4000 Gallon Pond Build

[frogman_reefer]

Greeting Fellow Reefers!

This is not a reef tank build, but I wanted to share with you another water world build that I have been working on for the past two years. I love all things water, I should have been born a fish. However, since God created me to be a biped, I have tried to stick pretty close to my love of water through many means. I joined the NAVY, lived near the ocean, and when I couldn't be near the ocean, I brought the water to me.

Two years ago I embarked on a project to build a nice pond ecosystem in my back yard at the home I was just completing. I wanted to be able to enjoy the sounds of water while I was resting on my back patio. Here is the progress in picture. Let me know what you think.

Drawing out the borders.

The Heavy Moving.

How to grow a blister.

Hole Complete.

18 Feet across, 9 Feet wide, 3 feet deep in center

Install Liner and wait for storm to fill pond up (Rained 3 inches over the next two days, filled pond completely full.)

Install grass and slowly begin planting.

 

[iReef86]

At first glance, I thought it was going to be the length of the house! I was like wholllyyyy molllllyyyyyyy!
Looks nice, what do you plan on stocking it with?

 

[frogman_reefer]

Next it was time to install pumps and filters (although I didn't take pictures of the plumbing).

Start adding plants (this was my first of three water lilies, Papyrus, and a friendly little visitor (frog) of which we now have plenty!

Planting changed a lot the first year, But that is to be expected. Just like building a reef, the layouts gonna change a lot the first year!
I built some benches out of stone.

And planted the waterfall.

Lets fast forward a year...
Lillies!

 

[sbutler08]

Please tell me there will be a hot mermaid or two

 

[frogman_reefer]

Final images. of this year. (mind the needed mowing )

 

[frogman_reefer]

Does this work?

 

[kschweer]

Looks great!

 

[frogman_reefer]

I have 2 turtles, some comet tails, 3 species of Koi and 2 goldfish thanks to my son.
I also had the Fish & Game stock it with some mosquito eating fish to help control that.

Plants, 3 tropical Lilies and 2 hardy varieties. and some oxygenators. Natural filtration is created by a 5500 GPH pump which turns over the water and keeps too much sediment off the bottom. Plants love this. I also have 2 3600 pumps running the waterfalls. I'm turning the water in my pond over about 3 times per hour.

 

[booth2010]

Awesome setup. I wish the wife would allow me to do something like this. She already thinks I have too many pets.

 

[dbl]

Awesome setup. I wish the wife would allow me to do something like this. She already thinks I have too many pets.

Funny...I'm hoping my wife doesn't see this, she's been pushing me to do something like this!!!

Frogman...absolutely beautiful.

 

[dbl]

Here's a pretend, real-life mermaid, but keep the "hot" comments to yourselves...it's my daughter!!!! Had to wait in line for this picture.

 

[AsphaltPays]

Awesome Job! Definitely got me thinking

 

[philfree]

Dang! thats awesome!

 

[frogman_reefer]

Awesome setup. I wish the wife would allow me to do something like this. She already thinks I have too many pets.

My wife wanted a "small pond" she freaked when she saw my plan. Now she loves it and the calming sound of the waterfalls. Even my neighbors comment how they enjoy it from thier porch.

 

[sbutler08]

Those mermaids are perfect! Not sure if I could one in my tank though

 

[frogman_reefer]

Here's a pretend, real-life mermaid, but keep the "hot" comments to yourselves...it's my daughter!!!! Had to wait in line for this picture.

Good Dads don't mind the line for our girls! My daughters a lot younger but still very precious to me too!

 

[frogman_reefer]

Dang! thats awesome!

Thanks, I appreciate it. Lots of work, but like my reef tank, its a labor of love!

Let me know if you want any ideas, I used to design landscapes.

That's funny... just don't show her this thread

 

[frogman_reefer]

Ok, So I have yet to master the multithread replies. Hopefully you can make sense out of the last post.

 

[KJ]

Awesome job on your pond ,my wife used to keep a small one beside the house and keep it stocked beside the house but we have a raccoon problem ,they keep getting the fish!

 

[csreed]

Jeremiah,
Got to tell you, the photos of your water lilies were absolutely beautiful. Did you take them? If so, you've got a gift. Congrats on the pond, too - I'll bet it's wonderful to have in the backyard!