Clarke Koi Ponds inc. adopts an educated approach to pond construction. With Science, Logic and Nature to guide us, we can explain to you why you need a bottom drain while many suggest you do not. Why you need to invest in balanced approach to pond design instead of the next hyped piece of equipment new to the pond scene
Being able to substantiate advice with science and logic is what really matters. Unfortunately we speak with clients who have been told the incorrect information far too often. We take the time to explain what is right and wrong and the reasons why
The bottom line is, you must wade through the marketing and inexperienced opinion to reach the real facts.
Only then will your expectation level, pond design and budget intersect at the desired level
We will help you get educated "before" you build, instead of learning hard lessons "after" the build |
1) Knowledge
This comes from hands on experience and a good technical knowledge of pond construction. Attending conventions, studying other setups, talking to fellow enthusiasts, online forums etc are requirements. Getting the most out of the site and the budget is key
2) Know How
Vastly different from knowing what to do, knowing the step by step process is what really matters. Understanding the physics and the correct materials to use to get the job done properly is paramount. This is not the time for experimentation and small design details will add up significantly by the end of the build. Those without a lot of first hand building experience fall short here. Remember, many will talk the talk but can't walk the walk
3) Capability
Possessing the physical strength and dexterity and the proper tools and equipment is paramount. Those who have built even a small pond can attest to the time commitment required and the physical and mental challenges to overcome. Pond building is difficult and extracts a physical toll as power equipment can't do it all. Real pond builders have biceps, not pot bellies !
4) Talent
At the builds completion, the pond should look great. The stone work, plantings and overall impression should be visually attractive. The filter system and equipment chosen should all work in concert to maintain clear and healthy water with a realistic maintenance regime. Making it all translate into a finished product which is technically sound and aesthetically pleasing is part of the skill and savvy required. You need to be both technical and creative to build a great pond, generally most people are either one or the other |
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- Building the pond too small and/or too shallow
- Not allowing space for and/or not installing a proper filter
- Not installing a bottom drain
- Impulse buying, poor planning and rushing the job
- Overestimating your abilities and not enlisted the help of those with experience building ponds
- Trying to build a good pond with little or no money invested
- Buying expensive koi when neither you nor your pond are ready
- Under estimating the amount of time & money required to build a proper pond
- Not using the proper pond building techniques
- Hiring someone who has a novice level of knowledge (ie. nurseries, landscapers)
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Here are some clues that will tell you that your pond has been IMPROPERLY constructed...
- The pump and/or filter are located within the pond itself
- There is no bottom drain
- There is no external filtration system
- Your water is dirty a lot of the time
- You can see the bare liner around the waterline
- Fish get sick or die with regularity
- You have to do a lot of maintenance to keep the pond clean
- There is rock placed throughout the ponds bottom
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Concrete Collar
A ring of rebar reinforced concrete sets the level for the pond. It also defines the site during excavation, stops side wall crumbling and provides a stable and level base for the stone work
Pads and footings should also be poured for waterfalls and larger stone - these should be tied into the collar
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Pond Depth
Regardless of climate, a good pond will have a deep section of at least 5 feet, 7' preferred
Fish kept in shallow ponds experience a baseline level of stress because they do not feel safe. A deep pond also provides a stable environment without rapidly fluctuating temperatures and water quality |
Bottom Drain
With a properly dug shell, the bottom drain will remove all debris from the ponds bottom out to the external filter
The bottom drain is essentially a 24/7 vacuum, constantly removing detritus from your pond
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External Filters
Properly sized external filters [minimum 10% of ponds volume] should be easy to clean and provide good water quality for your fish. Any filter that will fit in the back seat of your car has been designed for just that, not to filter a pond effectively. Undersized filters mean lots of maintenance
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Liners & Underlayment
A heavy duty 45 mil E.P.D.M. liner is a solid choice for longevity - PVC should be avoided. Protecting the liner with the proper geosynthetic underlayment is imperative. Carpeting, newspaper and sand provide some protection but are flawed choices
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Liner Taping
After being carefully placed in the pond shell, the liner is folded to keep wrinkles to a minimum. Folds are taped down with liner tape for both aesthetics purposes and to help eliminate dead spots. Wrinkled liner will block and accumulate debris
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Skimmers
Skimmers remove surface scum and debris. However, if you plan on having floating water plants and don't have trees around your pond, you may choose to go without one
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Aeration
Both filtration and aeration are keys to success in any fish pond. I have yet to see a pond that is not overstocked and nitrification relies heavily on sufficient oxygen content so try to maintain 90%+ saturation at all times
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Jets
Jets are great as they provide water quality enhancing re-circulation which also exercises the fish developing their musculature. Koi get bored and need stimulus - jets provide this
We have success using about 1,000 g.p.h. for each jet and you want to have at least 2 jets in place
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Pumps
Hi-efficiency, non-submersible pumps are utilized most of the time. They consume less hydro and last longer than submersible pumps. They are more expensive initially but provide much better value over time
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Physics
Understanding how the whole system will optimally function in the most efficient manner is paramount
A quick example...
I have seen many jobs were water is being pumped in excess of 30 feet (to the head of a stream for example) instead of being gravity fed to a drum and pumped only a short distance - this is poor design |
Finishing Touches
The all important aesthetics means that no liner, wires, piping or anything manmade is visible. This requires more time than you think and a trick or two
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If you would like to contract Clarke Koi to construct your pond, you should book a consultation. You will receive our 22 page pond pricing guide and Randall will visit your site to discuss the project in depth
The Pricing Guide goes over what's involved in building a pond, with sample pond sizes and prices. It is not a "how to build a pond guide" but rather a breakdown of the construction process and the costs involved
For more info on the construction process and pricing, please see the Pricing page |
