Mistakes to avoid when building a pond

Some of the common mistakes people make when building a backyard pond:
1. Not having a clear idea what can be achieved for their budget.
2. Choosing the wrong location.
3. Inadequate or non-existent biological filtration.
4. Undersizing the pond pump.
5. Selecting the wrong type of pond liner.
This short video will give you an idea of what a backyard ponds costs to build with examples from my own ponds. It will talk about selecting a good location and specifically where you should and shouldn't place a garden pond. The importance of a good filter for overall water quality. How to size a pond pump and selecting the most durable pond liner.
If you want a downloadable pdf that includes all the formulas I use when creating my ponds visit ozponds.com/pond-equipment/

[@zemyazahealingkorllc]

Im a single mom but u made it sound like i could totally build my own pond with no experience..great video sir👍🏾

[@Ozponds]

You can! I believe in you 👍

[@donguyenthanh6650]

You are such a great mom

[@Rick-zn4lq]

just know that people are still watching, learning, and appreciating your video in July 2023... Thank you!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Rick. That is nice to know 😊👍

[@drewchancellor9867]

June 2024

[@KhaleelS1988]

@@drewchancellor9867 yup we are. My dad and i want to build a pond here in jamaica.

[@stevenwelti9321]

Your videos deserve tens of thousands of more views! You share realistic information that is actually helpful for the average pond owner!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate. Maybe we will get there who knows. I appreciate your kind feedback it means a lot to know these videos are giving people helpful information. 👍

[@greycurmudgeon5509]

@@Ozponds They certainly do that. Thanks Kev.

[@LeeGee]

I'm really enjoying your channel. I've got to point, though, that some folks have money but not time, so it is a fair trade to offer a good pond at a premium, and your ponds are certainly good and built with great care and sensitivity.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks 😊

[@elberthardy961]

The best tip I have ever found is FRESH WATER CLAMS! My pond is small about 5'x8', and about 24" deep in a hard shell liner. I added the clams (500 + or -) 3 years ago. No pump. No filter. No aerator. I put in 9 Gold fish and a handful of Guppies and a few water plants. I have never fed any of my fish and they are still alive after 3 years. They seem to be enjoying life, eating the clam babies, plant roots and mosquito larvae, as they reproduce every day. The clams eat fish waste and keep the water clean. I can still see the bottom!

[@Ozponds]

Do they smell? We have fresh water mussels here in Australia and I find they let of a bit of an odour.

[@lydiahubbell6278]

where do you get them?

[@beyondeggseed121]

😮😮

[@johndepace8676]

What climate. I would love to do that and in about to start a big pong. It will be deep but it will still freeze over in winter but not solid, it will be 4 ft deep

[@oskee305]

Glad i ran into this page. We lost a bunch a fish this week due to over feeding. My stepfather is a like a child. LOL I told him dude you're over feeding my a lot. Little by little all the fish started going night night. I'm starting on my terrace pond tomorrow, and will go with the eco system option! Thanks again!

[@darlarodriguez2186]

Very pretty ponds and seem to be thought out in detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@strengthbydesign]

Thanks for the tips, covered some very important things for me. Cheers.

[@shnicnick9842]

Again another great video! I love the information you’re providing for us all!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate 👍 I’m happy people are finding it useful.

[@madajuarez7073]

Thank you for being kind and sharing your knowledge. It is priceless.

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you find it helpful 😊

[@customcuisine]

Thanks for the upload. I really appreciate the tips on flow rates, and all the examples in situ.

[@Ozponds]

Happy it helped 👍

[@weedmonkey6324]

Thank you Sir for the absolutely great video!! Answered many of my questions...

[@Ozponds]

I’m happy it was helpful 😊👍

[@heidisue7824]

Love your variations of ponds! Your knowledge of the systems is so helpful and easy to follow. I did subscribe to your page! Thank you! 🐠☺️

[@Ozponds]

Thanks for the kind words and support Heidi I do appreciate it 😊👍

[@nigeljordan2318]

You build beautiful ponds and give great information, Well done, good luck in the future with your pond passion! Cheers from Canada!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks 😊🍻

[@Flynn1933]

Excellent videos and beautiful ponds. I especially like how you use large rocks in the bottom of ponds to give fish a sense of security and something to swim around. Bare bottom ponds are not natural so thank you!

[@davidhayes5382]

Fantastic information thank you 😊

[@marcusnakama7481]

Thank you so much. I saw some stuff on Instagram and wanted to build a mini pond 8 gallons. With your videos(all of them), not just this one, I was able to make a diy mini bog attached to a gravity filter (taken from your steam bog idea) all powered with a $37 (amazon)10v 7w max flow 350L/H pump. I wanted to do a pond but didn't want to waste electricity. This help me prove that I don't need to invest in a huge pump or costly solar system without testing the concept. THANK YOU!!!!!! I hope to build a larger system next.

[@Ozponds]

Fantastic well done. 😊

[@majorbrighton]

Well, I don’t think a simple thx is enough this time. After 1.5 years of looking at and taking notes, you have summed up all those into one video and much more. I will have to watch all your help on filters now, as I want to avoid cleaning too often!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Stephen 👍

[@grantwilletts5669]

Really helpful info. Cheers.

[@honeybakedhamco.3853]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@JT-xt8bh]

Thanks for posting,I’m enjoying your vids and feel like I’m a getting fast tracked to owning a successful pond. Like you I am planning my dream pond (I have a 1000 litre fish pond and a pondless waterfall) and I’m at the planning stages working out budgets etc. I was tempted to go the Aquascape route but after watching a lot of your vids now I’m not so sure,I’m doing all the labour myself so anywhere I can save $$ is a bonus. Keep posting Please as you have a growing number of followers.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks JT I’ll keep posting 👍 good luck with your build.

[@jarosawsoko6292]

I like Your video. There are not only good tips, but explanations WHY. Thank You.

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you find the vids helpful 👍

[@homebuildersllcdesignbuild3664]

Love the videos! I know how much time you put it to make them. Keep up the good work 👍

[@Ozponds]

Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement 👍

[@sandyl1899]

Your videos have helped me so much!! I’ll be watching more and more. ALL GREAT! 👍

[@Ozponds]

Great to hear. That’s why I do it 😊👍

[@saltlifegull4091]

Love the video. Love your simple ideas and creativity. Lots of great info. Thank you. Subscriber from NW FL.

[@Ozponds]

Welcome 🤗

[@oscar9876543]

I am looking forward to making my pond using your advice!

[@Ozponds]

I hope it brings you as much enjoyment as mine bring me 👍

[@PeterJohnson76]

Great Video.... I have a pond/stream in my back yard and are soon putting one in the front garden

[@Ozponds]

Good man 👍

[@Whywondermous]

Thank you so much for providing such fantastic information and instruction! We would like to make a duck pond and are trying to figure out if there’s a viable way of making a natural-style pond despite the challenge of added waste and their propensity to eat everything. Your videos have been invaluable for helping us learn, plan, and prepare realistically. It may take us a few years, but your guidance will make a big difference for our family and friends. :)

[@billmartin694]

Careful what you wish for, ducks are incredibly destructive to structure and underwater vegitation

[@alexwild3760]

I’m in Sydney starting a pond business this year I’m very reasonable on price and busy as🤙🏻 And is a lot thanks to you 🙏🏻

[@Ozponds]

Well done 👍

[@lesleygraham1588]

Excellent video thank you

[@onthefence1492]

My new favorite pond channel 😍

[@Ozponds]

Awesome! Welcome aboard 👍

[@joekaczmarski7229]

I've learned so much from your videos,I love my 1500 gallon pond and I've had it 7 years ...always improving it and I love hearing you talk about things I already do from experience also

[@Ozponds]

Thanks joe 👍

[@paulbingo1551]

This is great for people on a budget like me. Thank you from the 🇺🇸

[@Ozponds]

No problem Paul. Hope it helps you out 👍

[@greenmachinesweden]

Really nice vid! Your ponds is beautiful.

[@Ozponds]

Thank you 😊

[@sheiladiaz2359]

The one bit of Advice I got was if you build your pond like at 500 gallons double it because you’re always want it bigger my pond is 2000 gallons almost 5 feet deep at the bottom and I did that to keep the predators like raccoons and egrets from coming in and getting the fish and I have it to where I can see it out my dining room slider all season long

[@Ozponds]

That’s a very good point. Your pond sounds lovely 👍

[@rich-ard-style6996]

Very good tips❗️👍🏻😊

[@mulletgrower8891]

Thanks for the many great tips in this video! Do you have any videos explaining the correct way to do a liner overlap? like if you were adding another waterfall to a pond.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Mate 👍 I touch on overlapping the liner in next weeks video. Mainly because I failed at a seam so went with the overlap method. I’m pretty sure I added a little drawing. That video will go live in a weeks time.

[@ronaldjames2974]

Thank you for your video, i have watched heaps and yours is simply the best hands down, simple, clear, so easy to understand, if you don't do this as your business you should, I would hire you to do my pond in a second, great jod, look forward to watching all your other vids. p.s Great to see someone for OZ on the video too.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate👍 just a hobby. I own a wholesale plant nursery that keeps me going.

[@rohitmeshram5249]

Thats a lot of pro tips in a vid ❤️❤️❤️

[@JourneyWithUs13]

Love this tub one 4 in my carport/ greenhouse thanks 4 the ideas

[@Ozponds]

No problem 👍

[@AaronHahnStudios]

Great video mate. 👍

[@OneOfAMine]

Thank you I have Learn a lot!

[@samchanning22]

Another great video 👍

[@Ozponds]

Cheers Sam 👍

[@AvijitDas-jx9em]

Helpfull information sir. Watching from india.

[@Ozponds]

Thank you. Stay safe 😊

[@Quaquadaqu]

Your pond is awesome

[@seamus6994]

Very, very cool!

[@weyfarer2]

I have watched hundreds of pond videos. Yours are truly among my favs. Clear. Concise. Straightforward. Thank you. Question, what are those plants dangling into the water by the waterfall and to the side of the waterfall at minute 8:40? Also, how large is the pond for which you have the drum bog filter. Thank you.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks so much. That makes me really happy 😃👍. The plant inside the waterfall filter is bacopa monnieri (green). The one beside the waterfall trailing into the pond is dicondra silver falls (silver). The pond with the drum bog filter is approx 3m x 4m at 60cm deep. Or 10ft x 13.5ft x 2ft deep.

[@dizee8977]

Oh my the questions I could ask you!!! I want to spruce up my pond system. I dont know where to start.

[@Ozponds]

Everything I know, I share freely on KZbin. 👍

[@ephemeralinspiration1218]

Hi, lovely vid and great no bullshit delivery ! How refreshing to see someone who's just doing these on a not-for-profit basis and just sharing tips out of the goodness of their heart!. My question is, if we're regional, in swamp/clay territory (near Richmond River, NSW), and I already have planted swamp sedgey plants eg juncus, carex, isolepsis, gahnia, teatree etc etc in a boggy area, do I really have to use plastic liner if I dig out a nearby area? (This is for frogs, not fish.) I just hate the idea of putting plastic in the earth and putting plants in pots... Would it work if I dig out a deep enough area and keep filling it? We have bore water and rainwater so it wouldn't be tap water. The soil is dark/pug-like, some areas drain better than others, in summer it does crack though. Cheers :-) and thanks

[@Ozponds]

It sounds like it will dry up completely or close to in summer. If that’s something your happy with, go for it 👍

[@bungamazlina8202]

Tks for the useful information 🙏🏽. I'm wondering what mistake did I make if my new pond become foamy? I haven't put in the fish yet. Do you have video about it, tks..

[@Ozponds]

I haven’t personally encountered foamy pond in any of mine, so it’s not an issue I’ve any personal experience sorry 😞 if you work it out please let me know so I can share any recommendations with others 👍

[@nancywilliams3420]

Hi Kev, love your videos. My husband dug me a 2300 gallon fish pond. We have a 2100 submersible pump feeding into our 55 gallon bog filter. The water flow is not adjusted and is coming out with such force I know my poor fish need ear plugs. We drained the bog today to clean it and did about a 15/20 percent water change. Water is still very green. Suggestions Mate?

[@Ozponds]

The flow is too high through that little bog filter. Aim to move approx 300 gallons through the bog. Divert the rest elsewhere (jets, stream, another waterfall).

[@ellbug89]

Great job on that. Fresh water clams could also be used, they typically use fish as their reproductive host though, so consider putting them in a pond with fish.

[@Ozponds]

Yes we keep some freshwater mussels 👍

[@Jack_Lange]

Holy shit this is the only lond video people need to watch oh thinking about a pond. I had so many questions I no was going to message... No need!

[@scottfillmer]

What’s the difference between using a fast moving filter bed vs K1/K3 medium through slow moving to remove particulates? I’m building a pond now in our backyard that will be 7,500-10,000 gallons, using 4-55 gallon drums for mechanical filtration that will move into 3-150 gallon “bog” filters for bio filtration that will then spill into the pond. The 55 gallon drums are all being fed from an 8200 GPH pump (all being fed from the pump at the same time), I’m expecting slow moving K1 beds, just wondering the differences in the fast rolling beds vs slow, thanks. Love your videos!

[@Ozponds]

G’day Scott. It is my understanding that a fast moving system will provide a lot more aeration or oxygen rich water moving through the media. This is great for aerobic bacteria’s that are converting ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate. They are really effective at doing this. Slow moving systems like a bog filter will comprise of a more diverse range of bacteria including strains that can tolerate low to no oxygen zones. It seems these bacteria are more capable of completing the cycle by removing the nitrates that are produced. Bogs also have the added benefit of the plants which will also help complete the process. That is my understanding in basic terms, hope that helps. 👍

[@fishmunga1014]

A tarp? Far out I was not expecting to hear that. Cool channel man.

[@andyjohnson9402]

I was hoping to build a small pond that is naturally fed by an under ground aquifer. The problem is that water source dries up in summer and so does the pond. I'm worried if I line the pond though bit may cause problems in the surrounding area. Any experience with that? Great video I really appreciate you

[@Ozponds]

No experience with that sorry.

[@gracewoods9342]

Thank you

[@isabelhon6136]

I am converting my 5000 gallon pool to a pond. Do I need to put down a liner? Thank you for your very helpful instructions.

[@Ozponds]

No need for a liner if the pool holds water.

[@adyingbreedofman9112]

The natural pond with no liner, 5 foot deep and was less than 500$ in material is exactly what I'm looking to do in my yard for ducks. I'm very glad to have found your channel with such great information. Hopefully it will help make my dream a reality. Need to search for a video specifically on a pond of that style. Thanks for the videos!

[@Ozponds]

Go for it!

[@matthewfinger2381]

I made a pond like that and what I will tell you is make sure you compact the clay as much as possible while building it because once it's filled with water you can't. Use a plate tamper or drive a tractor around a bunch on the bottom and sides. Farmers use pigs and cows to compact their small ponds.

[@adyingbreedofman9112]

@matthewfinger2381 thanks for the advice. Will be sure to do so. And hopefully the duck manure will seal any weak spots.

[@jerrychetty2524]

Thanks!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks so much 😊🍻

[@stignz9440]

Hi Kev, im looking at building a pond 3.5x2.5m (.5m deep) pond, edged with rocks hidden liner with rocks and smaller 40mm stone. Do i still need to install a bog filter if im not having fish in the pond. Cheers, love your videos.

[@Ozponds]

You don’t need to buy I still would. “Stuff” will fall inside the pond and as it breaks down it will reduce nutrients.

[@lordandreus208]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I really appreciate your videos on pond construction and DIY biological filters. English is not my first language but the way you explain things makes it easy for me to understand everything you say and do. Subscribing to your channel has inspired me to build a larger pond for my turtles. If I may, I would like to ask you a question: does it make sense to put a layer of soil under a layer of sand to try growing a few plants at the bottom of the pond? Or would it be better to just use stones and gravel, and to abandon this idea?? Thank you and keep up with the good work with the channel, I'm sure that with your work you're going to inspire a lot of people!

[@Ozponds]

I think I would use stone and gravel.

[@blitzwoof]

Just wondering what model pump you used for 12,000L/hr? I can’t find a low voltage one - thanks for the awesome videos btw

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Sergio. I prefer low voltage pumps. The waterfall in this video that has a 12000 litre per hour pump isn’t actually a low volt pump. It’s an aquascape aquasurge pump that came as part of the kit. In the big pond I’m building I’m using 4 jebao dc low voltage pumps. The ones I’m using are adjustable and can move up to 15000 litres per hour. These are available in US, UK and here in Australia. This is the first time I’ve used these pumps so I’m still not sure if they are any good, but this is what I’m trialing at the moment. Previously I have low volt pumps by pondmaxx, resun and hozelock and have been very happy, but they don’t make anything over 4500 litres per hour in low volt. Hope that helps.👍

[@blitzwoof]

@@Ozponds thanks!

[@derekmulready1523]

The Australian Dollar is worth €0.63 . But our local Garden Centers tend to "RUB IT IN" when looking for plants and Fish. Subscribed 😁🇮🇪🇪🇺

[@Ozponds]

G’day Derek. Propagate your own water plants. Save a ton of money. 👍

[@kymle9118]

What's the go with plants inside your pond. I see a lily in there... are you planning on more, or keeping it clear of plants? Great videos, Kevin, really helpful and enjoyable.

[@Ozponds]

I usually keep it simple. Most of my ponds have a water lily or two. Then I’ll have eel grass, milfoil, bacopa, dwarf sweet flag, tassel rush and impatiens. Sometimes water fringe. I try and keep most of it contained to the edges I like to see lots of open water. 👍

[@kymle9118]

@@Ozponds thank you. The pond is looking great, you mist be very pleased. We are also in G’land!

[@stanmondzelewski9253]

I used a cheap liner for my duck pond. The dog jumped in it a few times and found if 6 or so inches low the next morning. Epdm liner was gonna run 500/600 dollars(U.S). Ended up buying 200lbs of portland cement and 800lbs of sand and mortered the pond and small river. Not a big pond, 10x14 ft, knee deep. I used a 35gallon round premade plastic pond as my bog filter.it feeds back in thtew a small stream between the 2. Pumps are 1500gph pool pump to the bigger bog filter and a 850gph to a smaller bog filter i built out of a bucket. Plenty for 2 ducks. They trash it fast though.freshly filled kid pools look like swamps in a hour with ducks. I went with the pool pump mainly because i already had it,bonus is i can put a cartridge filter in it and hook up a small pool vacuum to clean out sunkin duck mess. I cant do fish, my 2 ducks would eat em.

[@Ozponds]

Cool 👍

[@chizuck3322]

do you have videos or pictures of the larger one you were building? as in what size hole was and what size liner? Thanks

[@Ozponds]

You’ll find it in the playlist tab. I made videos throughout the build. I called it the dream pond.

[@brianward-lx4up]

Hi Kev, thanks for reaching out to us with your experience and help. Mentioning help could you help with my question , I’m buying a liner that quotes the size and 45mil, what does 45mil mean in this case? Cheers Brian

[@Ozponds]

It’s the thickness. 45mil is pretty standard.

[@TylerTervooren]

Great tips, Kev. I suffer from mistake #1. We have a budget, but I keep increasing it as my visions become more grandiose. Haha. Does anyone make/distribute RPE liner in Australia? That's what I'm using for my build and it is extremely tough stuff. About 1/3 the weight of EPDM and 3x the puncture resistance. Can be heat welded if you need to seam or patch. Downside is that it is not stretchy at all, making it pretty tough to form to curves in your pond. Have to study up on origami to fold it to get it to lay the way you want it. Side note: Really looking forward to hearing how you like those Jebao pumps you ordered for the new pond.

[@Ozponds]

😂 it’s ok to increase the budget. I’m a big fan of it myself 😉 I haven’t heard of RPE we have one called HDPE that sounds similar I used that on my grey water wetland years ago. Still going strong but water is constantly being added to the wetland so I wouldn’t really be able to tell if there was a puncture. In next weeks video you’ll see how we extended the cord on the Jeboa pump and gave it a test run into one of the bog filters. Spoiler alert I was happy and have ordered 1 more. I tried to order all 3 but they had sold out. I need to wait till June unless I order directly from China, which will probably take the same amount of time.

[@TylerTervooren]

@@Ozponds Glad to hear you like the pump. Think I'll pick one up to test myself since they're so cheap. My liner is actually HDRPE, which is just HDPE with an added R. R = reinforced. And it really makes all the difference. Pretty sure a kangaroo could go for a frantic swim in the pond and it would hold up.

[@shnicnick9842]

@ozponds Just wanted to add a quick comment on those jebao pumps! For some background I come from the saltwater aquarium hobby, and Jebao makes some pumps for that side of thing. In my experience working at a fish store and hearing from all our customers, those pumps usually only last a year at most, if not less before breaking down. Just giving you a warning! They are a really cheap option, but their price definitely reflects long term stability!

[@Ozponds]

Appreciate the heads up. I’m pretty sure I got a 2yr warranty (not that that’s worth anything seeing as I’ve cut the cords 😂). I just had to give them a go for the price point. I read somewhere that they manufacture pumps for hozelock which was a brand I’ve used in the past and was very happy with. I see quite a few manufacturers starting to make these style of pumps so hopefully something long lived comes out of it for us pond hobbyists. Again appreciate the heads up 👍

[@RoyThe4th]

I was hoping to get your opinion about flow rates and tempest upflow filters with bog filter. I'm going to start digging a dedicated koi pond its going to be 12x12x6 in feet its around 6400 gallons. Would u please let me know if my thinking us flawed. 4" bottom drain to a 3,000 gallon per hour external pump that splits into 2 tempest upflow filters that then feed into a 2150 gallon bog filter. I have a heavy fish load approximately 50+ koi. My concern is will the flow rate be enough turning over the pond every two hours or should I have a separate pump feeding 3000 gallons to the bog filter the have the two tempest feed additional. I know the upflow filters work best if there's not to much pressure flowing through. I'm thinking by using the two tempest I can help remove the organic waist from the pond daily reducing the mechanical filtration needed for the bog. Sorry for the length and I'd appreciate your opinion, cheers

[@Ozponds]

G’day Roy. I’m not sure what a tempest filter is.. I’m assuming it’s the brand? The other problem I have is I’ve never kept koi as they are illegal where I live. I will say the more filtration the better, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as over filtered. 50+ koi is a lot of fish the more waste you can keep out of the bog the better. Good luck with your project 👍

[@RoyThe4th]

@@Ozponds yes the tempest is the brand. Thanks for your time brother cheers

[@Colouras]

Oh man I can tell I'll be watching your channel a lot. I want to create a larger pond with a center island for a small pavillion and a multistage waterfall (Thats the dream at least) - I'm trying to get the proper knowledge before I even attempt to plan the whole thing out, but I imagine creating an island with a 'stream' around it shouldn't be a problem? Sincerely useful video man!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate and good luck with your project 👍

[@Colouras]

@@Ozponds Appreciate it very much mate!

[@SKaVeN9798]

In one of your videos I heard banjo frogs and am curious if they were in a separate pond, from the goldfish, or in the same pond you have found a way to stop the goldfish eating all the frogs' eggs.

[@Ozponds]

The banjos are everywhere here. I’m sure the fish get lots but some make it.

[@bryanwebster6513]

For a small pond near a few gutter downspouts, is it possible to direct that water thru the bog filter to ensure filtration? One reason for the location I am considering is the water flow thru the area that I am slowing down with swales to manage it and I was hoping to incorporate it into the pond to keep it full. Perhaps a strategically placed intake basin for gutter and surface flow to ensure it gets pumped to the filter?

[@Ozponds]

It might work. Not something I’ve personally done. I have a grey water wetland. Kinda similar to what you propose.

[@lovecreatesfreedom]

Awesome ponds and info thank you. I have a pond that is leaking and about 1 metre from the house so instead of emptying and replacing the liner I was looking at using an old bath because the fish can drain out when it overflows. Where can I buy a pump for the bath pond and which one do you suggest and what else should I use in the pond to keep it nice? Is there a list with links you could share please

[@Ozponds]

Thank you. A bath tub pond doesn’t need a huge pump something small like 300-500 litres an hour would be fine. Create a little bog filter (I’ve got plenty of videos). Some plants in the bog and your all set. I don’t have a list currently I will make one in the future. You can buy your little pump online (Amazon or eBay) shouldn’t cost more than $15 for what you need.

[@VibrationallyLoving]

@@Ozponds lovely thank you. would you mind sending me a pm on fb facebook.com/kayleegracelovesfreedom/ I would love to talk to you about hiring you to help me build a pond in my backyard that can be used as a swimming pond.

[@Ozponds]

That’s not something I do. I’m just a passionate hobbyist. I wouldn’t know what people expect when money changes hands.

[@ranjanty]

I'm trying to build a pond into the side of a hill. It's really the only place available. It's been a up hill battle to say the least. I had to dig up so many tree roots and had problems with the dirt collapsing when try to make shelves. Since it's in a hill of course I'm going to make a waterfall. Oh and I planted 15 Japanese Maple trees and many other plants. I did make a big mistake buying my 1st liner which was a LLDEP liner. I now bought a Firestone Pondgard 45 mil liner. ???? Do you think I should remove the old liner or can I put the Firestone over the old liner ????? Thanks, I always love watching your videos. When I finish this pond I started last fall I will me so happy because sometimes I feel like I shouldn't have took on such a large project at my age and didn't know if I could complete it.

[@Ozponds]

I would personally lift out the old liner. I’d be worried about water sitting between the two liners creating bubbles. I hope you create something special. If it makes you feel any better I often think “what have I done?” When I’m looking at a big muddy hole in my yard. But then I’m always happy when it’s finished.

[@ranjanty]

Thank you so much Kev I will follow your advice.👍

[@tanyaclick613]

What are your thoughts on RPE liner? The stats look impressive and much longer lasting.

[@Ozponds]

It’s quite ridged to work with but I was surprised at the strength. I believe I compared them in this vid- Choosing a pond liner or container kzbin.info/www/bejne/ani9e5ZnnKmHi9U

[@modify1ful]

A couple of thoughts as I'm going through your videos. First, have you any experience or thoughts about using bentonite clay to seal a pond as opposed to using an edpm liner? Second, assuming that I dig my pond at least two feet deep, how do I help my bog filter survive winters with lots of snow and where we sometimes have a week or two of single digit temps, well below freezing? Do I shut everything down?

[@Ozponds]

Both aren’t my specialty.

[@user-rg9mq1kv5d]

Hi Kev, I am in the middle of building my pond. It is deep so more a plung pool. I have made ledges on sides and a waterfall near the bog. The slop to go down into the pond is around 35 degrees. Is there some way of digging small ledges to keep rocks in place to stop them sliding down the bank? Can I put timber logs down to help stop the sliding or does that affect the nutrient balance in the pond?

[@Ozponds]

Timber is fine 👍

[@MrSamurai137]

Great work mate🤟 Got to say the water in the aqua scape water is amazing out of them all at least it looks that way? Added a home made bio filter with water feature have no nitrogen or nitrate in the water but still have a green mess ( lots of plants in there but string algae) I think it’s phosphate as I have run on and off set up. Any advice?

[@Ozponds]

How old is the pond? The aquascape pond went totally green before the water became beautiful and clear. Took 9 months for that pond to find it balance. They are all different. If the pond is well established and still green you need more biological filtration. String algae is a real pain. It could be phosphate. If the pond is young just keep removing the string algae manually to remove those nutrients. If the pond is well established you need more filtration.

[@MrSamurai137]

@@Ozponds well the pond is 18 months old but I did a total drain down 5 month ago keeping 50% of the old water and add my own bog filter to it. Will do what you say plus add some extra bacteria then see how it goes.

[@Ozponds]

Just adding bacteria can be helpful but you’ll also need to create more surface area for them to live.

[@MrSamurai137]

@@Ozponds well if this doesn’t work I will add an extra tier to the bog filter fill with more pea gavel plant Labelia and creeping jenny in it. Just have Iris in the bog filter but there is lot plants in the pond it’s self think the pond it’s self has a lot of surface area, plus a small stream coming down from waterfall out of the bog filter. Which leads me to think that the trickle on from the irrigation system is putting phosphate in the water plus a bit on chlorine maybe double whammy. Adding phosphate plus killing bacteria just Guessing really?

[@Ozponds]

It’s all plausible. Just a process of elimination.

[@KickAssets]

Amazing video! I think I only made 50% of the mistakes :D

[@Ozponds]

😂 not bad I think my first pond was 90%.

[@jerrychetty2524]

Hi Kev do I have to wash the gravel that goes into the bog as I find it very dirty from the supplier, will it clear after a few days by settling in the bog or will that dirt end up bottom of the pond. Previously I washed my gravel rinsing in big tote using steel colander

[@Ozponds]

Yeah it will most likely settle in the pond.

[@sekhul04]

How many tons of rocks/boulders did you use for 10x13x2 pond? Thanks!

[@Ozponds]

My local garden supply only supplies rocks by the cubic meter. I can’t remember exactly how much I used off the tip of my head. But if you find the playlist for the build it will let you know. I’m pretty sure the last video has a breakdown of the costs and materials used. Hope that helps 👍

[@norfillyson]

I really like your ponds. The one for $2k is amazing, especially for the price!

[@Ozponds]

I love it. I’m out there playing with it today 👍

[@norfillyson]

@@Ozponds Question, where does the filter at the top of the stream suck up the water from?

[@Ozponds]

The pump sits in my little diy skimmer and from there the water is pumped into the bog filter in a barrel, then the stream takes it back to the pond.

[@norfillyson]

@@Ozponds So you are running a pipe from the skimmer barrel back to the filter at the top of the waterfall, underground?

[@Ozponds]

Yeap pretty much, here’s a video of the build if you want to see how it was all put together kzbin.info/www/bejne/faK2hqusZZyjnZY

[@valerieferguson2983]

Oz ikeep hearing 60% of the pond surface needs to be covered to avoid algea. Your ponds are beautiful and don't seem to have that much coverage. Is it the bog filter or am I'm just misunderstanding.

[@Ozponds]

It’s the biological filtration. A bog is a type of biological filter. There are also other filters that can provide the same results. In my opinion a bog is simply the best, it’s better than all the rest 😉

[@prakash.subedi]

How much did it cost you to make this ? Plz reply Love your videos ❤️

[@Ozponds]

The pond in the thumbnail cost me $2000. This video I think has the full cost breakdown and all the equipment I used. DIY POND| DIY FILTERS| CLEAN, CLEAR WATER kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ-nfWB9nq6of9k

[@nowirehangers2815]

Don’t really understand how the pumps and filters work and how to set them up do you cover this anywhere?

[@nowirehangers2815]

Never mind I see you do Was just being lazy I spose Will check your playlist Thank you

[@santhosh5796]

Can we add sand as bottom substrate along with pebble stones and river rocks to the plastic container pond?

[@Ozponds]

Yes. You’ll probably need to give it a gravel vac from time to time. Like in an aquarium.

[@milagrosripski7679]

In another video someone mentioned they used an old carpet as the underpayment, then the liner and never got a leak in the liner, pond. Is that a good tip.

[@Ozponds]

I personally prefer geotextile. It doesn’t rot and it has no nails in it. If you use old carpet really make sure you get out all those little nails.

[@astranova3841]

Lovely ponds and advice, shame about the plastic chair !

[@Ozponds]

😂 It’s comfy!

[@oldhamegg]

Do you have a link for the pond liners you like?

[@Ozponds]

I like to use Firestone epdm liners. Then I just try and shop around for the best price.

[@Steve_Z]

cheers

[@ricbarker4829]

How do you stop the neighbors cat from eating the fish. I could use the trusty 30.06, but I'm not sure how well I would cope behind bars.

[@Ozponds]

You wait till summer, add some piranhas, then see if the cat visits again 😉. But a more practical solution is trying to agitate the water as much as possible so the visibility is poor.

[@peterpiper5300]

please feature a small gray water pond or water feature.

[@Ozponds]

I’ve already built mine. Long before I created a KZbin channel. I don’t keep any open water though it’s more a big bog filter.

[@Skiddols]

I used old carpet from my basement for a underlayment no staples as its concrete floor 15 plus years no problems

[@Ozponds]

Awesome 👍

[@jackiecampbell6162]

Will large tree roots go through the liner

[@Ozponds]

Not in my experience.

[@joekaczmarski7229]

I also don't want to think of how much I've spent on pond projects over the years but worth every dollar

[@Ozponds]

😂 absolutely

[@NathansWildLife]

How do you make the water so clean

[@Ozponds]

Usually a bog filter. I’ve got a few videos showing how I make and size them. 👍

[@petelongrs]

Nearly 2m deep! Wow.

[@michaelsalcido3736]

We just replaced carpet in our home, so we have plenty of carpet to use as a underlayment. I am not creating a pond w fish, but a simple creek or stream. So you say do NOT use carpet as an underlayment?

[@Ozponds]

At the end of the day you can do whatever you like. I don’t like carpet it will rot, disintegrate.

[@joyojahnee5370]

Legend

[@alycewalker4977]

What do you mean when you say may needs a fence?

[@Ozponds]

I can’t remember sorry. I made this video long ago.