Post & Ask

Join Now Log In

Hometalk is where people share and help with everything home & garden

Professional Katonah, NY on Sep 01, 2012

Like Clip

Deck Planter Gains Life

Project: Goldens Bridge, NY

Client wanted fish but did not have the space for a pond.

We removed a deck planter and constructed a very unique

water feature that was fish friendly.

Aquascape filtration and Basalt columns along with a

fish bowl turned this planter into a focal point for the family.

39 Comments Displaying 25 of 39 comments | See Previous

TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

To answer a few questions starting with the fish bowl. the fish swim in and out of the bowl as they please. the bottom of the bowl is open. the basalt columns are on the hard side as far as rock goes. there is a large fish cave under the basalt columns where the fish will over winter.

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 0
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Website for the Fish bowl. they have an installation video and nice gallery.
http://www.addasphere.com/gallery/main.html

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 2
Betty New Kensington, PA

thinking this is just what my deck and backyard is calling for....

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 1
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

Another pond idea I love....and will be incorporating into the landscape!

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 1
Nadeen Lyndaker Croghan, NY

how does the aqu filtration work? does it keep the alge out or is it chemically added fish freindly and is this contunously run even in winter months with temps in winter months of -15below i bring my fish in for the winter.

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 0
Victoria Huron, OH

this is not my pond, but I live in Ohio and we keep our fish out all winter. We purchased a ball that floats and heats the water. If your pond is deep enough and doesn't freeze to the bottom the fish live under the ice.

on Sep 02, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

I showed this to my hubby and we were inspired to install a similar shaped pond into a newly created flower bed, in the next couple of weeks. We have become addicted to water features in the garden. I started with a whiskey barrel, to a small, round in-ground and this will be the 3rd. Our dream pond will come next spring. I love what a pond does for the landscape, soothing for us, and adds so much for the wild life.

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 2
Becky H Tampa, FL

Yea Cindy!! Can't wait to see yours.

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 1
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Cindy, you should speak with Mike Wheeley from American Aquascapes.
He can lead you in the right direction.
http://www.americanaquascape.com/
Tom

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
Town and Country Living Elburn, IL

Beautiful. I love the way you incorporated the basalt columns into the pond.

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy Roberts Portland, OR

Did you use a pond liner, pour cement or?

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Never, ever use concrete.
Pond liner with underlayment is the only way to go. Check out the Aquascape ecosytem for concept on pond building.
http://www.aquascapeinc.com/ecosystemponds

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
Deck and Patio Company "O... Huntington Station, NY

Hi Tom- Nice use of a small space!

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 1
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

thanks Bill

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

Tom, thank you so much for the referral. I will definately give these guys a call for a design/quote. The previous home owners had an above ground pool, leaving a good sized indention in the back yard...making it a perfect place for a pond! I so appreciate the sharing of great ideas and referrals!
Becky, thanks for the encouragement...I look forward to sharing!! :)

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
Mary Ann Miron Hempstead, TX

I have two large plastic ponds, a "stair" shaped plastic piece, and a wall piece that I would like to put together to form a waterfall/fish pond with recycling water. I'm in TX. Any ideas?

on Sep 03, 2012 · Like 0
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Mary Ann, I do not suggest using plastic formed ponds. We use those ponds to store fish in when we do pond cleanouts. Otherwise, they are junk.

on Sep 04, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

Tom, Just curious, why do you say they are 'junk'? Are you speaking of the quality or some risk they pose?

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Two reason, first from a design perspective, they are not flexible and leave you no room for creativity when building a ecosystem. Secondly, when we build an ecosystem, we use a skimmer and biofalls to filter and aerate the water. I have never seen a plastic molded pond that did not have water quaility issues. You are better off with a pond liner.

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

Might I add to Tom's reasons: The molded plastic forms require precision. You must dig and compact the soil so the form is perfectly level and equally supported by the ground. Otherwise, over time, the form shifts; best case scenerio is you can't fill the pond to the top; worst case is the form cracks and you've a major leak.

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 1
Leida R Tampa, FL

This is lovely!!!

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
Cindy Mink Winston Salem, NC

Thanks Tom, I appreciate your reply. When planning big projects like this I like to understand as much as possible!! :)

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 0
TRD Designs Ltd. Katonah, NY

Your welcome Cindy

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 0
Ponds Inc. of Illinois, J... Elgin, IL

Nice project Tom! Good idea with the basalts in the pond!

on Sep 07, 2012 · Like 0
Betty New Kensington, PA

I'm going with leveling it off and use flagstones,have a fire pit and possibly a water fall(small) Thanks,Betty

on Sep 09, 2012 · Like 0