How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

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for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

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Carson Grady - 6 years ago

I am 13 and and want to build a pond. I don't want to spend the bulk of my money on rocks, where is a good store that I can buy cheap rocks from like Lows or Home Depot

ReptileTalk - 6 years ago

is the water fall foam toxic and will it be safe for my turtles

G Rodriguez - 6 years ago

Hi Eric, what happens if you loaded all of your rocks in the pond and later you discover that there is a leak? How would you find it? ALSO, I noticed that you didn't put a second liner below, do you recommend a liner below and if so, which type of liner?

Thanks again, your videos are AWESOME!

Joseph Robinette - 6 years ago

All of your videos are awesome! I'm about to covert a 38' X 22' in ground pool into a pond. I'm guessing it's 28,000 gallons. Any recommendations?

Shabba Ranks - 6 years ago

Joseph Robinette https://youtu.be/ZTHStnI_B6I I found this video of a couple that turned their swimming pool into a pond.

Stephen Taplin - 6 years ago

Did you pick the rock at the source or just take a load of stone delivered?

Dorothy Cayson - 6 years ago

I want to do this and want to know all items needed and what you charge? If you dont mind me asking?

Suzan Simonds - 6 years ago

Do you have to rock the entire inside of the pond?

Risque Rabbit Home Makeover Spa - 6 years ago

What is that foam?

Keane Escueta - 6 years ago

how much does this pond cost in total

10. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

Julie MDC - 6 years ago

Hi - thank you for the videos! Can you use waterfall foam in damp conditions or do the surfaces need to be completely dry?

jr.turtle120701 - 6 years ago

where can i find stones like that? ive tried the obvious, ie homedepot/lowes, quarries/rockyards, etc. but they all have small stones that are uniform in shape and size/color. i want a variety for a more natural look. anything other types of place that you think i could try?

Bart O'Sullivan - 6 years ago

on a 4' vertical wall, would it be safe to use some mortar instead of foam?

Thurston Cubillo - 6 years ago

Would it be okay to leave the bottom and sides empty in a huge pond? what would you recommend for it? there is no way I could buy that much rock for suck a big pond.

carlos21626 - 6 years ago

why do you get water under the liner?

richard cheese ailen hunter - 7 years ago

to many stones in the lowest part of the pond for me

Tha PizzaMan - 7 years ago

lol I wanted to know how to make a cheap fish pond not a jig saw puzzle lake but, hey that's what separates your video from the amateurs.

Nick Cole - 7 years ago

Really appreciate the tutorial! How much rock did you use in this build? Like 1 or 2 tons? I have a similar sized pond and am wondering how much I will need to complete the coping and the rocks under the water. Thanks!

sdq sdq - 7 years ago

not wearing gloves , safety first ,haha

carlos21626 - 7 years ago

where do you buy the flome?

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

Here is a link to the foam we use.
http://theponddigger.com/product-category/installation-tools/black-waterfall-foam/

20. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

bagsmom GA - 7 years ago

I the video at about 3:18 -- is that large boulder -- and the one you placed at 4:10 -- just sitting on the rocks you used to line the sides? I don't think there is a shelf there at the destination point, so I wonder what the coping stones are resting on?

Rai Singh Uriarte - 7 years ago

Hello eric, one question,. How do you calculate how many rocks you need to buy?, I´m in that step right now. 1square meter for the same size you have in this pond will be too much or it is ok?. Thanks again.

Rai Singh Uriarte - 7 years ago

Many Thanks Eric, I´m building a 3x2 meters pond with 80 cm of deep. I all ready buy the rock so I buy 1square meter of big rock, and half of a square in little gravo, that is mixed with a little medium. When I look at all the stones, all together, it looks like there is too much big rock and I will need more medium size. I also buy a gorgeous flat stone with nice orange and gray colors in it.

I will made a complete video about it, but now I´m in pause by the liner, the client has a old liner we buy 3 years ago for this project, but, they used for another thing and when I check it I count at least 10 holes in it. So I´m not sure if I should buy another one or repair this one. In Chile is very difficult to buy liner. Actually we don´t have the one you use.

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

Hey Rai, that's a great question. Here is a how you can really get down to the figure. Measure the length and depth of each shelf. A ton of 10" to 12" rocks will go approximately 20 linear feet. With this math measured against your shelves should be able to put you on the right track.

If I have a pond that is 16 foot diameter, I will measure the circle and then determine how many 2 foot rocks I will need to complete the installation of the coping stones. Keep in mind I will mix in a couple 3', 1 foot and a foot and a half rocks to break up the look.

Keep in mind the density of the rock we install could be very different than what material you have available to you so you will have to weigh and measure a ten foot section of stone to determine your numbers for the calculations.

I typically will want to error on the side of having too much rock rather then not enough. When we finish with the project and we have some extra stone left over we will work the material into the landscape around the water feature.

I hope that answers your question. It's a little work to figure it out but it's worth it.

Be sure to send me a video link of your pond when complete. Let me know if you need anything else.

Denis Thor Christensen - 7 years ago

What kind of foam is it? i live in Denmark and here we don´t have "waterfall foam"
Do the foam have a different navn?
I really enjoy all your youtube films!

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

Look to see if you can find expanding construction foam for windows and doors. Thank you for watching.

Jaime Rossiter - 7 years ago

Is it a bad idea to build a pond, and not put fish in it? I live in Minnesota, so I feel like it would be too much work to try and keep the fish alive. I know you can take steps to make sure the pond doesn't freeze, but I would rather avoid that. THANKS!

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

+Jaime Rossiter You can use small minnows in the pond. I think the extra effort to keep fish is worth the it.

63BR4 - 7 years ago

why didn't you add the foam and small rocks in between the layers of big rocks as you went up instead of waiting until you were finished?

ThePondDigger - 7 years ago

+63BR4 That is certainly a good way to tackle it. When spreading materials and sizes it is just the way we go at it.

DoPhY - 8 years ago

where can you buy waterfall foam if not, is there another way to secure the rocks

DoPhY - 8 years ago

can you do a vid on how to secure it with cement please

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+DoPhY Waterfall foam is available all across America. If you live out of the country you may need to use some cement to secure your stones.

Jude Jacinto - 8 years ago

is it necessary to put rocks?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Jude Jacinto No there are many ways to build a pond.

ACID INK - 8 years ago

Does the foam also help to make it so you can stand on the rocks?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+ACID INK absolutely.

George Batton - 8 years ago

About how much does this pond cost in materials including the pond kit?

George Batton - 8 years ago

Guess I better start saving lol. BTW, I live in an are that gets lots of leaves in the fall. Is it better to put the pond far away from trees?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+George Batton Materials for this pond was ball park 3,500 to 4,000

David Tross - 8 years ago

is it necessary to have the bottom of the pond walls filled with the stones?

David Tross - 8 years ago

Ok great thank you

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+David Tross not necessarily.

30. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

Kevin Cortez - 8 years ago

I was wondering if it would be fine to use a cheaper skimmer since the helix skimmer is a bit over my budget?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Kevin Cortez Here is a decent skimmer that is affordably priced - https://theponddigger.com/product/easypro-mini-pond-skimmer-with-filter-brushes/

We installed hundreds of these before the Helix Pond Skimmer was brought to the market.

Here is a video of the installation process of that skimmer - https://youtu.be/JCocxYPfWd8

Best of luck to you on your project. Thank you for support.

Anal Avocado - 8 years ago

Where do you get all of the big rocks?

Anal Avocado - 8 years ago

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Anal “Negro” Avocado From our local rock material yard.

Dai-Nghia Nguyen - 8 years ago

I live in VA, where the temperature below 32 degree F, how much depth of the pond do I need for Koi fishes ?

ACID INK - 8 years ago

+Dai-Nghia Nguyen You wont need a certain depth if you use a pond heater.

superjfbm - 8 years ago

health and safety

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+superjfbm Always important.

Young Woodsman - 8 years ago

That pond really turned into somethin else

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+UpsideDown Aquatics Thanks for watching!

James Buckley - 8 years ago

What is the best type of rock for koi ponds?
Thanks

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+James Buckley We love using granite.

Alex Munoz - 8 years ago

Can there be colorful pebbles on the pond floor and then big rocks for the pond walls thanks

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Alex Munoz Yes!

Sebit Ramadhan - 8 years ago

I am interested in building a rectangular fish pond with concrete instead of a liner. Please let me know if its ok to continue.

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Sebit Ramadhan Absolutely ok....

swdis00 - 8 years ago

What if a fish dies in the fish cave and you don't notice? Is it going to cause problems for the water and other fish, or is it no problem?

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+swdis00 It's never been a problem for us. If you loose a big fish in a small pond you could certainly experience a spike in ammonia. A small fish in a large pond is not a big issue for a good life support system.

hades410 - 8 years ago

Hi Eric, great videos, your techniques are really helpful! I am trying to seal the all the cracks between my rocks but i don't have in my country any of these waterfall foam, does a standard polyurethane foam can be used? do i need also to glue/silicone the rocks? thanks.

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+hades410 We used a yellow polyurethane foam for a decade before black waterfall foam was available! Go for it, just make sure the foam doesn't have a fire retardant!!!!

Jessica Gebhardt - 8 years ago

You guys throw around these rocks like they are nothing and I can barely carry in the groceries uwu

ThePondDigger - 8 years ago

+Tosuto no Erabeta BAHAHAHAA SO FUNNY

Bryant Gaspar - 9 years ago

Does it have to be stone can view use bricks?

Brad Watson - 9 years ago

Hi Eric, could you give me some idea of how many tubes of waterfall foam I would need to secure the stone in a pond 17ft x 14ft x 4.5 ft Cheers

Brad Watson - 9 years ago

+ThePondDigger Thanks for the advice eric.

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+Brad Watson I would say around 5, maybe 6

Daniel Sullivan - 9 years ago

do you have any reps or recommend contractors in the Dallas area?

sharmaine hawkins - 9 years ago

i wanted a koi pond with a square shape a more contemporary look with a water fall and all the digging was intimidating to me....i live in florida is it safe to dig that deep,would i need a permit and is it easier to do a pond with the plastic bowl thingy that goes into the bottom to skip the liner installation????? i feel so stupid i thought all ponds consist of digging a whole, fill with water and throw in fish smh.

ThePondDigger - 9 years ago

+sharmaine hawkins Well yes there is a little more to it than just digging a hole. There is a an Authorized Helix Retailer pond specialist in Florida named Alexander Castro of Koi Smart and Tranquil Waterscapes. Look them up and see if you are close enough to go visit them for a consultation to help you along the way. Best of luck to you!

Dasherthecat - 9 years ago

What thickness is good? Is .5mm good enough?

Steve Elliott - 9 years ago

what thickness is the pond liner, ive been looking for stuff but all i can find is 0.3mm thick, is that strong enough for the rocks

Massimo Pierani - 9 years ago

Great video! Which material do you use to stick on the rock ?? Can it be toxic for the fishes ?

Gino C - 9 years ago

would you recommend a porous rock at the bottom for better bacteria growth?

circlekidd1 - 9 years ago

How deep is that pond?

50. comment for How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

Craig Voisin - 10 years ago

Can you use Sandstone in the ponds ? My property has lots of 5 to 10 pound sandstones .

Steven Habener - 9 years ago

Sandstone slowly breaks down over time. Without proper routine maintenance, sand will build up in the filter mats and floss/lava stone bags. This will reduce filtration of debris and organic material. Resulting in poor water clarity and living conditions for life. Some sandstone is ok , but not too much.

ricky demakiling - 10 years ago

thanks to thepondigger i have an idea from you to build own pond soon at the province

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Great to hear we have inspired you! Go after it!

daniel alaniz - 10 years ago

I'm trying to build my own turtle pond and I have found your videos extremely helpful, so thank you for explaining and demonstrating everything. I am also on a budget. Do you know where to find inexpensive materials? I.E. rocks, fish tunnels, and plants?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Hey Daniel you can sometimes find used equipment on craigslist, collect your own rock, adopt some fish and offer to help clean someone's pond for some aquatic plant clippings! Hope that helps! Go after it.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

The granite we are using is plentiful in our region and is considered a river rock as well. I would definitely suggest looking for a local rock source to keep your project in budget. Bringing in rock from other states can cost quite a bit of money because of trucking. If you are purchasing the stone from a local rock yard tell the sales rep you are building a fish pond and ask him what kind of rock the local pond pros are using for installations.

Chip Wooly - 10 years ago

I know you said you were using granite, but that type of stone seems hard to find back east. Do you like granite due to availability, performance or appearance? River rock is plentiful here, but I have heard it may be more prone to algae development. What do you think?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Great suggestion! We do this in most of our installs! This video series was slow to come together but FAST in the same regard. We missed this step in the instructions! Guess that means we will need to move into another video presentation so we can teach more great tips and tricks. Thanks for the comment!

owen k - 10 years ago

In the ponds i build i add a cleanout hole at the bottom just to be able throw a pump in for spring cleanouts, do you ever do this? Your videos are great, keep up the good work.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Both types of stone we are using is a GRANITE.

terstis - 10 years ago

hat type of rock are you using

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Rock through out the pond is not completely necessary. Consider not doing such vertical tall walls on the dig because we use the rock to support the excavation. If you do smaller 8" steps then your excavation will be fine. FUN FACT: The UV from the Sun is no longer damaging at 36" deep. Be sure to use pond liner that is UV tolerant if you plan on leaving the liner exposed to the sun. Good Luck!

Susan C - 10 years ago

Is it necessary to add rocks at the bottom of your pond? The rock is so expensive and I'm trying to cut some costs.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Thank you, Only half sleeves.

fatpigeonhgg - 10 years ago

Nice tattoo. is it a full suit?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

You can still use concrete if you wish.

Daniel Vattathichirayil - 10 years ago

are we still allowed to use concrete?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

We are purchasing rock from our local quarry and or rock yards. Some of the local DIYer's do collect rock for their pond.

CaptainSky1998 - 10 years ago

Where do you get rocks to rock in a pond? Do you buy them or collect them?

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

We dry stack and backfill the rocks we are installing in the pond and then we lock them all together with expanding waterfall foam. They are not as stable as concrete but done correctly you will have very stable rock work.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Roughly 6 to 8 tons. Wait till you see the size of the monster rocks we wrestle into the waterfall by hand.

Dave McClennan - 10 years ago

so in weekend warrior terms... how many pick up truck loads would that be?

xXjarhead95xX - 10 years ago

So. Those rocks wont move at all?

Soper79 - 10 years ago

And I should mention I never heard of or seen the fish cave demonstrated until you had it in a video sometime back in one of your older demonstrations. A great idea and I'm a full believer in it. You do great work. Thx for all the tips.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Yeah, I've heard that 8 x 8 dinner plate saying...... ;)

Soper79 - 10 years ago

My first pond I made was a smallish I'd say 7x8 pond and only 2 levels deep. Probably a max of 24 inches deep. There's a funny saying that goes "Anything less than 8x8 is a dinner plate" :P Anyways, that pond would routinely get raided by raccoons in the summer. One night saw a family of 5 of them. After that, I would always recommend a fish cave. That and get some good depth in your pond so your fish can get away. Raccoons like to perch on the side and stick their hands in to snag the fish.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

On this pond we will use approximately 6 to 7 tons of rock because we will be using several large stones around the pond, skimmer, exterior edges and in the waterfall.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

EXACTLY!! Thanks for your reply!

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

I like the way you have dug out your pond. Eliminating the middle bench makes for more water volume and more room for the fish! I love it! Our clients LOVE the fish cave installation. I have so many testimonials from clients saying without the cave the HERON would have cleaned their pond out! If you can, ADD THE CAVE DURING EXCAVATION!

Garrett Steets - 10 years ago

i am currently digging my pond now but instead of digging out the typical 3 levels i just dug out 2 the first one is one shovel deep n the second (bottom level) is approx. 30" deep. Should i of made it 3 levels instead? and also how critical is installing a hideout like the one you made for your fish? i do plan eventually on putting in fidh into mine.

Soper79 - 10 years ago

Good tip. All along this series I was wondering what you would do with that steep wall to keep the rocks from eventually falling down. I like the use of small rocks & waterfall foam sealant to lock those in place. Almost like you're mortaring them solid. A good tip. I'll remember that, thanks. Otherwise, if you keep doing 8 inches down, 8 inches down for every level, you need a big footprint for the size of your pond if you want a deep pond. Plus that'd be uniform which we don't want.

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

I would like to see you take your time and not try and blow the thing out!! If you have a couple guys with you and work efficiently I would say give yourself three weekends. This pond will be something you will cherish for many, many years!

ThePondDigger - 10 years ago

Much Thanks!!!

Dave McClennan - 10 years ago

Eric, How much rock will you need to rock in this size pond?

Roy Seeger - 10 years ago

Great demos, Eric! On an 8'x11' pond, how long should a do-it-yourselfer expect to spend on rocking in a pond? Assume a maximum of three workers who aren't as experienced in selecting/placing rocks like your team.

About How to build a Fish Pond - Part 8 | Pond Construction Rock Placement (1 of 2)

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