Leak in Pond + Should I close it up

[Legolas]

Hi
This is my 1st post here, and hoping the experts can shed some light
on my problem. It could be a little long.. so bear with me

I have a pond that probably is about 1000 Gallons, has a skimmer, and
a acqascape biofalls filter. I have a leak in my pond, and determined
that it is in the pond (not the falls, pump, etc). I didn't seem to
notice the leak as my auto-fill was making up for the loss. [My wife
was complaining about the water bill but I thought it's because we have
a new baby and help in the house ]

Now that I have 1 yr old, we are quite concerned about the pond
in the backyard. I want to cover up the pond, and probably have
it restored in another 3 to 4 years. I was thinking about filling it
up w/ sand and convert it to a sand-pit. Are there any special
precautions I need to take so that I don't create problems when
I want my pond back? (I know that this is a pond enthusiast forum
and saying that I want to fill my pond with sand will be regarded as
sacrilege - so forgive me :bowdown

I decided I will catch the comets and give them to the local aquarium
store. Are there any think I can do to safeguard the skimmer, pump,
and the biofalls?

Any and all help is appreciated.

 

[aquariumfishshop]

In the end it would probably be easier to cover up the pond with a large board if possible. It will be simpler to get a clam baby sandpit and try and just protect the pond. If the sandpit pond gets rain in it you will have to get it out somehow.

 

[Legolas]

In the end it would probably be easier to cover up the pond with a large board if possible. It will be simpler to get a clam baby sandpit and try and just protect the pond. If the sandpit pond gets rain in it you will have to get it out somehow.

Wow, I didn't think about rainwater collecting at the bottom. So is my
best bet to remove the liner completely and reinstall it a few years
down the road? Also, anything I can do to save my pump/skimmer/biofalls?

 

[DrCase]

kids love fish why not put up a low fence?? and fix the pond. my granddaughter loves to feed the fish........

 

[Meekaboo]

Hello Legolas,
Just my two cents worth. I have two nephews and a niece who spend every weekend and holiday at my house and quite often they are here through the week also. They are now 13, 9 and 5. They were taught (before they could talk) that they were not allowed near the pond without adult supervision. I always gave them a "line" they were not allowed to cross. The "line" could be anything like: not past the tree or the edge of the veggie garden or even a line of rocks. I would never give up the time I spent with my kids by the pond. Every morning, the first one up and I, would go out in our 'jammies' to feed the fish. It was always a special bonding time with them. The 5yr old is still not allowed to cross the line. The lines do move as the kids age. The older they get, the closer they are allowed. Never once, in all these years, have I caught one of the kids "cross the line".

 

[Legolas]

Hello Legolas,
Just my two cents worth. I have two nephews and a niece who spend every weekend and holiday at my house and quite often they are here through the week also. They are now 13, 9 and 5. They were taught (before they could talk) that they were not allowed near the pond without adult supervision. I always gave them a "line" they were not allowed to cross. The "line" could be anything like: not past the tree or the edge of the veggie garden or even a line of rocks. I would never give up the time I spent with my kids by the pond. Every morning, the first one up and I, would go out in our 'jammies' to feed the fish. It was always a special bonding time with them. The 5yr old is still not allowed to cross the line. The lines do move as the kids age. The older they get, the closer they are allowed. Never once, in all these years, have I caught one of the kids "cross the line".

Hi Meekaboo
I live in a urban area and don't have acres of backyard, so it would be
close to impossible for me to set such guidelines. I have looked into a
product from http://www.safapond.com/ but couldn't get response
from the US dealer!!.

In a few years I will redo the pond, and this time even add a bottom drain rofile:

 

[DrDave]

What a great and clever idea! I am interested in how they anchor it. keep us posted on this.

 

[pondlady]

Just remember that an uncovered sand box of any size turns into a giant litter box for all the cats around. I have 20+ grandkids and have yet to have one fall in. Set rules and inforce them and they will learn. Just never leave them alone until they are maturerofile: to understand why.rofile: