Do i use substrate for a natural pond?
Hi I am building a natural pond in my garden, once i have lineed it what should i put on top of the liner (other than water obviously!)
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Oct
31
2010
31
2010
If you are using bentonite, use nothing on top.
If you are using a butyl liner, just fill it with water and leave it. Do not put gravel or rocks in it. They are useless and make it very difficult to get debris out of the pond.
I have my own pond, and install, several Koi ponds every year.
Washed River rock, and washed shells, do a great job.
With some materials, you don’t really need to put anything down. But to create a good enviroment, a clean, thin (2-3 inches or so), layer of rocks and shells will do you wonders.
A real concern is how much sun, what type of filtration/circulation system (if any), and how are you addressing the algae issues are really first and foremost.
Write to me if I can help. Without knowing the size of your pond (l x w x d…total gallons), it would be impossible to advise you properly.
EDIT: Cobbles are OK. Clean river rock works best. With Cobbles, just wash any lime deposits they may have, off first, before placing them. Efflorescence (a type of salt rising/infestation) will be prevented by doing so. Plan on using a few Pond Lillies in order to help with oxification and the recycling of carbon from the water. They also help maintain a VERY level PH. A Water fall, and pump, must recycle (pump) the contents of the entire pond once every 3 hours (once at least a day) to maintain the ponds stable environment. I would recommend, for a fish pond or not, a filter with carbon (charcoal) and fine + wide mesh filters. Additionally, a UV filter does wonders. Also, do not forget to use a water conditioner when filling the pond for the first time. A few snails will never hurt either. Write back if you have any further questions. I’m always glad to help. Kevin
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if you are after a natural pond, I would put 5 or 6 inches of subsoil directly onto the pond bottom, if you use topsoil you will have problems with algae