Hi Guys...and gals,
Thought I'd finally register since I have been lurking for a few years now. About 3 years ago I started my first 250 gal pond,pre-fab plastic thingy, and have learned tons since. I have about 12 comets,about half a dozen trapdoor snails,a few frogs,lots of plants and currently have no issue's with my pond except for the one issue that most newbs discover rather quickly...it's not big enough. This spring I will embark on the task of a 12 ft by 7 ft by 30 in deep pond half in the ground and half above. This would be located off the patio as this is pretty much the only level spot that gets about 5 hours of sun. I have a very scenic yard that slops down hill away from the house with many,many trees,and forest that borders. Well, that forest is really about 50 ft from the house,but having a fish pond where it would be most scenic,would also mean most hazerdous to the fish. Racoons,cayote,Fox,muskrats,deer, even a bobcat or 2 have been seen. No fences either and deer and fox pretty much come up to the patio in the winter when food is scarce. Lucky for me I have 2 dogs which pretty much keep predators at bay and right now the small pond is located on one side of the patio under trees, so those big bad herons pretty much stay away. I have been following many of you,Koiguy,Oldmarine,DrCase,DrDave,and many others. Of coarse I plan on a 45 mil firestone liner,skippy filter, no ledges, but I do have a question. Alot of you use the skippy, thats cool and I see much success with it,but, are you using it in conjunction with another filter? Some kind of mechanical before the skippy? Or is the skippy doing both by keeping the heavy settlement on the bottom? I plan a 100 gal skippy with a 1 and a quater inch going in and a 2 inch out. I also will make use of a filter falls I have that is doing wonders on my small pond.I also see lots of simply stunning ponds here,but also notice rocks on the bottom, dead area's for circulation,but clear water. I realize everything is not apples and apples,and maybe it's just finding that right balance,but some pics fly in the face of what you would think to be logical. Just an outsiders observance,but if those who have rocks,ledges,and clear water,please share your secrets. Enough dribble from me for now,looking forward to sharing and learning more from you guys, this is truely one of the most informative,no B.S. forums out there,I love it.
Thought I'd finally register since I have been lurking for a few years now. About 3 years ago I started my first 250 gal pond,pre-fab plastic thingy, and have learned tons since. I have about 12 comets,about half a dozen trapdoor snails,a few frogs,lots of plants and currently have no issue's with my pond except for the one issue that most newbs discover rather quickly...it's not big enough. This spring I will embark on the task of a 12 ft by 7 ft by 30 in deep pond half in the ground and half above. This would be located off the patio as this is pretty much the only level spot that gets about 5 hours of sun. I have a very scenic yard that slops down hill away from the house with many,many trees,and forest that borders. Well, that forest is really about 50 ft from the house,but having a fish pond where it would be most scenic,would also mean most hazerdous to the fish. Racoons,cayote,Fox,muskrats,deer, even a bobcat or 2 have been seen. No fences either and deer and fox pretty much come up to the patio in the winter when food is scarce. Lucky for me I have 2 dogs which pretty much keep predators at bay and right now the small pond is located on one side of the patio under trees, so those big bad herons pretty much stay away. I have been following many of you,Koiguy,Oldmarine,DrCase,DrDave,and many others. Of coarse I plan on a 45 mil firestone liner,skippy filter, no ledges, but I do have a question. Alot of you use the skippy, thats cool and I see much success with it,but, are you using it in conjunction with another filter? Some kind of mechanical before the skippy? Or is the skippy doing both by keeping the heavy settlement on the bottom? I plan a 100 gal skippy with a 1 and a quater inch going in and a 2 inch out. I also will make use of a filter falls I have that is doing wonders on my small pond.I also see lots of simply stunning ponds here,but also notice rocks on the bottom, dead area's for circulation,but clear water. I realize everything is not apples and apples,and maybe it's just finding that right balance,but some pics fly in the face of what you would think to be logical. Just an outsiders observance,but if those who have rocks,ledges,and clear water,please share your secrets. Enough dribble from me for now,looking forward to sharing and learning more from you guys, this is truely one of the most informative,no B.S. forums out there,I love it.
