Another "bog" question.....depth for water

[Mmathis]

If an upflow bog is 12" deep [meaning, that's where the top of the construction is], with 2" PVC pipe, how deep do you want the water to be, and how much gravel should be ABOVE water level?



Reason I ask, when I made my turtle bog, I installed the water return a few inches below the top of the bog. Was digging through the gravel yesterday, and realized that I didn't actually bury the PVC pipe at 12" -- it's more like 10" -- which means I only have about 4" - 6" of functional water level. For now, I'm stuck with the depth and with having the outflow where it is, but there are a few things I can do to raise the water level. Just curious....
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[Meyer Jordan]

It really depends on plant selection. In a typical 'bog' the gravel can be re-positioned as needed to create mounds or constantly submerged depressions. Not sure how much lateral space you have to work with, so this may not be a realistic option for you. How is the present outflow set up?

 

[Angel]

Can you provide pics? As Meyer asked about out flow. Can you adjust the height?

 

[qclabrat]

I built up my bog about a foot higher than the pond to get the gravel depth to 2.5 ft. There is a gravel base of 8 inches below the 2" pvc pipe. I too was concerned about having enough depth for root development and purposely designed the bog for that reason.

 

[Angel]

not sure if my bog pics will help as ever pond set up is different but may churn those MacGyver gears going. I have an overflill outtake in my bog i can adjust the water level with for when i shut off the stream/falls for winter bypass also acts as a clog warning . I can adjust the level the water needs to rise before it goes to the bypass

 

[Mmathis]

It really depends on plant selection. In a typical 'bog' the gravel can be re-positioned as needed to create mounds or constantly submerged depressions. Not sure how much lateral space you have to work with, so this may not be a realistic option for you. How is the present outflow set up?

Can you provide pics? As Meyer about out flow. Can you adjust the height?

If you can tell anything from my little drawing....... And the overall bog is 6' x 3'. I can't [at this time] do anything structurally, but may be able to attach a cap to the PVC and drill holes closer to the top. This would let it fill with more water before flowing into the pond. Water returns to the pond via 4" PVC pipe -- my idea of an underground stream. Maybe in a year or 2 I can rip it out and start over. This is my turtle bog, so primary concern is for fresh water for the turtles.

Pics to follow....

 

[Angel]

If you can tell anything from my little drawing....... And the overall bog is 6' x 3'. I can't [at this time] do anything structurally, but may be able to attach a cap to the PVC and drill holes closer to the top. This would let it fill with more water before flowing into the pond. Water returns to the pond via 4" PVC pipe -- my idea of an underground stream. Maybe in a year or 2 I can rip it out and start over. This is my turtle bog, so primary concern is for fresh water for the turtles.

Pics to follow....

the wier outlet is that how water leaves the bog? if so add a few inches of pipe to it to raise the water line prior to leaving the bog.

 

[Mmathis]

@Meyer Jordan This current thread is sort of a follow-up to one I posted earlier..... https://www.gardenpondforum.com/threads/suggestions-on-how-to-re-do-my-turtle-bog.22018/

 

[Meyer Jordan]

the wier outlet is that how water leaves the bog? if so add a few inches of pipe to it to raise the water line prior to leaving the bog.

Beat me to this. It can be done by adding a 90 elbow and a section of PVC (desired length) capped with nylon window screening.

 

[Mmathis]

@Angel @Meyer Jordan Thanks, and that's kind what I had in mind, but still wondering what is the best depth for the water.....

 

[Meyer Jordan]

@Angel @Meyer Jordan Thanks, and that's kind what I had in mind, but still wondering what is the best depth for the water.....

Addressed that earlier. It depends on the plant selection. Most true Bog plants grow in saturated soil but very rarely is there any water over the crown of the plant, Those plants that are typically used in a 'bog' may tolerate anywhere from 0 - 12 inches of water. I would set the outflow at the level of the top of the gravel. You can then dig depressions to accommodate various planting depths.