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Building your own solar set up is relatively easy. You will need device to operate (Pump and UV?) You will need to know how much current each device uses (Then add the totals) You will need batteries for when there is no sunshine. (The batteries will need to be big enough to operate when there...

"OATA is reminding retailers to only sell Japanese rice fish or Medaka (Oryzias species) for indoor aquariums and to ensure customers understand they cannot be kept in outdoor ponds or barrels." It was also debated on this forum in 2022

Just saying..............

Solar-powered pond equipment sounds great, but in my experience that is as far as it goes. Anything solar-powered needs to have the solar panel at the "optimal direction/angle" that will not be easy being on a balcony. :confused: Then you have the problem of "not enough sunshine" to power your...

I figured by the volume that it is not small, and there is NO CHANCE of it ever drying up. With a pond that size, I think the only thing you have to worry about is anything falling in and not being able to get again, to that amends I suggest you add some steady rocks or bricks to a shelf, so...

Yes, it does say that. ...............And it was done like that as they knew no different. (Before the Internet became popular) and was it a problem? no. Additional filtration should be used if there is high stock level, and or no "natural filtration" or if you want crystal clear water all...

Why?

Did you know you should stagger the blocks, or judging by the lack of cement, is this just a dry run? Might I also suggest you leave a gap or put an offcut of a hose under one block, so you can run the pump cable through it.

Your pond, your choice.

Don't worry about it, 99% of ponds are never balanced, it's just a goal that is never achievable since one day its ok, next day it rains and changes the "balance" so long as it is not choked with plants or decaying matter and looks nice, don't worry, enjoy what you have.

If those are you actual dimensions of the hole, don't forget to add 2 feet to both sides of the actual liner and underlay. It allows for you to have "overhang" that you use to secure the liner with.

I assume you mean "Outlet" as in somewhere to plug (Your lawn mower) into? You will soon discover that one socket is never enough. I would suggest you need at least 4. One for a pump, a U.V. maybe some lights and one for the lawnmower. If you go down that route I would suggest a few of these...

You could use off cuts of liner to go over the edges of the breeze block, then fold the pool liner over the offcuts, most folk rely on the weight of the breeze block above to secure the liner, but I would suggest the pool liner only covers half the breeze block width, so you can put cement on...

Measuring your pond and adding enough room so you can easily walk around all sides would be a good place to start.

So long as the old liner is clean (No debris/stones etc) it will be ok, as the old liner will act as an underlay. (My pool has 4 layers, don't ask)

I posted this on its own as it is a separate debate, not a reply to Jorge. I was not 100% sure of airlift pumps, so I have been "having a look round" and what follows is what I have found, please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, or similar. Air lift pump: 1)They use an air pump instead...

Sorry Jorge, I do not know what you do know. Not all ponds have a pump, some folk are very successful in "balancing a pond" but having said that, there is no guarantee it will work. With this in mind most pond owners will opt to have a UV unit, biological filter and a filter pump*, In order...

Sorry to ask, but is this wise? I understand why, its because the solar pump jet is too high, but I am thinking : 1) Anything that is in or on the timber will be washed into the "pool" 2) Water will (eventually) run or soak the timber and drip off the edge, reducing the entire volume. I would...

Just saying............ a "generic floating pond heater" is not designed to heat the entire pond volume, it will only heat a small area around the heating element itself, the idea being it stops ice forming a complete seal on the water, and in so doing it does allow for gases to exchange. To...

I have accidentally left bubble wrap outside, and it did not last long, although not insulated as well I would suggest a tarpaulin, very cheap too.

Is it me? or does that frog look grumpy?

Would it not depend on how much insulation that "green house" can provide as to if it will work or not? Personally I think it looks way too thin. But to be fair, the cold we had last time was very unusual. (Yes, my pond and fountains froze solid for a few weeks)

I am guessing these are "baby newts"?

May I ask for more details on the lights (Brand, watt, how many you can have etc) Please. :)

Herons are not stupid, I have seen them (Search YT) land and step over fishing line (Suspended around edge) walk up from an unprotected end of a pond, the easiest way to keep your fish is cover it completely in a net or frame with a net, anything with holes herons will get through. There is also...

My understanding is that koi poop a lot, so rather than having to scrape/clean the bottom of the pond a bottom drain is installed. (The pool floor runs all directions pointing to said drain) So to achieve this the easiest way is run the bottom drain pipe past the perimeter to a "large tank"...

................And here is one of the newts (Taken about 7 minutes ago)

Just remembered I hadn't locked the shed, while there I looked in the pond, and although they were very tiny I saw at least 3 newts swimming/hiding from my torch. (I think that's what they were) so I am pleased to say, I have life in the pond. Going to try and get a picture of one later today.

Hedgehogs too :eek: I have never seen one round here. I don't have any frogs either :( I even made "bug homes" yep, no bugs, I also planted some "meadow flower" seeds, none of them either. Many years ago had loads of frogs, but none recently. But I did see a bumble bee the other day, so...

I have had various ponds over the years, lost count of how many I have visited, and they all have one thing in common....................blanket weed. Some folk will never have any for years, then poof, loads of it. There is only one genuine cure that works 100% of the time, you can go online...

May I suggest that as you have a floating solar fountain, you tether it to something (Brick?) so it / its jet can not get too close to the edge. The reason being that although the jet is never powerful, it can be (and is) high, and this over time can empty the pool (I have almost had it happen)

Only asking, how are you going to make a cable that is flexible and only designed for temporary use "well protected" so it can survive the extremes of weather and being accidentally hit? Who is going to know? You should only do the job once, do it right first time, as it often costs less as...

Just my 2p worth. On the face of it, it looks like it may be suitable, but when you take a good look............................ About this item Product 1: WEATHERPROOF AND ROBUST: From Masterplug, the double inline socket extension lead, has an IP54...

The jury is still out on that one. Some say that a pond WILL achieve "natural balance" on its own, some say doesn't work. Me? I am sitting on the fence, I have seen some ponds that "always stay clear" .....................except that time last year when it all went green. (So it didn't stay...

I had the same in a tiny pond I have, the conclusion I have come to is, too much sun (Heats the water and evaporates it) so remaining water gets even hotter and more concentrated and plants roots become exposed, as they are exposed they get burnt. Only solution is to keep water topped up, unless...

The only other "solar collector" I know of heats water, which would be no use in this case. If you could find such a device that was electric, you would need at least two of the "collector/storage" devices, so you could charge one and use the other. Sadly you can't use a car battery either, well...

In general pond filters have a UV light and need to run 24/7 As far as I am aware there is no cheap off the shelf solar solution. The main problem with it being solar is you need a battery to store energy for when the sun is not shining (night as the bio filter must run 24/7) Batteries that can...

Pictures? But particularly in this weather keep the pool topped up.

Never heard of a frog house before, when I get the opportunity I will try that.

Your pond is looking good, but as you are "sorting it out" may I suggest you get rid of the grass at the back now, it's not too long, but give it a few years, it will grow and the only option to cut it is a strimmer, which will then send everything into the pond, trust me, its no fun fishing...

You may have seen them, but not known what they are for. (When I first saw one, I had no idea what it was) This is a pre made one. I made my own version, I found some odd 3 x 2 cut it to about 4 inches and drilled lots of mostly small holes in the end, then I thought what a waste, so I...

Looks nice, a few observations. 1) If its not too late move the pond further in, or make the pond not so wide (Front to back) the reason being, when you need to get to the back of the pond (Maintenance etc) you will not have enough room to walk without falling in :p. I suggest it be at least...

@Ian61 Thank you. You will take more pictures? May I suggest you put a short piece of hose under a coping stone for the pump cable to run through. That way you can change it when the need arises, don't use rigid pipe as it may damage the cable, and if you really want to be ambitious, put in 2...

Looks nice, what did you "paint" it with? How are you going to get the cable in for the pump that will power the water chute? (Presuming the spigot protruding from the wall is connected to the back of the water chute?)

I wouldn't put the sludge back in, leave it near the new pond and let anything that moves to make its own way back, the sludge is dead and may deplete the water of oxygen. Garden soil is often full of things you don't want or need, aquatic compost is sterile and doesn't float, it can be...

Have you tried asking Hozelock? They have a contact/email page which you can read if you Click here

I would also suggest you either add more water to the ponds, or lower the edges. The reason is there is too much liner exposed, you will be ok for a while, but sunshine breaks down liners (As I said, not instantly) I also suggest that you take away some of the rocks and make a beach area, which...

It used to be said the preferred method is to fill your pond with collected rain water. It is not as straightforward as you may think. It all starts with the air quality where you live, so if (there shouldn't be) smoke in the air, this can change the ph of the water. (You have heard of acid...

I believe bitumen would kill off any aquatic life too.

:)

I had no idea how much a "GRP Kit" costs so I googled and the smallest I found is £100 o_O (But it does say covers 2 sq M, but then there will be 2 sides and a bottom to cover) and what insulation foam? I can not help but think that GRP is too expensive . If it were me (and it isn't) I would...

It's the join in concrete that is the problem. People have tried, but always end up wishing they hadn't started in the first place. Even if it looks ok at first, the additional concrete will contract, causing a leak. If you want a bigger pond, you should demolish everything you have and start...

How did you arrive at the figure of 148 cm? Why not look at "plant troughs" you could stack or interconnect them. Much cheaper than having something custom-made from fibreglass. (You have to find a company who will do it for you, then there is the cost of a one off mould, and shipping to you.)...

I presume you check the water quality often? You obviously change the UV tubes as and when required, clean the filter sponges like wise, You know what they say.....................if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Or the other way is, yes, add 3 large round filters, 6 more short UV's carry out...

What problems are you having? What is the make/model of your pump? When did you last change the UV lamps? How many koi? How big are the koi? Any other fish? Pictures of the pond?

Filters take a while to "mature" (start working properly) It would be pointless running one for a few weeks

If it is 18 inches up, could you not consider burying it in the garden to make it lower? Once your froglets have 4 legs they will be off never to return, its a sad fact, that is why there are so many as most will not survive. Adult frogs are often looking for a place to live, but believe it or...

I would say it doesn't really matter what you use when topping up a pond, since unlike a fishtank a pond is outside and as soon as it rains the water chemistry changes. Some say you should use a dechlorinator, but unless you know how much water you are adding to your pond how much dechlorinator...

Its nice, but I was always under the impression that a GRP pond should be buried, or at least have a "wall" around it and the space filled in. The idea being to give it support and to protect its outer surface from the elements.

As far as I can tell, it can not be sealed by anything that is "Painted on" Since it is decking, decking gets walked on, this will mean that anything that seals it will get worn away, assuming that the green gloss paint does not lift/crack first. Also the pond itself would need protection from...

I would suggest that if you haven't already I would empty the pond and clean it and refill to get rid of the floating paint. As for the decking............. The paint will start to crack and flake off. You could try a pressure washer, BUT you would have to stop the run off going into the pond...

Four years ago I posted about a "Thermostat" I installed Click here Just to say, it now controls all my water features, and it is still working.

Just saying.......... looking round the internet it seems that most people who buy a genuine half whiskey barrel with the idea of turning it into a water feature actually do put a liner in it as they are known to cause problems. Smelly / dark coloured water, one person I was reading about was...

I would fill it with water first before you dig a hole.

Sorry, I can not help you with that, I have had a look through the forums, and you do seem to be the first to mention it. If you go ahead, perhaps you could take pictures etc? it may help someone in the future.

It does not look like a sticky from here. I presume you mean drum as in drum filter for your pond? and what exactly do you mean by drum filter? (There are two types. 1) An old drum that is used as a filter. 2) A filter drum that actually rotates.)

Hello, not sure if you already know, but just adding to what zozo said, a fish pond also needs a filter, the "all in one" filters are a waste of money and they have high failure rate. So you would be better off with an external filter. The pond water should flow through the filter at least once...

When I need a new pump, I already know which one I want, so I look at all sites selling that pump and see who is selling it for the least (including shipping) Long gone are the days when you could say "Go to XYZ site they are the cheapest" I have even seen prices change from one month to the...

It's a shame to see any pond go, but fish do need a lot of looking after. You could have considered a fountain. Why have got a net over your pond when you have no fish?

What about those baskets that don't need hessian (Allegedly) The ones with the very tiny holes. I am thinking anything made of fabric will either collapse, let things grow though it, or just turn into "mush"

Below just a random pond I found on the internet, it has living plants in and around the water. Below is the pond in question, it has no living plants in or around the water, it does have dead material in it.

I might be wrong but is that rotting timber, dead roots and what ever in the middle of the "pond". I can't help but wonder is the water stagnant? Anything dead decays and gives off toxic gas which removes oxygen from the water. Why not pump out all the water (Buckets at hand to keep...

I am just trying to understand, hence the many questions. I am guessing you are going to have a floating skimmer? Yes, leaves in the pond are not welcome. I have a few in mine now. How close will this pond be to the trees? its just that (and I don't know where your pond is in relation to the...

I presume this is to be a raised pond? will any of it be below ground?

You are lucky, all we ever get is wood pigeons.

They don't ship. The website clearly says

I do not agree entirely.o_O Kevlar does stop bullets from penetrating it, tree roots are not bullets, tree roots will continue to grow and force anything out of its way without the need to penetrate it. A pond would end up having "lumps and bumps" where tree roots are pushing kevlar out of...

There is another consideration, if your pond was under a tree, when its autumn where will all the leaves go? 😟 Leaves if left in a pond will rot and decay depriving the water of oxygen, so killing the pond, yes you can fish them out, or put a net over it, but it's easier to not put it near a...

What food are you using now, and why are you looking for another brand? (No point in recommending one you already have)

I wouldn't recommend doing that. Lime that is in the cement is Toxic to fish. If you really want to use cement, let it dry, then coat it with a sealant such as G4.

As with most pumps, you can turn a big pump down, you can't turn a small pump up.

Seeing as it looks like this pond is for decorative purposes :headphone: why not build a water feature instead? Easier to build, less maintenance and will sound nice from your "sun deck"

Foxfish is not wrong. How will you get to the back of your pond? From here it looks like the fence is too close. Where will you "move them on" to? Koi really do grow fast and need a lot of looking after, I really would not recommend them for a beginners pond Have you decided how to return...

I presume the "rocks" are where you are thinking of putting it?

🥳

It is. But you give the impression that you want one air pump to run at least 2 "air lifts" or is this not the case?

As with any pump, make sure it is suitable for the task for which you intend to use it. I note that the small "air lift pipe" you link to requires 150 L/min of air to be good.

Kezzab, that is much better than the first one :) (Yes, it's not my cup of tea, but it is much better)

Like I said, wait till chinwag decides. He may have 3 pools, but may only want it for one or two.

But what if he hasn't :) Joking aside, everyone has their own opinion. Best let chinwag decide.:nailbiting:

I am only saying............. You can buy a small pond water pump for around the same price as a small air pump, and you don't need to "make anything" to make it work. I do admit, I can see the "fun" value in making it yourself, but the parts will add to the cost. Speaking of parts, I notice...

Not being funny, but it depends on what you want the pump to actually do. You can get small mains operated pumps, and as you have found out, solar pumps are a waste of space, and usually money.

I guess someone has to tell you, so................ It still shows. We (collectively) are trying to help. I quite understand that you want to make a wildlife pond, and that you want it to look nice, but rushing it is not going to help. Your idea is good But not only should it be built...

Fake herons ? you may want to read the discussion we had about them last year, click here

If you turn a bucket of water upside down it falls out because it has no reason to stay there and gravity pulls it down. If you fill a container with water, put it in a body of water and turn the container upside down you can slowly lift the container up until its edge is just sitting on the...

Leave it as it is for a few days to let it finis settling in, and the lier moving, then finish the edges. How deep is it?

Just my thoughts. A lot of folk say use carpet before you lay the underlay, but after a few years the carpet rots to nothing, meaning the liner is vulnerable.

kadoxu, is that a box of Oase lights sitting on the bottom shelf?

How will that work? skimmer takes stuff from the surface