When we move to our new home we want to build a very large pond, but
we would prefer it to be cement. What kind of process would it take
to do that to make it safe for the fish? Is there something we can
coat the cement with to make it black?

Would it be a lot cheaper to build a 5000 gallon pond with pond
liner? My only worry is that if the liner breaks, we are screwed. We
are going to have a company who does fake rocks for landscapes come
and build us some fake rocks. THey make it by shaping rebar and wire
and covering it with cement, and then stain it. Their work is
incredible. If the did that, it would be permanent and if the liner
rips, we would probably have to break through the rocks to replace
it which would be nearly impossible and such a waste. So Im thinking
a cemement pond is the way to go. THere are no rocks in FL so to BUY
actual rocks would be much more expensive.

So any tips on how to make a 5000 gallon cement pond? Would a large
Skippy filter be sufficient for it? I really dont want to get into
all the fancy technical stuff. Honestly I dont understand it.

What kind of pump should I use and how would I place it? How do I
make the drain? Im really confused on some of that stuff. ANy help
you can offer me on this project would be a great help to me. I feel
a little overwhelmed but I REALLY want the pond.

Also, if I wanted to have a little pond attached to the big one,
what would be the best way to do this so that the water is not
stagnant, but at the same time its not turbulant? It will probably
be pretty shallow, almost like a bog garden, but not quite.

I want to have an area of my pond to grow carnivorous plants, but Im
not quite sure that is going to work out. There cannot be any
nutrients in the water, and Im worried about the fertilizer tabs
leaking from the lily pots. Has anyone tried to grow carnivorous
plants in a water garden? How did you do it?

I've never done one but there is a really nicely done gunite (sp) pond on koivet.com They went through all the steps. It was posted by pondpetsusa

Scott

And Gia, keep in mind, the cement isn't going to stay "cement colored" for long. It'll start growing algae and other crap on it, so it'll darken.

Yeah, Gia, go and read that pond thread over on Koivet. Just beware that you better take some time while you do it - its a looooong thread, but worth every minute of it. Makes me wonna get out and grab a shovel...

You gonna bring that shovel over to my place ?

Thanks guys! I forgot I posted here! Thanks for your help. Im going to go read it right now!

EDIT: LOL! I cant find the thread! What section is it under! Maybe I need to join in order to see everything. ill go join right now, but does someone know the thread or the name of the thread or even what section its in???

You know I went over to koivet.com and looked for it and couldn't find it

sorry

Scott

Hey guys I know its been awhile since this thread was active, but Im still having a really tough time finding info on cement ponds. I really need to know the technical stuff. Im probably not going to build it myself, but I need to know HOW its done so I can give hubby's co-workers and friends some direction. Haha. I get to kick back and relax while they build it for me. Awesome. lol. Well...they do the hard work, Ill do the fun stuff. hehe

Anyway, I guess Ill keep looking but if any of you come across any resourses do you think you could post a link? Im getting pretty frustrated.

Im such a hard head, I know. Usually when Im trying to research something and I cant find it, it means its not usually done...or its not a good idea. But oh well, I want a cement pond anyway.

you can get pond paint, and you would need to coat the cement with G4

this *might* help.

http://www.koicymru.co.uk/ponddes.htm

They seem to be more popular in parts of Europe them in the US, so that can help in your search.

I found this site useful:
http://www.koicarp.org.uk/koi_pond1.htm

I need to build one out of cement as well (hello protected local trees with your **** invasive root system), and I'm having a hard time finding some of really specific info I need.

There are lots of different ways to seal the cement too, to prevent the leaching that messes with the water chemistry.

WOW! Thanks guys! Im still browsing that first site, but Ill get to yours too cheeky. I am really loving that site though. It is basically giving step by step instructions and its easier to see how the plumbins is supposed to be laid out and how they do their filter systems. Thanks ooo much! Im still reading, but Ill get back to you guys later and let ya know if it answered my questions...