Tropical Fish Forums

Michael L.

I made a post a little while ago about 1500 gallon stocking, and I decided I will be keeping comets in there. Cheap, Grow fast, Cheap! Why not? Very Happy

I decided to dig it deeper so that it will be 5 feet deep. That should reduce the risk of freezing during the winter and predatory birds.

When the old pond was set up, my parents bought my grandparents (the pond owners) a pump for the pond. There is no filter attached, so I will have to get one/make one. Is it reasonable to make one, or is it cheaper or more realistic to just buy one?

My grandpa has this old hand pump for a well that he found. He wants me to rig it up to the pump so that the water looks like it is coming out of the pump. He also built a stone thing that looks like a well that we are putting beside the pond. That is where I plan on putting the filter.

I have another question... could I put a common pleco in this pond? The pond has a chance of getting about a 1/4 inch layer of ice on it in the winter. It can get to about -5 degrees celsius around here.

I will be planting the pond with anything I can find.I would like to get some water lillies or something, but I know a guy who owns a nursery, so it isn't a big deal. Are there any recommended plants?

Finally, how many comets should I put in this pond? I was hoping about ten once they are full grown. I will most likely grow them out in a 50 gallon rubbermaid, but they will end up in the pond.

Sorry to ramble on...
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Ganoderma · Members Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Location: Taiwan

I knew a guy in cobble hill who used to keep and breed high end koi. his problem was not jsut birds but cats and racoons. even 4 feet deep ponds were attacked. he fixed that by rebuilding all his ponds (most were above ground) and putting a lip in there for the fish to hide under.

if that makes any sense...I will try a crappy diagram. ~ is water Confused

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just an idea cause net looks ugly and hard for big ponds. saved him a bucket load of money!

ultra · Regulars Joined: 11 Apr 2003 Location: Essex, England

5 foot deep Shocked

Good luck!

Ganoderma · Members Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Location: Taiwan

oops sorry, can delete this haha. double post.

Michael L.

Michael L.

Oh right... I forgot to mention that we already dug 4 feet with a backhoe... I am assuming you meant that was really deep.
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Oscer · Exemplars Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Location: South Africa

I doubt you'll able to fit your filtration in the well but you can try.

OK, how DIY able are you? Would rather build a filter or buy one?

Probably the best filter you can buy is the Nexus filter

One very important point is THE BOTTOM DRAINS, if you want a clean bottom or the pond is under a tree you must incorporate bottom drains. Even If you don't have any of the mentioned, bottom drains are a must IMO, for you size pond. It just makes your life so much easer.
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Years of fish keeping = Good advice

Michael L.

Bottom drains are a going to be a bit difficult for me. The pond is basically built on clay. Not very friendly. I am pretty DIY and I have a DIY uncle coming over next weekend. I would like to build the filter before he comes, so that we can just throw in a liner and get the pumps going.

Have you got some DIY plans, Oscer? This is a major budget pond.
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Oscer · Exemplars Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Location: South Africa

Michael L.

Okay... mine will probably be a simplified version of yours. Could you go into detail how to make the Drum Fluidized bed filter, and the Drum bead filter, or do you have to buy them? I do not know how large the pump is, because it is not at my house right now.

Clarity is not much of a problem. We are using colourful fish, so you can see them anyways. I will be planting the tank moderatly. I would like to stock the pond with, say 20 Comets or something like that. If they die, I will only restock when I am down to 5 or so.

One other question... where do you even start when it comes to cycling a pond? It must take years if it is anything like in an aquarium... I will probably be using some bio bags from my home aquariums too.
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