Pond suggestions

[Kmpcfp]

Long story short, 12 year old convinced me to let him dig a koi pond. This is what we have so far, view from the 2nd story deck. I am not sure on size, it's a 15'x20' liner, with a max depth of about 42".

We had to fill it with water and set up plumbing before all rocking was done, due to rain and mosquito larvae setting in. We saved the ferns and moss that was on the downhill side to replant. We still have some more rock, plants, and logs to "forage" from around the property to finish disguising liner and plumbing. Intake bay is working pretty well so far, but may rework it a bit. The basket is at the end of the outlet where we plan to plumb in a small waterfall feature with the extra liner. The basket/media was a very quick temporary bandaid to try to clear remaining sediment so we can see where else we needed to rock. The 4000 GPH pump splits to pumping water into filter and the future waterfall outlet. The filter exhausts into a pressure grid at the very bottom. Max depth is about 42". We are in zone 7b/8a, so hopefully freezing won't be much of an issue, but can pull filter and pump out if needed.

Any suggestions for a waterfall filter box? I additionally thought about building a bog in the area in the bottom left, but I don't think there is enough liner to make it big enough to be functional.

I feel like I am missing something. Everything had to be done by hand as no machinery can get to the pond location. Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[Lisak1]

A lifelong obsession is born! I love it! You've got some work to do to pretty it up, but you've done the hard part. As for waterfall box - I'd spring for a biofalls for the boy. It's the quickest way to get the job done. Or consider just a spillway - cheaper and you can do fun stuff with those!

 

[tinycat]

There might be all kinds of things that are "missing", but sometimes you don't know until later, once you gain experience. With all of that exposed dirt, mucky looking water is going to happen until it gets covered, and runoff doesn't get into the pond.

Do you have a low spot, where excess water can leave the pond when you get a downpour?
A bog filter can be gravity flow and can be added later using a different piece of liner, or perhaps a stock tank.

The kid has a great new hobby. Kuddos to the kid.

 

[sissy]

do not get koi . I wish someone told me they can get over 4 feet long .

 

[addy1]

Great start! Get shubunkin goldfish, beautiful colors, get a decent size, easy to care for.

 

[addy1]

Welcome to the forum!

I have a largish pond, no desire to have koi.

 

[bagsmom]

Congratulations! I will echo the comments of others: NO KOI! There is so much misinformation out there but the truth is, they get enormous and they make a lot of waste. In order to properly keep koi, you would need more water and better filtration. As Addy said, try shubunkin goldfish! They are really beautiful! Mine are reproducing in my pond and it is always a lot of fun to see what coloration the babies will have! They will get to a nice, manageable size and are easy to care for. I think it is just wonderful that you allowed your son to do this! He will get so much enjoyment out of it!

 

[sissy]

and they can live to be over 100 years old . I SURE WISH I KNEW MORE BEFORE I BOUGHT MINE FROM THE KOI FARM IN NORTH CAROLINA They were only a dollar because they were considered not the colors or the look they wanted . The tanks they were in had a sign that sais UGLY FISH ONE DOLLAR . Remember all fish breed like crazy so consider getting less fish .