new pond build with too many questions

[RocketSurgeon]

I was able to pick up a pond this weekend. Below is a pic at previous location.



My first few questions:

1: I broke the bulkhead fitting on the bottom during removal. Any place local to buy another one?

2: Didn't see any filter with this unit. What kind of filter is required?

3: Dad mentioned it may maintain temperature better if we buried it, instead of placing it on top of the ground. Are there advantages/disadvantages to not digging a hole?

[RocketSurgeon]

I salvaged an existing pond that had been totally neglected. I don't know how long it had been without power to it.



Upon emptying it, I found one small fish, not exactly sure what it is. I dropped it in my girls goldfish tank. Hopefully we can figure out what type of fish it is, decide if we want to keep it, and keep it alive till we figure it all out.



It is kind of a oval shape, maybe 6 ft by 4 ft by 2.5 ft deep maybe. My guess, it's around 450 gallons.



One pump had a sticker that read submersible, 1500+ gallons per hour. The other pump looked like it ran a small fountain in the middle. I did not see any filtration at all.



There is one drain on the side near the bottom. I broke the bulkhead fitting removing the unit. The lines were all tangled in roots.

[cichlid1409]

most Lfs will sell bulkheads. call around. I know city pets has them but I see thats not very close to you.
Burying the pond would help to reduce temp swings for sure.

[koi]

lowes sells bulkheads.

[RocketSurgeon]

most Lfs will sell bulkheads. call around. I know city pets has them but I see thats not very close to you.
Burying the pond would help to reduce temp swings for sure.

If I sink the tank, do I need to prepare the ground walls in any way? Or is that more geared toward those using liners, instead of tanks?

[fshfrk]

You should be able to just dig a hole and drop it in. That rubbermaid pond is rigid. I have the same one set up on my porch. You could plumb you pump thru the bulkhead hole so your hoses are hidden. Good luck and enjoy it.

[justdoit]

pond also could be buried part way since I see you have kids and they definitely gotta help feed / also helps keep yard run off from entering pond and does help some w/ temp filter is a must if you plan on fish - filter is never too big when dealing w/ koi / goldfish lots of good DYI styles that are easy to maintain if you are handy shade from noon till dark will keep algae controlled & still allow plants if you desire.
we used the short height sections of rod iron w/ a few potted plants around perimeter that are also to move out of way if needed. left an open section for little ones to sit or watch fish & limited access to other sides. fence being 30" & rod iron [lowe's] does not take away from view
good luck & have fun

[Mzungu]

How small is the fish?

Looks like a common carp to me, which might mean that it will get REALLY big. But I'm not sure about that ID.

[RocketSurgeon]

How small is the fish?

Looks like a common carp to me, which might mean that it will get REALLY big. But I'm not sure about that ID.

It's about 4 to 5 inches in length. Way to big to be stuck in my daughter's 20 gallon high goldfish tank. Hopefully it won't be there long...

[RocketSurgeon]

How small is the fish?

Looks like a common carp to me, which might mean that it will get REALLY big. But I'm not sure about that ID.

A few more pics:

[RocketSurgeon]

It was mentioned installing an additional drain in the bottom of the tank, rather than using the existing drain that is on the side. It was also mentioned not using any substrate on the bottom, as this would allow for easier cleaning.

I'm thinking of burying the tank about half way. This should help with temperature swings and not allow groundwater runoff into the tank, especially since we are big fertilizers.

[justdoit]

bottom drain is excellent idea I dont use bottom substrate just because of the cleaning issue if you add a spillway/fountain/waterfall then with fish also swimming you wont visually notice bottom of pond

[justdoit]

you may want to plumb the side drain for just that / water change -- be sure to place valve easy to access

[RocketSurgeon]

bottom drain is excellent idea I dont use bottom substrate just because of the cleaning issue if you add a spillway/fountain/waterfall then with fish also swimming you wont visually notice bottom of pond

do you have a link or part number to a particular type or style of drain required for the floor of the tank?

you may want to plumb the side drain for just that / water change -- be sure to place valve easy to access

For water changes, I'm guessing I need to plan on routing the waste water somewhere safe and non-obtrusive.

Lastly before burying this tank, arises the question of submersible lighting. Do they make lights, similar to those you see in swimming pools? Are they feasible and/or beneficial? What type of lighting is best to be able to see the fish at night?

I've had cable, gas, and electric come out and mark the lines on the property again. I also know there is an easement along the fences as well. Am I forgetting anything prior to digging?

[justdoit]

bottom drain is really personal choice but is a real plus to eliminating low flow areas in pond may want to cross reference between pool & pond supplies. if you have some one in pool building they could order at good cost.

use water change run off in flower bed/ lawn wherever. free irrigation & ferts.

lights are personal choice. i have placed light ramdom around exterior edge for visual look & safety. there are many kinds i recently pickedup some leds shaped into sm rockforms that are waterproof enough to go underwater or under spillway to reflect water flow & they are solar. got from lowes incase they are crap but if I like am sure they are on line

i will suggest plantings around your pond could be in different level pots/planters to hide excess epuipment [smoke n mirrors]
low maintenance & easy to rearrange as ponds are as addicting at aquariums so leave room for rearranging or expansion

level pond as closely as possible we have sand when we dig so leveling was not a problem