We have dug a 4m by 1m by 600cm rectangle for a new pond, with straight sides. We have been advised to concrete the base and sides for stability. When this is done, what sort of liner should be best? Is butyl best or too inflexible at .75mm, as I don't want to get the cheapest or thinnest pvc. Would an underlay also be needed? We don't plan to have fish but only a few plants perhaps, like water lilies. Advice please also on a pump and filter if required. Any help appreciated as we are complete novices.
Advice on a new pond
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Mmathis
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Hello and welcome!
Can you clarify your measurements? Which numbers are length and width and which is depth?
Definitely your liner should be your biggest investment. EPDM is what most recommend, .45mil. No, you really don’t want PVC, though some have had success with using it (I haven’t , though). Yes, an underlayment is advised — it’s best to protect your liner.
There are so many types of pumps and filters, and everyone has their favorite. If you want plants, you can’t go wrong with a bog-type filter system.
Can you clarify your measurements? Which numbers are length and width and which is depth?
Definitely your liner should be your biggest investment. EPDM is what most recommend, .45mil. No, you really don’t want PVC, though some have had success with using it (I haven’t , though). Yes, an underlayment is advised — it’s best to protect your liner.
There are so many types of pumps and filters, and everyone has their favorite. If you want plants, you can’t go wrong with a bog-type filter system.
j.w
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I'd go w/45 mil Epdm liner myself. So when I calculate the volume it appears to be over 6000 gals. I like Laguna pumps as they use less power than some.
YShahar
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Not sure about your measurements; did you mean 60 cm?
If the pond is to be 1 x 4 cm with a depth of 60 cm, you may not need a concrete base underneath the pond, depending on your soil type (very sandy soil probably should have a base of some sort, but you could also use concrete pavers for that. If it's a raised pond, you would need a concrete base underneath the walls.
For the liner, your best bet is EPDM with geotextile underlayment underneath. The EPDM should be at least 45 mil, but you can also use 60 mil roofing material, provided that you wash it off very thoroughly before use (the cleaning is necessary, as it often comes with a talcum powder coating, which could harm aquatic life).
For the pump, a lot will depend on what's available in your area. Being in the UK, you should have a pretty good range available. One thing to consider is how much power the pump uses, since you'll be running it continuously. You want something with enough power to circulate your entire pond at least once every two hours, taking into account the height to which the water will be pumped and the length of pipe.
You can find a lot of information on all things pond related here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhx1ZATHf4YjV4dDNfpDEQ
and here: https://www.youtube.com/@Ozponds
As to the filter, if you aren't going to have fish, the plants themselves may provide enough filtration. However, you can get much better water quality with a bog type filter--something that is very easy to build using off-the-shelf components. Ozponds (linked above) has some great information on building this type of filter. There's also a pinned post on this site with all sorts of ideas.
Enjoy!
-Yael
If the pond is to be 1 x 4 cm with a depth of 60 cm, you may not need a concrete base underneath the pond, depending on your soil type (very sandy soil probably should have a base of some sort, but you could also use concrete pavers for that. If it's a raised pond, you would need a concrete base underneath the walls.
For the liner, your best bet is EPDM with geotextile underlayment underneath. The EPDM should be at least 45 mil, but you can also use 60 mil roofing material, provided that you wash it off very thoroughly before use (the cleaning is necessary, as it often comes with a talcum powder coating, which could harm aquatic life).
For the pump, a lot will depend on what's available in your area. Being in the UK, you should have a pretty good range available. One thing to consider is how much power the pump uses, since you'll be running it continuously. You want something with enough power to circulate your entire pond at least once every two hours, taking into account the height to which the water will be pumped and the length of pipe.
You can find a lot of information on all things pond related here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhx1ZATHf4YjV4dDNfpDEQ
and here: https://www.youtube.com/@Ozponds
As to the filter, if you aren't going to have fish, the plants themselves may provide enough filtration. However, you can get much better water quality with a bog type filter--something that is very easy to build using off-the-shelf components. Ozponds (linked above) has some great information on building this type of filter. There's also a pinned post on this site with all sorts of ideas.
Enjoy!
-Yael
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Welcome to the forum!
Ask away a lot will chime in to help you.
Ask away a lot will chime in to help you.