Looking to build a pond, need some help

[bags]

Hi everyone,

I've always wanted to build a water feature in my backyard. I think this is finally the summer to do it!

My thought was to get a plastic stock tank, preferably roughly 5ish feet long, 2.5/3 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. I've kept planted aquariums before and I know that the greater the volume of water, the more forgiving it is to mistakes. However, I don't have a huge amount of space in my backyard. I'm including some photos in this post to give you all an idea of what my yard is like.

So, I'm thinking of doing a semi-raised stock tank with some sort of wood frame build around it. Has anyone done anything similar? Will a stock tank buckle under pressure after long periods of time if it's not semi buried? I'd like it to be semi-raised for aesthetic purposes and because the soil in my backyard has a lot of rocks and roots.

I have two spots in mind, but could use a little advice from ya'll. I've included photos of my yard, maybe you'll have better ideas than me. I'd love to see any of your photos if you've done something similar.

I know this is a little open ended, but thanks,
Bags

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our forum!

Stock tanks are made to sit above ground filled. I have one that is partially buried, 300 gallons, it is doing fine. My 1000 gallon one is buried. Go for as big as you can.

 

[Lisak1]

Welcome! I was going to say exactly what @addy1 did - stock tanks are designed to be above ground, so either way you decide to go it will be fine. It's more of an aesthetic choice at this point.

As far as location, you want to put it where you'll be able to see it. It's hard to tell from the photos, but I think the spot in front of the fence makes more sense than where the bench is. And then you can move the bench in FRONT of the pond so you'll have a good spot to sit and enjoy!

My second suggestion was to ditch the pool... but that's probably not happening, huh?

 

[j.w]

@bags

 

[bagsmom]

My online name is bagsmom. Hello, son.

But seriously, Welcome to the group! There are so many experience ponders on here, you will get great advice!

 

[qclabrat]

Welcome Bags
My only comment is that dropping leaves from the tree would require a little more maintenance in the Fall. But as others have said, best location is where you can best hear and see your feature.

 

[bags]

My online name is bagsmom. Hello, son.

But seriously, Welcome to the group! There are so many experience ponders on here, you will get great advice!

I never thought I'd finally meet you like this! haha

And thanks to everyone else's input. I definitely have some more homework to do. I'm looking forward to making a progress thread once I get the ball rolling!

 

[GBBUDD]

All i can say BAGS is RUN.............. by my avatar i too was big into my planted tank well now i have a a water feature that spans about 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. in two ponds a stream and three bogs i only just built this time last year ....RUN .......