building a small backyard pond

Question
QUESTION: I am in the process of building a small backyard pond.  It will be about 8 feet long and about 3.5 feet wide, and the deepest portion will be about 3 feet to 3.5 feet.  I purchased about 6 feet of 15' x 1' EPDM liner today.  Will this be enough to cover the pond?  And also, how do I make the pond look "natural" - particularly on the sloping sides of the pond?

ANSWER: Hi there!

The best way to do this is to stretch the liner over the area marked for the pond. Make sure that you leave about one foot of liner over the border. For the depth, you should take the 3' for the shallow end and 3.5 for the deep end.

To make the pond more natural, stones and plants properly placed would do the trick.

If you want to send me pictures I could probably help you a little better.

Good Luck!

Carlo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply.  I'm still digging - there's a lot of hardpan in my area.  Another question I have is whether this small pond will need some kind of filtration or drainage.  Or will plants, fish, and snail be sufficient for the care of the pond?
ANSWER: Hi Will!

It is always good to have some kind of filtration in a man made pond. Not that you would need to keep it running al the time, but as a back up system and a possible accent to your pond. Most filters will enable you to create waterfalls.
With a few weathered stones and some imagination,  you can create something interesting for your backyard.

Try to grow water plants without any soil.
Use as many different plants as possible.
Start with the plants, then the snails, and after the snails the  fish.
If you intend to feed your fish I strongly recommend you to use a filter.

Keep an eye on the subtle changes in the water.
From murky right after you finish, the water should become clearer and clearer as the plants capture most of the particles in the water.

Keep an eye on any changes in water clarity after you add the fish.

Keep in touch!

Carlo





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Carlo - I ended buying a pondmaster 1000 filter.  Are you familiar with this filter?  If so, does this filter need to be at the very bottom of the pond, the deepest portion?  My pond is small, and I'm a bit concerned that rocks on the sloping sides may slide and crush it.

Answer
Hi Will!

Yes, keep the filter at the bottom of the pond.
Rocks on the sloping sides could be kept in place by using cement.
If you do use cement, try to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.
Also remember that cement will stain the rocks.

Good luck!

Carlo