Well here we go again! A little over a year after building and introducing our first Koi to our small pond we noticed that he was quickly out growing it. Our interest in koi has also grown, and we wanted to increase our collection but soon realized to keep a nice collection of koi would require a larger and better designed pond. So after much debate we agreed to build a new larger "koi pond" and use the smaller one for water gardening and keeping a small collection of other fish types. Many hours were spent in the planning and research of this larger pond. The koi pond is 40" deep at its deepest point. 2000 gallon total which includes an 80 gallon reservoir for the water fall and 80 gallon bog area. The bog area is 1" higher than the main pond which forces the water to flow in one direction from the bog to the main pond. A Wave Dragon 1/4 hp pump is supplied with water via two 2" bottom/vacuum drains. The pump then pushes the water thru a 2.2 Aquadyne bead filter system from there we have the option to run the water thru an Aqua 57W Ultra violet filter. The clean water then travels to the water fall reservoir at 3000 or 3600 GPH depending on whether or not the water is passing thru the UV. The UV slow down the GPH. The spot we finally chose was between the greenhouse and the 4x8 structure we now call the pump house. This area posed a few problems but was perfect for viewing as it can be seen from the house and the patio. My wife was not very happy that all of the plants next to the pump house had to be relocated.
Digging begins - Plants moved and the basic layout is seen. You can also see the structure of the falls.
We built a cement collar around the pond to prevent collapses and to provide leveling.
This shows the water fall frame being built.
The area between the two block walls will be filled with dirt. all accept 16-18" from the top. This will provide a reservoir for the water falls.
The digging continues. Here we are making sure the collars are level.
Did we mention rain? It rained the whole summer. Finally I build a makeshift cover to keep the water out!
Digging to 40" proved to be a task since we ran into solid rock!
This is where the bog will flow into he main body of water. Stepping stones/rocks will be placed on this portion of the collar after we are finished installing the liner.
It is ALMOST time for the liner
Liner in! a little water is added to help us remove the folds from the liner. The sunny day helps heat up the liner.
The Aquadyne bead filter. I really like this filter!
Hey we have water flow!!
Here you can see the plumbing. Many speak of gravity fed bottom drains which requires the liner to be cut . We have a problem with cutting a perfectly good (non leaking ) liner. This system uses two 2" bottom/vacuum drains. Cutting the liner is not required and they work great! The skimmer also works great however it does fill with debris quickly in the fall. The plumbing will be tweaked later so it is hidden from view.
The water falls - The liner went over the concrete block wall. Then the rocks were dry stacked on top.
Everything working. The water is flowing counter-clockwise to help the bottom drains and skimmer do their jobs.
The reservoir for the water falls
A side not shown before:
Here is where we are today.
Much needs to be done to complete the pond. The final plumbing for the bog needs to be completed, it will be an up-flow design. In the spring we will build the deck. It will start against the side of the greenhouse and extend about one foot over the edge of the pond. Landscaping will also include a retaining wall for the back of the falls to help soften this area. Plants will need to be completed as well.
4 - 04
Finally got the remainder of the filter plumbing completed during the spring warm spell. Here is a picture of the filtration.
May - 04
New pictures showing the new deck. Cedar boards were used so that no chemicals from treated wood would leach into the water. Latus was added to the side of the Green house to soften the conversion and to provide a place for future vines to climb.
The four new Japanese Koi are adapting very well to their new environment!
The bucket is setting on the bottom of the pond, just shy of 4'.
June -04
The viewing area proved to be challenging due to the fact we DO NOT want ANY water run off during rain events. The contour of the land slopes towards the viewing area. First we built the wall. Then 6" of 2 A modified well tamped. The sub-base is sloped away from the pond towards the hill. Then we installed a drain where the hill meets the sub-base of the patio. 1" of sand was added, then the paving stones we carefully placed and tamped.
Before we started:
After the 2A was added, tamped and the proper slope.
Sand added!
Pavers added
A different View!
July - 04
The following pictures show the stepable plants that were added between the cracks of the wall blocks. We filled the "spaces" between the stones with a new type of sand that hardens over time. This is really nice because the sand does not wash away over time. The cedar patio has also been completed.
These plants are really coming to life
8-04
We are experiencing a string algae/blanket algae bloom. We are experimenting with a trickle tower/shower filter or TT. The simple idea is to run water over some form of media instead of the media being "in the water" The good bacteria "needs" oxygen. By nature water does not hold as much oxygen as the air around you. so by running water over the media allows for more oxygen which in turn allows for more "good bacteria" growth. The cycle (converting ammonia to nitrite to nitrAte) is better. Here's a picture of our experimental TT. We will definitely design a better looking filter if this experiment works.
9-04
Jets were also added. The jets mixes air into the water ( much like a hot tub) The more water thru the jets the more air.... The jets are at the bottom of the pond so getting a good picture was difficult after instillation. Also here is a picture of the pump house showing the new valve (s) for the jets.
2005
The falls
Completing the back of the water falls has proven to be a challenge. After almost 2years it was decided to finish by building a retaining wall and back fill. Then we will be able to add plants and erosion will not be an issue. We buried the base block and back filled with 6" of gravel before adding the dirt.
Before we started, what an eye sore!
May-05 Progress finally being made. The outer wall.
The second (inner) wall. We will add 1 more level to this wall then back fill.
Here we added an 100 gallon veggie filter that returns to the main pond by gravity
This smaller pond (bottom) is not connected to the main pond, It is designed to house our tropical water lilies during the summer. Not being connected to the main pond allows the water to "heat up"
Late in 05 I decided to heat the pond to extend the season. There are a lot of calculations to figuring out a heater but with friends and the internet I was able to make it.
Questions? comments?
