MMAX

Skippy's rates the 150 gal model for ponds 4500 gallons and up. It's a little much for my size of project but thanks anyway.

These guys are quite adamant about using Rubbermaid tanks not because they're dealers but because the Rubbermaids with their rounded corners create a swirling action. They have tried others but nothing else worked. UFA doesn't sell Rubbermaids, they sell UFA brand, Peavy Mart doesn't deal with Rubbermaids anymore. Acklands can get them but it will take 2 or 3 weeks to come in and they didn't give me a price. CO-OP has them for $159.99. Just curious if anyone doesn't mind me asking what others have paid for them?

I've been debating on which type of filter to run in my pond, so I fired these guys an e-mail about their bio-filter. They said a skimmer isn't needed, but if you want one get one, it's your decision and your pond. Also, they said bio balls are useless (I already knew that) as are UV sterilizers because killing algae with an ultra violet light also kills the beneficial bacteria. I'm going to give one of these bio-filters a try. Anyone know where to get a 100gal stock tank in Alberta?

Thanks Henry, I'll keep that in mind. I'm sure I'll have a few questions along the line.

Have another round of days off so it's time to start digging again

Ran into some root problems. Too hot to dig anyway so it's time for a beer or 6.

And more rocks...probably only the tip of the iceburg

After visiting Burnco yesterday and checking out some prices on rocks, I decided to start traveling the country and stockpiling as many as I can.

Let the rock collecting begin...

Looks like you have lots of canine assistants, the best kind. Can't wait to see how it looks finished!!

The American Bulldog is more of a hinderance than an assistant. I have to keep her tied up away from the area or I'll find holes dug where there aren't supposed to be. This project is going to take me awhile to complete so be patient. Like I said it's my first water garden and I want to do it right...the first time. Anybody have any suggestions on pump size? From the top of the hill to the bottom is about 20 feet with a rise of about 10 feet. The pond is going to be around 1200 gallons so I've been debating over a Laguna 2900gph or a 4200gph model. I want a ton of flow coming down the creek into the pond and I've heard people say not to skimp on the pump. Also any suggestions on filter systems? Skimmer, external cannister with UV sterilizer or all of the above?

Looks Like a fun project am looking forward to more pics----I hope you called before you started digging for gas line locations as you don't want to go :boom:

First thing I did. Only lines back there was an old underground sprinkler system that didn't work anyway.

Began building a backyard waterfall/pond. It's my first attempt at this, did a crapload of research before beginning, any comments good or bad would be appreciated...

A couple of pics of my backyard before starting

Tree at bottom of hill was removed yesterday. Picked up a 50 gal header pool with spillway. Dug a hole for the bottom sump leaving the top level with the ground. Wanted a good size drop from the header to the first mini pool, also didn't want to deal with the roots of the big popalar tree behind it.

Proposed stream course down hill

First mini pool below spillway

3 mini pools dug for a proposed 4 step waterfall into main pond

Started rockwork around header pool and digging streambed linking mini pools together

I'll keep posting as I continue with build.

I'm planning to build a waterfall/pond combo next year. I have the perfect landscape set-up with a fairly steep up slope in front of my back fence. I'm planning on using a Laguna 50gal spillway on top of the hill draining into the waterfall and then into a 250gal main pond at the bottom. None of these tropical or koi types of fish for me, get this....I know a guy who can get me trout. I'm planning on 2 or 3 six inch rainbow trout fingerlings. This guy I speak of has a 150gal aquarium set up 1 year ago with 2 rainbows in his basement and they're doing great. I don't see much of a problem keeping them in a natural setting outdoors.

Trout are becoming fairly popular. I know a number of places are stocking with rainbow trout, they survive our winters with few problems. They don't seem as prone to low O2 levels as goldfish, koi, or even perch.

Some people enjoy the fall fish fry...

Actually rainbow trout do need fairly high O2 levels. My proposed system will have a healthy flow of water to simulate a stream setting. An ideal species for a lower flow set-up would be a brown trout. They are more tolerant of warmer, less oxygenated water. I just don't know and don't think they are as available as rainbows.

Exactly what Crystal mentioned

I'm planning to build a waterfall/pond combo next year. I have the perfect landscape set-up with a fairly steep up slope in front of my back fence. I'm planning on using a Laguna 50gal spillway on top of the hill draining into the waterfall and then into a 250gal main pond at the bottom. None of these tropical or koi types of fish for me, get this....I know a guy who can get me trout. I'm planning on 2 or 3 six inch rainbow trout fingerlings. This guy I speak of has a 150gal aquarium set up 1 year ago with 2 rainbows in his basement and they're doing great. I don't see much of a problem keeping them in a natural setting outdoors.

Is there any newbie bashing in here??? With a 150gal could you get away without running a sump? I would think you should probably have one with a tank that size. Someone from Canreef got chastized for planning a 75gal without a sump.

I know this is an old topic but last time I was in Pisces (2 weeks ago) they have been going hard on the SW side of things. Quite a few SW display tanks and a fairly good selection of livestock. Still can't touch RC imo, but it's coming along nicely.

In my own opinion, stay away from the Corlife super skimmers. They are very hard to adjust and they seem to really enjoy puking water all over your floor.

Found this site a few days ago, 1st post for me. I'm sure some people have had success with tap water but I paid the price for using it. A ton of phosphates caused a massive red slime algae bloom in my tank. After scrubbing everything in the tank and switching back to RO water I haven't had it come back. I'll use nothing but RO water from now on. If you're just starting out Fox be prepared to open up your wallet, even for a small tank. My 20gal cost me at least $500 to $600 (including tank) to start. That's tank, light, skimmer, filter, powerhead, sand and live rock. It's not a cheap hobby but it's rewarding. Jonah, what's with that "Losers" avatar? Don't tell me you're a Shames fan.