How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Proper rock placement during pond construction is an important step. Take your time placing rock work in your pond for stability, structural support, and visual appeal. Learn construction tips, tricks and techniques used by pond professionals.
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I like the way you have dug out your pond. Eliminating the middle bench makes for more water volume and more room for the fish! I love it! Our clients LOVE the fish cave installation. I have so many testimonials from clients saying without the cave the HERON would have cleaned their pond out! If you can, ADD THE CAVE DURING EXCAVATION!
And I should mention I never heard of or seen the fish cave demonstrated until you had it in a video sometime back in one of your older demonstrations. A great idea and I'm a full believer in it. You do great work. Thx for all the tips.
Great suggestion! We do this in most of our installs! This video series was slow to come together but FAST in the same regard. We missed this step in the instructions! Guess that means we will need to move into another video presentation so we can teach more great tips and tricks. Thanks for the comment!
We dry stack and backfill the rocks we are installing in the pond and then we lock them all together with expanding waterfall foam. They are not as stable as concrete but done correctly you will have very stable rock work.
Absolutely love the waterfall foam idea, I'll definitely remember this tip.
I use the stuff like it's going out of style! Love it!
The granite we are using is plentiful in our region and is considered a river rock as well. I would definitely suggest looking for a local rock source to keep your project in budget. Bringing in rock from other states can cost quite a bit of money because of trucking. If you are purchasing the stone from a local rock yard tell the sales rep you are building a fish pond and ask him what kind of rock the local pond pros are using for installations.
We are purchasing rock from our local quarry and or rock yards. Some of the local DIYer's do collect rock for their pond.
Would it be okay to leave the bottom and sides empty in a huge pond? what would you recommend for it? there is no way I could buy that much rock for suck a big pond.
EXACTLY!! Thanks for your reply!
Good tip. All along this series I was wondering what you would do with that steep wall to keep the rocks from eventually falling down. I like the use of small rocks & waterfall foam sealant to lock those in place. Almost like you're mortaring them solid. A good tip. I'll remember that, thanks. Otherwise, if you keep doing 8 inches down, 8 inches down for every level, you need a big footprint for the size of your pond if you want a deep pond. Plus that'd be uniform which we don't want.
On this pond we will use approximately 6 to 7 tons of rock because we will be using several large stones around the pond, skimmer, exterior edges and in the waterfall.
I've watched your entire series her. It's so informative. You've illustrated so many problem areas. So great!
I'm renovating our pond that was here when we moved in 21 years ago. I've emptied it totally to 2" water in the bottom (3rd time in 20 years) It's 52" deep and app. 48" to 62" kidney shaped.. I have varying benches around 2 walls at app. 6' - 8" from the top. The walls go straight down to the bottom.
Do I absolutely need to rock the walls from the bottom? It wasn't originally. Do you have any suggestions or tips I could follow for my best solution?
Could I text you a photo?
Rock through out the pond is not completely necessary. Consider not doing such vertical tall walls on the dig because we use the rock to support the excavation. If you do smaller 8" steps then your excavation will be fine. FUN FACT: The UV from the Sun is no longer damaging at 36" deep. Be sure to use pond liner that is UV tolerant if you plan on leaving the liner exposed to the sun. Good Luck!
Much Thanks!!!
Great demos, Eric! On an 8'x11' pond, how long should a do-it-yourselfer expect to spend on rocking in a pond? Assume a maximum of three workers who aren't as experienced in selecting/placing rocks like your team.
Hi Eric, what happens if you loaded all of your rocks in the pond and later you discover that there is a leak? How would you find it? ALSO, I noticed that you didn't put a second liner below, do you recommend a liner below and if so, which type of liner?
Thanks again, your videos are AWESOME!
Roughly 6 to 8 tons. Wait till you see the size of the monster rocks we wrestle into the waterfall by hand.
You can still use concrete if you wish.
how many videos did you make but very good on making the ond
In the ponds i build i add a cleanout hole at the bottom just to be able throw a pump in for spring cleanouts, do you ever do this? Your videos are great, keep up the good work.
I used to rock the Casbah, but now I rock the pond
That pond really turned into somethin else
+UpsideDown Aquatics Thanks for watching!
My first pond I made was a smallish I'd say 7x8 pond and only 2 levels deep. Probably a max of 24 inches deep. There's a funny saying that goes "Anything less than 8x8 is a dinner plate" :P Anyways, that pond would routinely get raided by raccoons in the summer. One night saw a family of 5 of them. After that, I would always recommend a fish cave. That and get some good depth in your pond so your fish can get away. Raccoons like to perch on the side and stick their hands in to snag the fish.
Really appreciate the tutorial! How much rock did you use in this build? Like 1 or 2 tons? I have a similar sized pond and am wondering how much I will need to complete the coping and the rocks under the water. Thanks!
Thank you, Only half sleeves.
Both types of stone we are using is a GRANITE.
This might be a stupid question and you may have already answered it at some point but do you have to use so much stone for inside the pond
I have watched all of your great videos and you have inspired me to build my own pond. I am building it in about a 13x13 area that is in between my sidewalk and porch. I made the pond 5' in the deepest area. I have run into a few problems that I need some advise with. I built a retaining wall for one area that needed to hold the weight of the waterfall. It is very muddy where I live and just had two of the other sides cave in when I was draining the pond. We backfilled the pond as we filled it in a few areas. My problem now is that I need to either build two more vertical cinder block walls or come up with another solution. I would like to rick the inside but didn't know how much weight the rocks would support. It is hard because I am in a small area with a deep pond. I would love any advise! Is there any way I could send a few pics?
how much does this pond cost in total
if doing a wall 3 foot tall would you use foam or mortar ? would mortar hurt fish due to ph ?
Hello eric, one question,. How do you calculate how many rocks you need to buy?, I´m in that step right now. 1square meter for the same size you have in this pond will be too much or it is ok?. Thanks again.
Hey Rai, that's a great question. Here is a how you can really get down to the figure. Measure the length and depth of each shelf. A ton of 10" to 12" rocks will go approximately 20 linear feet. With this math measured against your shelves should be able to put you on the right track.
If I have a pond that is 16 foot diameter, I will measure the circle and then determine how many 2 foot rocks I will need to complete the installation of the coping stones. Keep in mind I will mix in a couple 3', 1 foot and a foot and a half rocks to break up the look.
Keep in mind the density of the rock we install could be very different than what material you have available to you so you will have to weigh and measure a ten foot section of stone to determine your numbers for the calculations.
I typically will want to error on the side of having too much rock rather then not enough. When we finish with the project and we have some extra stone left over we will work the material into the landscape around the water feature.
I hope that answers your question. It's a little work to figure it out but it's worth it.
Be sure to send me a video link of your pond when complete. Let me know if you need anything else.
Many Thanks Eric, I´m building a 3x2 meters pond with 80 cm of deep. I all ready buy the rock so I buy 1square meter of big rock, and half of a square in little gravo, that is mixed with a little medium. When I look at all the stones, all together, it looks like there is too much big rock and I will need more medium size. I also buy a gorgeous flat stone with nice orange and gray colors in it.
I will made a complete video about it, but now I´m in pause by the liner, the client has a old liner we buy 3 years ago for this project, but, they used for another thing and when I check it I count at least 10 holes in it. So I´m not sure if I should buy another one or repair this one. In Chile is very difficult to buy liner. Actually we don´t have the one you use.
What ever happened to the pond digger? When i built my pond years ago they were more active on youtube. They had the best pond content by far.
Great video! Which material do you use to stick on the rock ?? Can it be toxic for the fishes ?
Any chance you could put links to where we can buy the products you are using (i.e. the "Waterfall Foam") in the Description section above. Or mention that in the video? Not only would it help in purchasing it, it would also help to know what brand, type, etc. you are using and what you trust for yours. Thanks!
I would like to see you take your time and not try and blow the thing out!! If you have a couple guys with you and work efficiently I would say give yourself three weekends. This pond will be something you will cherish for many, many years!
What if something goes wrong with the pond (a leak for example) how on earth could you fix it once this has been done? Looks great but the idea also makes me nervous!
Hi - thank you for the videos! Can you use waterfall foam in damp conditions or do the surfaces need to be completely dry?
hi eric I am building a pond but my walls will be 2-3 feet high is water foam ok or do I need to use mortar and how does mortar affect water quality ?
All of your videos are awesome! I'm about to covert a 38' X 22' in ground pool into a pond. I'm guessing it's 28,000 gallons. Any recommendations?
Joseph Robinette ruclips.net/video/ZTHStnI_B6I/видео.html I found this video of a couple that turned their swimming pool into a pond.
How do you stack your rocks in the bottom if you have a deeper ended pond with a higher wall maybe closer to 5 ft?
So my fear is that the rocks will fall down eventually, what's stopping the rocks from falling?
Eric, with fish tanks you have to be careful about what types of rocks you use because certain types can negatively impact the pH. Isn't that the same with ponds?
I'm trying to build my own turtle pond and I have found your videos extremely helpful, so thank you for explaining and demonstrating everything. I am also on a budget. Do you know where to find inexpensive materials? I.E. rocks, fish tunnels, and plants?
Hey Daniel you can sometimes find used equipment on craigslist, collect your own rock, adopt some fish and offer to help clean someone's pond for some aquatic plant clippings! Hope that helps! Go after it.
I've got several goldfish in my kids' old swimming pool, 56in Deep by 28ft Diameter circular, its fed by the gutters from my woodshop metal roof, aerated by a water pump piped back up to the down spout for the gutter, water drops 5ft between end of down spout and water line, we've had fish in it for 3yrs now. Kids started using city pool so much, I decided to make our pool my experiment...
My question is, if the water is 56inches deep, do I still need a cave for my fish? And if so, what would you suggest?
I know you said you were using granite, but that type of stone seems hard to find back east. Do you like granite due to availability, performance or appearance? River rock is plentiful here, but I have heard it may be more prone to algae development. What do you think?
Approximately how many tons of what size stone groups did this build require? Which kit is this? I want to some what replicate it.
Have you ever used lava rock and boulders on any of ponds. Or can you? Thanks
Is there any type of stone you do not want to use in the Pond?
Did you pick the rock at the source or just take a load of stone delivered?
is it necessary to have the bottom of the pond walls filled with the stones?
+David Tross not necessarily.
Ok great thank you
Can there be colorful pebbles on the pond floor and then big rocks for the pond walls thanks
Alex Munoz Yes!
Yeah, I've heard that 8 x 8 dinner plate saying...... ;)
how do you feel about placing under llayment behind large rock. Just for extra protection from tear in liner
Let's do this!
Hi Eric, could you give me some idea of how many tubes of waterfall foam I would need to secure the stone in a pond 17ft x 14ft x 4.5 ft Cheers
Brad Watson I would say around 5, maybe 6
ThePondDigger Thanks for the advice eric.
What kind of foam is it? i live in Denmark and here we don´t have "waterfall foam"
Do the foam have a different navn?
I really enjoy all your youtube films!
Look to see if you can find expanding construction foam for windows and doors. Thank you for watching.
Where do you get rocks to rock in a pond? Do you buy them or collect them?
on a 4' vertical wall, would it be safe to use some mortar instead of foam?
Hi Eric, great videos, your techniques are really helpful! I am trying to seal the all the cracks between my rocks but i don't have in my country any of these waterfall foam, does a standard polyurethane foam can be used? do i need also to glue/silicone the rocks? thanks.
hades410 We used a yellow polyurethane foam for a decade before black waterfall foam was available! Go for it, just make sure the foam doesn't have a fire retardant!!!!
I am interested in building a rectangular fish pond with concrete instead of a liner. Please let me know if its ok to continue.
Sebit Ramadhan Absolutely ok....
Do you have to rock the entire inside of the pond?
I was wondering if it would be fine to use a cheaper skimmer since the helix skimmer is a bit over my budget?
+Kevin Cortez Here is a decent skimmer that is affordably priced - theponddigger.com/product/easypro-mini-pond-skimmer-with-filter-brushes/
We installed hundreds of these before the Helix Pond Skimmer was brought to the market.
Here is a video of the installation process of that skimmer - ruclips.net/video/JCocxYPfWd8/видео.html
Best of luck to you on your project. Thank you for support.
I the video at about 3:18 -- is that large boulder -- and the one you placed at 4:10 -- just sitting on the rocks you used to line the sides? I don't think there is a shelf there at the destination point, so I wonder what the coping stones are resting on?
they poor a concrete ring around the pond.
would you recommend a porous rock at the bottom for better bacteria growth?
I want to do this and want to know all items needed and what you charge? If you dont mind me asking?
i am currently digging my pond now but instead of digging out the typical 3 levels i just dug out 2 the first one is one shovel deep n the second (bottom level) is approx. 30" deep. Should i of made it 3 levels instead? and also how critical is installing a hideout like the one you made for your fish? i do plan eventually on putting in fidh into mine.
Is it necessary to add rocks at the bottom of your pond? The rock is so expensive and I'm trying to cut some costs.
where can i find stones like that? ive tried the obvious, ie homedepot/lowes, quarries/rockyards, etc. but they all have small stones that are uniform in shape and size/color. i want a variety for a more natural look. anything other types of place that you think i could try?
so in weekend warrior terms... how many pick up truck loads would that be?
What if a fish dies in the fish cave and you don't notice? Is it going to cause problems for the water and other fish, or is it no problem?
swdis00 It's never been a problem for us. If you loose a big fish in a small pond you could certainly experience a spike in ammonia. A small fish in a large pond is not a big issue for a good life support system.
why do you get water under the liner?
what thickness is the pond liner, ive been looking for stuff but all i can find is 0.3mm thick, is that strong enough for the rocks
What is the best type of rock for koi ponds?
Thanks
+James Buckley We love using granite.
do you need so many stones? or can you just get a few
Really depends on your pond design. Did you download our Pond Design Guild on our website? Visit www.theponddigger.com to download it asap!
What type of pond liner is that?
Does it have to be stone can view use bricks?
What thickness is good? Is .5mm good enough?
what is the advantage of having an intake bay over a skimmer, if any?
Eric, How much rock will you need to rock in this size pond?
is the water fall foam toxic and will it be safe for my turtles
about how much should you charge a client for this size of pond?
So. Those rocks wont move at all?
where do you find the stones
Can you use Sandstone in the ponds ? My property has lots of 5 to 10 pound sandstones .
Sandstone slowly breaks down over time. Without proper routine maintenance, sand will build up in the filter mats and floss/lava stone bags. This will reduce filtration of debris and organic material. Resulting in poor water clarity and living conditions for life. Some sandstone is ok , but not too much.
where can you buy waterfall foam if not, is there another way to secure the rocks
+DoPhY Waterfall foam is available all across America. If you live out of the country you may need to use some cement to secure your stones.
can you do a vid on how to secure it with cement please
is it necessary to put rocks?
+Jude Jacinto No there are many ways to build a pond.
are we still allowed to use concrete?
do you have any reps or recommend contractors in the Dallas area?
About how much does this pond cost in materials including the pond kit?
+George Batton Materials for this pond was ball park 3,500 to 4,000
Guess I better start saving lol. BTW, I live in an are that gets lots of leaves in the fall. Is it better to put the pond far away from trees?
Where can I buy the rock foam? What is it exactly?
How much did all this cost
I am 13 and and want to build a pond. I don't want to spend the bulk of my money on rocks, where is a good store that I can buy cheap rocks from like Lows or Home Depot
What is that foam?
I live in VA, where the temperature below 32 degree F, how much depth of the pond do I need for Koi fishes ?
+Dai-Nghia Nguyen You wont need a certain depth if you use a pond heater.
Where do you get all of the big rocks?
+Anal “Negro” Avocado From our local rock material yard.
Ok
How deep is that pond?
hat type of rock are you using
Nice tattoo. is it a full suit?
Is it a bad idea to build a pond, and not put fish in it? I live in Minnesota, so I feel like it would be too much work to try and keep the fish alive. I know you can take steps to make sure the pond doesn't freeze, but I would rather avoid that. THANKS!
+Jaime Rossiter You can use small minnows in the pond. I think the extra effort to keep fish is worth the it.
where do you buy the flome?
Here is a link to the foam we use.
theponddigger.com/product-category/installation-tools/black-waterfall-foam/