How to make a garden pond

A garden pond can transform the atmosphere of a garden, adding color, light, and movement. If you include a pond pump [link] then you can enjoy the soothing.

pond (1)

* List of materials 

  • 2 units – Concrete washers (distance to 70cm) 
  • 2 units – 20mm pipes (m) 
  • 1 unit – submerged pump 300 l / h adjustable 
  • 20 kg – substrate (kg) 
  • 4 units – curve PCV 20mm
  • 4 plastic -lona units (m2)
  • 60 units – decorative stones (kg) 
  • 25 units – ornamentals 
  • 20 units – many ornamental fish 
  • 1 unit – sink faucet (model dependent) 

* Prices were consulted in the state of Bahia in February 2014, some materials may vary depending on the state of nomenclature.

The highest reservoir (A) has the masonry background, sealing is not necessary, however, the lower (B) was no need for proof, which was made with a plastic tarp easily found in specific places.

pond (2)

For cascading effect opted for a submerged pump 300 l / hr installed in the lower tank (B), connected to a pipe at the highest tank (A), which by gravity discharges water back to the tank (B ).

pond (3)

Remember to try to use a pump with flow regulators, because it facilitates in controlling the flow of water according to the flow of the exhaust pipe, which this project opted for a type stainless kitchen faucet (D). Another good point is worrying for fish, leaves or even snails clogging this water return, as it would cause an overflow, then emptying the tank B, as noted by experience in design, with snails type Melanoides which are very common stabilized in aquatic environments (E).

pond (4)

All values the natural lake, so the next step should be concerned with the decor, which externally is done with plants and rocks. In this project, we chose a local stone, sandstone formation and brownish color, which could be collected free of charge (F). Choose different sizes, thinking that big serve as the basis and the minor and finish, trying his best to hide the pipe, wiring, but at the same time taking care of landslides and future damages such as tearing the plastic canvas. At the end of the decoration we can already notice that the plastic sheet became almost inconspicuous, as well as the pipe goes unnoticed between the stones.

pond (5)

Complementing the rocky decoration, use of sand and gravel to fill in the gaps, so can plant a few small plants that beautify the edges. Speaking of gravel, using an inert filling gravel to the bottom of the two reservoirs, with a thin layer (about 4 cm). Giving addition to external decoration, opt for plants which are resistant and require little maintenance, as in figure (L).

pond (6)

Now ready, just fill, start the pump and let cycling for about a week, so after making the tests, start stocking with desired species. In the project, it was decided to put King is the highest tank, which did not receive natural plants, and Poecílios the lower tank (B), which received floating plants (Salvinia) and some nasturtiums planted in the jar.

pond (7)

Some must be wondering: and where the filtration system? Well, based on the maximum of naturalness, we chose not to use artificial filtration system, only natural with plants and control the amount of fish (logo production of organic matter) versus natural cycling because we know that on any substrate (ie stones, gravel, logs) are colonized by denitrifying bacteria, where natural plants ‘close’ the nitrogen cycle by absorbing nitrate. The project in question is shaded most of the day, there was just not excessive bloom of microalgae, which after stabilization of completely disappear environment. At the end of the mini lake embellished the environment by giving colors, creating a micro wetter climate and a great place to contemplate nature. One last point that I make is about predators, which sometimes do not realize, but are present, such as birds (Great Kiskadee, for example) and cats, which sometimes specialize in fishing (laughs). I wish success to all who may come to ride a mini lake !! It is noteworthy that it is recommended the use of filters on the lake, with good circulation coupled with plans to assist in filtering.

pond (8) pond (9)

Courtesy: aquaa3.com.b