
> For
>> >> heavier stuff, that the koi don't get moved down to the location of
>> >> the
>> >> bottom drain, I use my shop vac. ~ jan
>> >>
>> >> --------------
>> >> See my ponds and filter design:
>> >> www.jjspond.us
>> >>
>> >> ~Keep 'em Wet!~
>> >> Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
>> >> To e-mail see website
>> >
>> > "~ janj" > wrote in message
>> > ...
>> >> On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 18:17:45 -0800, "Pat"
>> >> >
>> >> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> >> How do you all clean up the sediments at the bottom of your ponds.
>> >> >> My pond is about 12 foot diameter and 3 feet deep at the center.
>> >> >> Thanks
>> >> >I install bottom drains.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

[~ janj]

On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 19:25:01 -0800, "Pat" >
wrote:

>I live in Oregon near a small rural town called Amity. A few pictures here
>http://20d.us/rockpage/ of one of my small ponds.

Cool pond! Like the rock waterfall. ~ jan


~ jan/WA
Zone 7a

[Pat]

I like it too. I learned a lot making the rock.

"~ janj" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 26 Mar 2006 19:25:01 -0800, "Pat" >
> wrote:
>
>>I live in Oregon near a small rural town called Amity. A few pictures
>>here
>>http://20d.us/rockpage/ of one of my small ponds.
>
> Cool pond! Like the rock waterfall. ~ jan
>
>
> ~ jan/WA
> Zone 7a

[Gareee©]

"Pat" > wrote in message
...
>I like it too. I learned a lot making the rock.

Such as??

I might try to incorporate a artificial rock like that along with my natural
rocks as well.

Did you build a wooden framework for the rock, and also do chemicals leech
out of the mortar into the pond? (In other words, is it fish freindly?)

--
Gareee©
(Gary Tabar Jr.)

[Pat]

I think fresh cement can turn the water alkaline. After it ages a week or
so its okay.

I bought a 25 foot roll of chicken wire 3 feet wide. I folded it so it was
4 layers. Sewed the top edge closed using some wire. Then opened the
bottom up and shaped it. I pictured filling the inside up with foam so I
bought some spray cans of foam. I quickly learned that the foam didn't go
very far and was expensive. I ended up with a thin holey layer of foam on
the inside. Mostly I was trying to make a surface that would hold the
mortar in place. If I was to make another one I think I would try Paper
Mache. Cheap and easy. I made it sitting on some sawhorses in my driveway.
I kept having to go back to the store and buy more mortar. Pretty soon I
realized that this rock was going to be pretty heavy. I was able to back my
pickup up to it and slide it in. Then I drove my pickup to the pond and
slid it off. Probably weighs 3-400 pounds. Next one gets built in place.
The rock is probably 1 foot thick. The curved shape keeps it stable.





"Gareee©" > wrote in message
...
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> ...
>>I like it too. I learned a lot making the rock.
>
> Such as??
>
> I might try to incorporate a artificial rock like that along with my
> natural rocks as well.
>
> Did you build a wooden framework for the rock, and also do chemicals leech
> out of the mortar into the pond? (In other words, is it fish freindly?)
>
> --
> Gareee©
> (Gary Tabar Jr.)
>
>

[Gareee©]

All useful information.

So if I attempt building my own, letting it cure for a week or so will allow
me to then use it for a waterfall?

I'm thinking of working some planters into it, and adding some real rocks as
well to the mortar, to make it look a little more real, and blend more.


"Pat" > wrote in message
...
>I think fresh cement can turn the water alkaline. After it ages a week or
>so its okay.
>
> I bought a 25 foot roll of chicken wire 3 feet wide. I folded it so it
> was 4 layers. Sewed the top edge closed using some wire. Then opened the
> bottom up and shaped it. I pictured filling the inside up with foam so I
> bought some spray cans of foam. I quickly learned that the foam didn't go
> very far and was expensive. I ended up with a thin holey layer of foam on
> the inside. Mostly I was trying to make a surface that would hold the
> mortar in place. If I was to make another one I think I would try Paper
> Mache. Cheap and easy. I made it sitting on some sawhorses in my
> driveway. I kept having to go back to the store and buy more mortar.
> Pretty soon I realized that this rock was going to be pretty heavy. I was
> able to back my pickup up to it and slide it in. Then I drove my pickup
> to the pond and slid it off. Probably weighs 3-400 pounds. Next one gets
> built in place. The rock is probably 1 foot thick. The curved shape keeps
> it stable.
>
>
>
>
>
> "Gareee©" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Pat" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>I like it too. I learned a lot making the rock.
>>
>> Such as??
>>
>> I might try to incorporate a artificial rock like that along with my
>> natural rocks as well.
>>
>> Did you build a wooden framework for the rock, and also do chemicals
>> leech out of the mortar into the pond? (In other words, is it fish
>> freindly?)
>>
>> --
>> Gareee©
>> (Gary Tabar Jr.)
>>
>>
>
>

[Derek Broughton]

Pat wrote:

> I think fresh cement can turn the water alkaline. After it ages a week or
> so its okay.

A season or so? Cement doesn't even _set_ in a week. I really wouldn't
want to put fish in a cement pond until the pond was a year old.
--
derek

[Gareee©]

"Derek Broughton" > wrote in message
...
> Pat wrote:
>
>> I think fresh cement can turn the water alkaline. After it ages a week
>> or
>> so its okay.
>
> A season or so? Cement doesn't even _set_ in a week. I really wouldn't
> want to put fish in a cement pond until the pond was a year old.
> --
> derek

That was my concern as well.. I wonder is using a concrete sealer is the
solution?


--
Gareee©
(Gary Tabar Jr.)

[Concrete repairs]

Hi
I have carried out repairs of old fish ponds using a cementitous
coating called Drizoro Maxseal and repaired cracks with their Drizoro
MaxRest.
In all cases we had water back in the pond within 7 days, although
minmum of 3 days is possible, seven is recommended for curing.
More details can be obtained about these products & technical
information
Home page http://www.swepdri.com.au/index.php
Maxseal http://www.swepdri.com.au/products/maxseal.php
MaxRest http://www.swepdri.com.au/products/maxrest.php
You can also look at video of applications of product there
Ian Manson

[Pat]

>
> I'm thinking of working some planters into it, and adding some real rocks
> as well to the mortar, to make it look a little more real, and blend more.
>

I cut a couple of holes in the top of mine using a diamond saw in a 4 inch
grinder. Then I filled it with potting soil and planted the ivy you see
growing in the top.

[Gareee©]

"Pat" > wrote in message
...
> >
>> I'm thinking of working some planters into it, and adding some real rocks
>> as well to the mortar, to make it look a little more real, and blend
>> more.
>>
>
> I cut a couple of holes in the top of mine using a diamond saw in a 4 inch
> grinder. Then I filled it with potting soil and planted the ivy you see
> growing in the top.

Do you have fish in the pond the waterfall flows into? Any issues?


--
Gareee©
(Gary Tabar Jr.)

[~ janj]

That is pretty amazing, basically free form! ~ jan :o)

>On Mon, 27 Mar 2006 18:27:28 -0800, "Pat" > wrote:

>I bought a 25 foot roll of chicken wire 3 feet wide. I folded it so it was
>4 layers. Sewed the top edge closed using some wire. Then opened the
>bottom up and shaped it. I pictured filling the inside up with foam so I
>bought some spray cans of foam. I quickly learned that the foam didn't go
>very far and was expensive. I ended up with a thin holey layer of foam on
>the inside. Mostly I was trying to make a surface that would hold the
>mortar in place. If I was to make another one I think I would try Paper
>Mache. Cheap and easy. I made it sitting on some sawhorses in my driveway.
>I kept having to go back to the store and buy more mortar. Pretty soon I
>realized that this rock was going to be pretty heavy. I was able to back my
>pickup up to it and slide it in. Then I drove my pickup to the pond and
>slid it off. Probably weighs 3-400 pounds. Next one gets built in place.
>The rock is probably 1 foot thick. The curved shape keeps it stable.
>
>
>
>
>
>"Gareee©" > wrote in message
...
>> "Pat" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>I like it too. I learned a lot making the rock.
>>
>> Such as??
>>
>> I might try to incorporate a artificial rock like that along with my
>> natural rocks as well.
>>
>> Did you build a wooden framework for the rock, and also do chemicals leech
>> out of the mortar into the pond? (In other words, is it fish freindly?)
>>
>> --
>> Gareee©
>> (Gary Tabar Jr.)
>>
>>
>

~ jan/WA
Zone 7a

[Pat]

No fish. The pond is too shallow. A coon would eat them. As I type this
I am watch a watching a coon outside my patio door eating the cat food. My
fish are in my other ponds.


"Gareee©" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Pat" > wrote in message
> ...
>> >
>>> I'm thinking of working some planters into it, and adding some real
>>> rocks as well to the mortar, to make it look a little more real, and
>>> blend more.
>>>
>>
>> I cut a couple of holes in the top of mine using a diamond saw in a 4
>> inch grinder. Then I filled it with potting soil and planted the ivy you
>> see growing in the top.
>
> Do you have fish in the pond the waterfall flows into? Any issues?
>
>
> --
> Gareee©
> (Gary Tabar Jr.)
>
>

[Gareee©]

"Pat" > wrote in message
...
> No fish. The pond is too shallow. A coon would eat them. As I type
> this I am watch a watching a coon outside my patio door eating the cat
> food. My fish are in my other ponds.

LOL! We've only seen one raccoon one time, and he wasn't interested in the
pond at all.


--
Gareee©
(Gary Tabar Jr.)