Making a Serene Waterfalls Mini Ecosystem Lake (Feeder Goldfish Sanctuary)

SerpaDesign・2 minutes read

A DIY pond project involving collaboration with Aquascape led to the construction of a large pond with meticulous planning, material selection, and natural elements, resulting in an 8,000-gallon ecosystem swim pond. The team worked on excavation, liner installation, boulder placement, water feature design, and landscaping over several days, creating a unique and aesthetically pleasing pond that mimicked childhood memories of waterfalls and creeks.

Insights

  • Goldfish require ample space like a large aquarium or outdoor pond, with natural body shapes such as common and comet varieties being preferred.
  • The construction of a DIY pond involved collaboration with Aquascape, leading to the creation of a second pond in the front yard, sparking a continued interest in pond building, with specific design elements like EPDM liners, geotextile protection, and carefully placed boulders being essential steps in the process.

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Recent questions

  • How should goldfish be housed?

    Goldfish require ample space in a large aquarium, stock tank, or outdoor pond to thrive.

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Summary

00:00

"DIY Goldfish Pond Construction Success Story"

  • Goldfish were initially kept in a 55-gallon aquarium, with a preference for natural body shapes like common and comet varieties.
  • Goldfish require ample space, preferably in a large aquarium, stock tank, or outdoor pond.
  • The DIY pond was constructed in 2018 after years of planning, functioning well for three years with thriving fish.
  • Plans to replace the original pond with a larger one were delayed due to various circumstances.
  • Collaboration with Aquascape led to the construction of a second pond in the front yard, sparking a continued interest in building ponds.
  • A specific vision for a DIY pond redo was planned with the Pond Professor, Ed, and Tim of Aquatic Edge in 2021.
  • A suitable home was found in 2022, prompting immediate planning and material selection for the new pond design.
  • Excavation for the new pond began, involving manual digging, leveling, and backfilling with gravel and geotextile underlayment.
  • Installation of EPDM liner, geotextile protection, and placement of large boulders and Aqua blocks were key steps in the pond construction.
  • The final days of preparation involved adjustments to the design, fixing water bubble issues, setting rocks, and incorporating natural elements like driftwood and mossy logs.

13:21

"Team creates stunning ecosystem swim pond"

  • The team worked on the pond over several days, starting with placing driftwood and filling the basin manually to prevent water bubbling back.
  • Stockpots were used to hold water temporarily, while others prepped the patio, ran tubing for pumps, and graded the hillside.
  • Plants like magnolia trees and weeping cherries were incorporated, along with hostas and ferns from elsewhere on the property.
  • A wetlands filter was excavated, lined, and set up with a centipede and snorkel configuration for water cleaning.
  • Waterfalls were meticulously designed with specific stone placement, driftwood, and moss to soften the edges.
  • A unique element, a stump with a rock embedded, was showcased at the top of the waterfalls, adding to the aesthetic.
  • The completion of the pond, an 8,000-gallon ecosystem swim pond, involved a specific design mimicking childhood memories of waterfalls and creeks, sourced locally and from the backyard.
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