Absolute beginner

[corykitty516]

OK I have a ton of questions

First of all I live in the southeastern US. It RARELY freezes, and at any rate not until January if it does!! It seems like the wrong time of year to be starting this project up but now is when I have the time and $$$.

Sooo

I want a pond about 3-4 ish by 4-5 ish irregular and maybe 24" below the ground level (ummm about 300-500gal??). I'd also like to raise a low brick wall to cut down on run off etc. I plan on having a few plain goldfish, some simple plants and a spray fountain.
Problems: My entire yard is pretty shaded but the spot I picked does not get a whole lot of leaves dropped (this part is shaded by evergreen shrubbery and part of the house). This spot actually gets several hours of early afternoon sunlight. It gets REALLY HOT here sometimes in the summer so I dont think full sun is a good idea anyway. Any comments or suggestions on this?

So far I have made no purchases for this project. Can y'all reccomend or tell me your experience with liners, pumps and filters? I'm kind of looking at a kit from Home Depot that includes a 20 mil liner with a pump and filter (comes in a few sizes). I think its made by beckett or something.

Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!!!
Emma

 

[bribones]

5x4 is good but try for a bit deeper maybe 3ft ,ive used both preformed and liner type ponds both with no problems,sunlight can be overcome with temperary shade on really hot days ,a combined filter/uv would be my choice running from a decent sized pump ,it largly depends on how many fish you want to keep

 

[corykitty516]

I'd like to keep about 5 common goldfish at least, but no more than 10. I'm not ready for anything more spectacular yet.
I could make it 3 ft, esp. with the little wall I'd like to raise around the edge.

Thank you

Em

 

[ryan]

As said extending the dpeth would help. Ideally you don't want a pond in direct sunlight most of the time as this will promote algae growth, so a degree of sunshine at some point of the day aswell as some shade at other times is good. As said a UV/filter combined box filter would be good, take a look around your lfs and see what models they have for sale, best of luck.

 

[FB3333]

definatly go for part shade,

myself also being totall clueless have all day sunlight on mine. and algae is on everything. although, the fish do seem happy to munch on it..

and dont be a tight wad when it comes to pump and filter. its alot of money, but cheaper than upgrading six months later.