Fish pond options?

[bloodhound31]

Seeing as there is such a wealth of knowledge and experience at IIS, I thought I would try my luck at this question.

I have just completed building a 6 square metre fishpond, constructed below ground of a bird mesh liner first, with rock jigsaw-puzzled together with concrete. It is very solid, but I understand it will crack over time as the ground swells and contracts with the seasons. (much more in 2012 )

My plan at this stage is bomb-proof, but expensive. I plan to paint it first with bondcrete, then line it using a medium fibreglass mat and resin.

It's in an undercover area so I am leaving the UV stuff out (extra cost) and want the fibreglass semi clear anyway so you can see the rockwork underneath.

The fibreglassing process will cost me about $350 for the materials.

Just on the off-chance, does anyone have any other suggestions that would be effective but cheaper, to make it permanently leak-proof?

Baz.

[norm]

Hi Barry,

I was going to suggest any of the pondliners Eg, Firestone EPDM Rubber Pond Liner (1.02mm & 1.14mm thick). When I did mine I ended going with the DuPont Xavan liners - 25yr guarantee. The ponds been in the ground for a few years and no leaks.

But as you may want to see the bottom of the pond, this may not be an option.

I sourced it from Creative Pumps in SA, likewise with the filter/pump/hosing etc. Rock Around the Block isn't too bad either. For the pump/filter I went with a brand called Laguna (Italian).

My entire objective when building the pond was it had to be low maintenance with maybe a filter clean every 4months.

One avantage of having it black is that the algae is not as offensive to look at over time to that of natural stones/rocks, it also creatives a nice dark contrast against vegetation etc. I guess to looks more natural.

A good pump/filter will keep your water to near perfect crystal clear, but over time, algae still forms on rocks etc.

Cheers,

Norm

[bloodhound31]

Lovely looking pond there Norm.

Yes, I do need to see the rock-work as I spent such a long and painstaking time doing it.

I have a home-made bio-filter in action with the existing 3-tier pond system that keeps the water clear and the algal deposits to a bare minimum. I also have a sink-well off to the side, that the deepest part of the pond drains into. The pump will move into this well when it's all done, for an entirely self-sufficient and self-cleaning biological eco-system.

[Ric]

Hi Baz,

Our pond was built with a D9 dozer , it dries up at times but doesn't leak.

When it comes to biodiversity we've got the lot birds, snakes, frogs, yabbies etc.

Cheers

[Terry B]

Pond liner is good but you have to be careful if you get yabbies in the pond cause they can punch holes in it.

[Nesti (Mark)]

It's a bit late now, but you could have used black tar under the rocks and cement. So even though you get cracks in your cement the water can't drain out as the tar doesn't cure and remains semi-cured.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Liquid Latex painted onto the grouting is pretty effective though not 100%.
Ideally one would use this to mix the concrete rather than water.
We've made a couple of tile tables this way and it works a treat.
Norm: That really IS a nice pond!

[bloodhound31]

Originally Posted by Ric

Hi Baz,

Our pond was built with a D9 dozer , it dries up at times but doesn't leak.

When it comes to biodiversity we've got the lot birds, snakes, frogs, yabbies etc.

Cheers

Constructive Ric....very constructive..

[Baddad (Marty)]

Hi Baz,
Swimming pool concrete does not crack. (I hope)
Reinforced with steel. A special concrete and then a layer of "pebble or sand-crete.

A bowl like shape that floats on the ground.

Our pool is only 200mm thick walls, 75,000 litres. If it were supported in only one spot it would not crack. Quoted by the engineers.

Worth a little research I would think.

Cheers Marty

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Ric

Hi Baz,

Our pond was built with a D9 dozer , it dries up at times but doesn't leak.

When it comes to biodiversity we've got the lot birds, snakes, frogs, yabbies etc.

Cheers

Mate that looks like you got some nice clear skies there... I know of one extra frog who wouldn't mind plonking is tripod right on the left of the... ok I'll shut up now.

[bloodhound31]

Originally Posted by Baddad

Hi Baz,
Swimming pool concrete does not crack. (I hope)
Reinforced with steel. A special concrete and then a layer of "pebble or sand-crete.

A bowl like shape that floats on the ground.

Our pool is only 200mm thick walls, 75,000 litres. If it were supported in only one spot it would not crack. Quoted by the engineers.

Worth a little research I would think.

Cheers Marty

LOL Marty, I am NOT pulling apart all the work I have already done to make 200 mm walls with RIO!!

Baz.

[Ric]

Hey Marc, always welcome if your down this neck of the woods.

Cheers