Who has a pond? Any advice to share?

[Saver]

We're in the planning stages to build a small pond next spring. (Something like a 4'x6' or so.) I'm thinking of one with a liner with rock on the bottom and sides...and a water fall off to the side.

I'm just starting to research but am curious about a few things.

-Algae. Is it difficult to keep the water from being green? I can't imagine having enough plants in it to keep algae away, and considering you don't add CO2 to the pond. LOL

Is it possible to have a small pond that gets mostly sun without living with a constant algae bloom? (I'm not opposed to having lots of floating plants.)

-Would you not recommend putting a pond within 4 feet of a house foundation when you have a finished basement under the house? (I'm concerned about getting a leak and the possibility of ending up with a damp basement wall.) I could take a picture of the proposed space if anyone was really interested.

I'd be interested in any info or advice anyone wants to share. I'm just starting my research but can't help but ask some questions already.

 

[Tom Barr]

How close are you to the coast?

Deeper is better, gives the fish a place to hide from birds and raccoons.
Ponds are pretty easy to keep algae free at this scale.
Floating plants work wonders, no light, no algae.
Floating plants do not need CO2 enrichment

50% or higher surface coverage and the remainder? Plant submersed plants.
Get a jump on replanting around the last week in March if it's warm enough.

You can use a liner+ 4" clay seal.

You can also use a UV sterilizer

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Saver]

Thanks for the advice. I'm several hours from the coast.

My husband originally said no to a pond, but I knew it was only a matter of time before he folded. It'll really make this area look nicer.

 

[ceg4048]

Hi Saver,
As Tom pointed out pond plant have an advantage because when they emerge from the water CO2 is extracted directly from the air so no need to add it to the water. I recently moved into a house with a pond and I thought it would be a drag but it turns out to be a lot easier than a tropical aquarium. The water temperature is a lot lower assuming the pond is deep enough and for fertilizer I throw in some Miraclegrow every week which is relatively cheap. I started adding in Spring and the surface is almost covered by the lilies. All the green water is gone and it's crystal clear. The bullrushes are 8 feet tall. I do get a bit of hair algae but I use a toilet bowl scrubber brush to clean it out every week. The pond has no filter but it does have a pump for visual effects.

Cheers,