How to Build a Koi Pond: Step 8 - Add Rocks and Gravel

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[@7FJP7]

I have to say that after watching more than 100 videos on how to build ponds this one is by far the most informative, I really appreciate what you guys did.

[@robyn7165]

This is a super helpful series, I am going from a 5 foot pond to one a little bigger than this, intimidating task for one girl, but you have really simplified it. Thanks a ton!

[@Aquascape4]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJmhess77]

Well, how did the build go?

[@clarkriccobuono3903]

Excellent tutorial, thank you

[@Aquascape4]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJmhess77]

Thanks Aquascape Ponds! First of all, I love my pond, however a wise pond builder once said: NEVER start to build your Florida pond just before summer starts. Trust me, it's not fun at all!

[@Aquascape4]

Great point!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I’m building a much bigger version of this on my channel this week. You have a great series of videos. Very helpful.

[@Aquascape4]

Oh, cool! Send us the link to the video when it's published.

[@Pondscapes]

This is great advice going to check out the rest of the videos!

[@stevemcallister4796]

Very informative series, just found it recently here on youtube. Question about so many rocks and gravel on the bottom, I am about to start construction of a koi pond in my backyard and almost everything I have read from koi pond builders is to avoid gravel on the bottom as over time it can be extremely hard to clean the waste from the fish, causing bacteria issues. I have a couple of indoor fish tanks so the theory definitely makes sense to me. I can see using it here as the pond is shallow and the liner would be very visible without so many rocks. But my plan is a deeper pond, 24"-36" throughout and to avoid rocks/gravel other than on the initial shelf, just have a clear or mostly clear bottom of the pond (maybe a couple of rocks in corners to hold the liner down. Would be interested in your thoughts.

[@Aquascape4]

Rocks and gravel provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Beneficial bacteria absorbs the same nutrients from the water that algae feed on. So more rocks means more surface area for beneficial bacteria, which means less algae because it doesn't have as much food to eat. And if you have fish, they'll eat the algae that can cling to the rocks. Rocks also protect the liner from the sun's deteriorating UV rays.

[@SzerdzsoCortez2]

Do pebbles need underlayment? I would not like to sort the broken, edgy pebbles one by one. The video is very informative, i got more of my questions answered. Thank You.

[@Aquascape4]

You should always put underlayment underneath liner, whether you're lining the pond with pebbles or large boulders.

[@SzerdzsoCortez2]

@@Aquascape4 I mean between the liner and pebbles, boulders? Of course i placed underlayment underneath liner, on the soil. Should i cover both side of the liner with underlayment ? I watched a lot of video from you but i could not figure out when does underlayment needed in the pond. Usually how do you decide?

[@harold2388]

@@SzerdzsoCortez2 i'm just rookie but i am using an underlayment, then liner then another underlayment but on top of the EPDM liner. Lots of rocks in my area, probably excavated more than two tons and the little scrabble has edges but that's my situation. I think it depends on if it is mostly soil or mostly rock.

[@aprilwelke-rinaldi738]

I have a Problem, I got down almost to the 4 Foot recommendation for My Fish Pond since I live in NY and need it deeper for Winter...My Issue is as Soon as I got down 3.5 Foot my pond hit water and I am Not quite Down Far Enough is there a Way to Fix this Issue? I am also Nervous now that Spring would be a Major issue with this water table.

[@thedolloffteam]

Im building a stream with a bog filter and a pond. I have geotextile fabric and 60 mil eddm rubber to line it all. But I also have some large tarps that I no longer need. Would it harm anything if I put the tarps down too, and if so, in what order...tarp, geo, then liner...or geo, then tarp, then rubber liner?

[@Aquascape4]

Do you plan to keep fish? I don't know if the tarp is safe for fish. Best to use underlayment and then place 45 mil EPDM fish-safe liner over it.

[@sonora6702]

How much do all those boulder cost?

[@Aquascape4]

It depends on the type of rock you choose. Generally speaking, rocks that are indigenous to your area will be less expensive.

[@badboys7024]

How did you close the other whole of the skimmer??

[@Aquascape4]

Which hole? The intake area is open underneath the bridge rock around the 8:30 timestamp. The top of the skimmer has a lid to cover up that hole.

[@caseyharries2554]

Are you worried about your koi scratching themselves on the rocks?

[@Aquascape4]

No. The only time they might do that is when they have a parasite.

[@vincentalvarez1424]

Are you in a warehouse

[@Aquascape4]

Yes, this was filmed in our construction studio inside our warehouse.

[@isaabdulla2194]

It's really great job, I would like to know where you place the pump and also pump capacity, thanks, isa , Bahrain.