build a pond

Who knew they could grow freely in the water?

I found an old plastic 35 gallon container that I will be using for my pond. And a small trunk from a dead tree to make an “escape ramp” for critters that fall in. Now I just have to dig the hole and get moving with this!

I saw some cool ponds of only 25-50 gallons on the internet. They are made of plastic storage containers sunk into the ground. They don’t last more than a few years because of the material they are made of, but it could be a start. I saw that some people sunk discarded bath tubs and similar things into the ground, also. I will explore this idea further.

But, not being one who understands the word “can’t,” I guess that means I will just have to become more creative in attaining this goal. I’d love a 600 gallon stock tank, but even the smaller ones are several hundred dollars at our local farm supply. Maybe digging a hole in the ground will be what I end up doing, after all. I like the idea of raised sides, though – easier on my knees and hopefully less chance of a 3 year old child falling into it. The wheels are turning as I am NOT going to let go of this goal just because I have decided to put my money into flying and airplane rentals :-)

I don’t have to worry about my granddaughter falling into it. She will always be under supervision in the fenced in garden area. So now, I can seriously think of some sort of water feature. Not too big as I don’t want it to take up too much of my growing space… but big enough for a few gold fish and a plecostemus or two… and some floating plants and maybe a solar water circulator or fountain.

More ideas…

• semi-submerge so that the tank is well below the frost line – to help keep it from freezing in the winter.

• how can I combat evaporation in our arid climate? Even when it is cold, it is very dry. And then, in the summer it is not only hot, but windy, too.

• will a “black disk” floating on the water absorb enough heat during the day to keep a major ice free area? Not sure what I would use as this “black floating disk” – maybe a frizbee?

• How will I keep it cool enough in the summer? Float ice in it? Shade?

• How much is a “stock tank” compared to a “pre-fab pond liner”? I like the idea of a stock tank, especially if it is more durable, being designed to hang out “in the elements.”

Probably won’t be able to do this before next spring, but the ideas are a flowing. It could add to a whole new dimension to my little veggie garden.

• The tanks are several feet tall – if I bury it at least a foot into the ground it will go below the frost line and also be somewhat insulated from the burning summer sun

• Plant shade plants on the south & west sides so that the tank will not be in the blazing sun all summer – trim them down in the winter so the tank can get some heat gain?

• Should be tall enough that little critters cannot climb up the slippery sides to get in – but if have plants in front of it, they may be able to get in from there… still no solution for this, but since it will be inside a fence, maybe this is not an issue

• Hooks can provide a method for hanging plants both inside and outside of the stock tank. Don’t want to put any holes in the tank as that will encourage deterioration of the container.

• Little solar pump should be enough for some water circulation, although it really won’t turn over too much water… maybe a miniature windmill water stirrer will help & add to the ambiance?

• Water need not go completely to the top of the tank

• We don’t get enough snow/rain in the desert to worry too much about overflow

• Get a few plecostomus (sp?) algee eaters – I understand they can get to 2 ft long or more! They are cool looking – very prehestoric – but the are non-agressive and only eat algee.

• Definately will need hiding places for fish as the lake near by is home to many fishing birds

• Winter is cold, but very clear and sunny; hopefully solar pump will keep the tank ice free – or at least keep an ice free section where the water will tumble and provide oxygen exchange

So many projects, so little time, so little money, so little energy. Well, dreaming doesn’t take too much time, takes no money, and puts energy back into the soul instead of extracting it. So I will continue to dream for a while.

Ok, so the goal of getting my pilots license eats up three main resources: time and money and energy. So I am scaling this back from a large, large pond to maybe a “stock tank” pond. So many ideas. So many details. The real planning will have to happen another night, but at least I’ve started thinking about this…

Some ideas:

• above ground so granddaughter can’t “fall in”
• above ground so dogs won’t go swimming
• OR semi-submerged with a fence to prevent the above
• not “permanent” so don’t need a permit
• can still be several hundred gallons
• will be attractive to birds, but small mamals may have a problem – need to have a way for them to climb out
• can keep some feeder gold fish in it
• use cement blocks for fish hiding places and also for plant shelves
• don’t need a filter
• use a solar pump to provide a little water fountain to circulate water
• make a small island on top of some concrete blocks that will provide a shallow area for birds to bath and drink in
• OR have the little water fountain pour over a shallow area with sand/gravel in it
• mosquito dunks
• put a drain spiggot on the side
• IF I put it in the veggie garden area, I will have nutrient rich, ambient temperature water to water plants with
• themometer
• something for shade when the temps are over 100*F
• use an oval tub but build a box around it and fill with insulation; tile it to make it look pretty; nice fitting top

Need to know:

• How will I heat it in the winter
• How much will it cost
• How deep will cat tails grow?
• Will cat tails become invasive in a small pond like this?
• What reedy things can I use in place of cat tails?
• How will I make a “marginal” plants area?
• Could I have turtles in it without a filter?
• Would the turtles eat all the gold fish?
• How would I hibernate the turtles – wow, turtles are sounding like way too much work/thought

Some links

• http://www.fishpondinfo.com/farm.htm#links
• http://aquanic.org/beginer/systems/farmpnd.htm
• http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/ponds/msg031209001615.html
• http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?p=910011
• on insulation: http://www.hydrogenappliances.com/stocktankheater.html
• not exactly related, but some interesting ideas for insulation: http://ourcountryhaven.com/OCH3/index.php?topic=7952.0

http://www.pondrushes.net/

• Pump house design – include in a tool shed near the dog house where I can store birdfeed (currently in a metal trash can in the open), tools, hoses, etc.
• Pump house design – wood, classic shed look; flower planter boxes in front of faux windows facing both the road and the house
• Pump house design – screened ventilation to help keep out mice & other unwanteds
• Home made bio filter
• Rubber pond liner
• Concrete block plant shelves – the kinds with large holes for fish hiding spots – mortared in for durability

I think it is cool how nature will populate your pond with a diversity of plants, insects and animals if build a pond. I don’t think the hole we’ve dug for the pond is going to be big enough to be a “non-filtered, non-pumped” pond, especially since we live in the desert and in the summer it will be a decidedly warm water pond. And since I also want to have fish in it. Mosquito fish and maybe common gold fish (since I imagine that many will be dined on by the local bird population, I figured no point in getting expensive fish). I am hoping that the local frog population from the lake and river about a mile away will find it’s way to the pond.

Features to include:

• hiding spots for the fish (overturned milk crates?)
• shallow area where the birds can perch to drink and bathe
• deep part for wintering fish
• de-icer for winter so fish can get oxygen and birds can drink
• plant shelves so I can grow some plants (need to find out what kinds of water plants are hardy here)
• floating beds for water cress or other plants
• filtration and pumping system
• maybe a small “island” in the middle
• small “toy” boat, light house, etc. for decoration?
• some shade structure for sitting under while enjoying the pond – maybe with mosquito netting or a fan?
• a large, comfortable bench for lying on/writing at
• can’t be too deep – I’m only 5’ tall
• fence around it to keep out dogs and small children (except when invited)
• bird feeders – close enough to enjoy the birds, but not so close that shells foul the water

A plan… I feel a plan forming in my mind!