Question
Hi,
Ive got a 18'x15' area off to the side of the yard that I am thinking about turning into a fountain and pond. I would like to make it a solar run pump if at all possible. It is just a dirt area that was formerly a garden. I dont want anything remotely high maintenance. I would just like a nice little pond with some small fish maybe and some frogs and salamanders. I have found lots of salamanders in my recent landscaping in the yard. I am located on the central coast of California.

So, do I dig a hole and  put concrete in or how would I get this thing started?
Thanks for your help.
Dave  

Answer
Ok, why not go to your local pond store and find out how wide vinyl liner comes in your area. Dig the hole so that the liner will fill the hole. I think you will find it comes about 15 feet wide, that should mean you could build a pond 3 feet deep and 6 feet wide  and have a little overhang of the liner which would be anchored around the pond, unless you want to go concrete which is a lot more expensive. If you want to go solar power you will need to look for a 12 volt pump, includ in the plans a good biological filter/ If the pond is in an all day sunny location plan for a lot of floating plants. If you don't cover a lot of the surface with covering the algaie will run rampant. You will need to do some extensive web searching to find exactly what you need, but believe me the time will be well spent. Maybe your local pond store can supply you with the stuff you need to do the whole thing. What I have found is that pond stores know less than I do. I do, however have a good store that know or knows how to get what is needed. Unfortunately is is in Hamilton, Ontario , Canada many miles from you.  Go to your pond store
see what happens.


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