building a pond- equipment

[fishin4cars]

As has been said most don't recommend using stone to cover the liner but there are also those that strongly believe in the use of them. Very mixed opinion. As you have now read the drawbacks I would also recommend doing some research and find information from those that do recommend them.
I do use rocks in the bottom, But I have my own personal reasons and way. I prefer to use flat rock, It covers the liner and gives a more natural appearance, Protects the liber from UV rays, and actually the pond runs a few degrees cooler during the summer. I do lift my rocks a few times a year to blow out anything that has gotten under them, and I have them just a single layer so they don't take up so much of the pond space. I also have a high turn over rate in my pond, I turn over my pond 1 time by a pump in the pond that runs a small water fall and sends water to the far end and sends it back toward the skimmer and filter pick-up to make sure everything is moving to the deep end and gets filtered out, I also run a pump that runs the fliter that turns the water over another time and a half. So the water in the pond does have some current and is always very oxygenated. I do agree with the post above though, If your not wanting to be in the pond doing this kind of maintance, doing without them does make life a little more simple.

 

[sissy]

I have read so many cons that the pro's are left in the muck lol .I have read article after article and most professional pond keeps don't seem to care for rock .I read that rock on the bottom started with the big fancy koi ponds in Japan as mostly a calming thing .Don't understand how it's supposed to be calming if you have to clean them .My guess is they get workers to clean the ponds so they don't have too .I have to so not so calming to me .

 

[fishin4cars]

In most cases I would have to agree. Now, I'm one that actually enjoys getting in the pond with the fish. Lucky, Elvis, and Ms.Piggy have gotten so used to it they will come up to me and check me out. LOL It's a great time to lift the rocks and blow it out under them, trim lily leaves that are getting spotted or yellowing, and doing some up close photo's. LOL, I still want to make a swimming pool with Koi. I would far prefer to swim with them!
So unless it's really cold I don't mind that part of the maint. at all.

 

[fishin4cars]

.No stones in the pond at all in the stream find in a waterfall fine in the pond no and you will see almost everyones ponds here have no stones .

Love that pic of Ms. Aggie! I think you talked her into that pose for you!

 

[sissy]

nope aggie is a ham I get the camera out she spots it and will come up to pose .She thinks she is a high paid model:lol::bowdown::lol:I hope before you get out of the pond you check your pockets

 

[fishin4cars]

All my money has already been spent on them, they wouldn't be able to steal anymore more money out of my pockets. LOL

 

[sissy]

thats for sure true

 

[CountryEscape]

nope aggie is a ham I get the camera out she spots it and will come up to pose .She thinks she is a high paid model:lol::lol:I hope before you get out of the pond you check your pockets

Sissy, soooo funny about checking pockets! I had to laugh out loud on that one. I have a feeling I will be in with my fish .... when I get the pond filled that is, and running for a month so I can GET fish, that is.

Found used carpet going to get it tomorrow night. Then will have the liner delivered on Thurs. Still want to use an underlayment, hoping the lumber yard maybe has that, too. If not, will have to order and wait for it. :-(

I think if in deciding on the rocks vs. no rocks, you notice that the pond WITH rocks, simply looks dark, with lines. The description of everything will have algae on it should be enough to keep the rocks out, since they sure won't look pretty like in the example picture that was posted for very long. Keep that in mind when making the decision, too.

And, I love the kitty litter box top! I can probably find one of them at a garage sale sometime.

 

[CountryEscape]

LOL, Fishin, I thought she was referring to fish climbing in your pockets and hitching an unexpected ride OUT! Sounds like you have fun friendly fish as well.

 

[sissy]

meant really both as thats what they do .I went in my pond last year to do cleanout and they were nibbling on my legs and arms and that tickles you chase them away and they come back more .I kept warning them they could be on the dinner table but it did not work I had one swim into 1 of my rubber gloves