Requesting Feedback: Seeking Guidance for Successful First-Time Pond Build

[ChiDIY]

Wouldn't it be simpler to make a cut-out in the plastic container?

The tank is to the right of the waterfall mound and there is a retaining wall between the mound & tank resulting in a gap between the two. If the tank was embedded in the waterfall mound a cut-out would be simpler but given the current design I think modifying the intake pipe will be easier. If I built a spillway I would need to create something to support the liner and route the water over the gap.

I used this layout to maximize the size of the pond + waterfall given I have a relatively small urban backyard. I may need to revisit in the future.

 

[ChiDIY]

Last week @CometKeith was super generous with his time, plants, tips & advice and even a goldfish! We pulled some plants out of his pond and for transplant to my pond & bog filter as well as a goldfish. My water tested well so time to get the nitrogen cycle started!

Keith pulling some plants from his pond. We had quite a time trying to catch goldfish, only managing to net one.

Here's the sedge and a few other plants in my pond. Most of it seems to be taking.

Here's a view of the bog filter with plants and also the current state of the waterfall; I'm really happy for how it turned out. Thanks to everyone who offered tips and helped me conceptualize how to build it.

The goldfish (who we named Princess Peach) has been hiding in the fish cave during the day but swims around freely at night. It has been a challenge to get her to eat; I've tried tossing pellets in during the day but she doesn't come out of the cave. At night when she's swimming around I've tossed pellets, and seen her eat one, but she doesn't actively feed on them. I'm hoping with time she gets more comfortable.

Here's a video for anyone interested - beautiful fish

New video by Ryan Hennessy

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[ChiDIY]

As a precaution to prevent a massive loss of water in the event the bog filter outflow becomes blocked I'm considering purchasing and installing a pump shut-off switch into the skimmer. Something like this:

Pump Shut-Off Switch

Install an auto shut off piggy back pump float switch from The Pond Guy in your pond skimmer to ensure your pond pump doesn't run dry when you are gone.

www.thepondguy.com

Also considering running a second pipe from the bog direct to the pond as an overflow.

 

[GBBUDD]

As a precaution to prevent a massive loss of water in the event the bog filter outflow becomes blocked I'm considering purchasing and installing a pump shut-off switch into the skimmer. Something like this:
View attachment 160077

Pump Shut-Off Switch

Install an auto shut off piggy back pump float switch from The Pond Guy in your pond skimmer to ensure your pond pump doesn't run dry when you are gone.

www.thepondguy.com

Also considering running a second pipe from the bog direct to the pond as an overflow.

I use that float switch myself as a shut off in the cistern it only worked for 2 years , and is in need of replacing . but far better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it

ACTUALY WITH A NEW POND I'D SUGEST going to a clean looking pond or stream and grabbing some gravel rocks or even wood thats in the water it will have all kinds of microbes ect. . i'll bet you will see the gold fish all over what ever you bring in

don't worry about the gold fish it will eat when it gets hungry just don't over feed. a floating ring that will control the pellet will help the gold fish to cycle as it will know where the food is all the time. a friend for the gold fish is a good ide as well but don't spend any money for them yet keep it inexpensive