• ODT Gun Show & Swap Meet - May 4, 2024! - Click here for info

Any "garden pond" specialist on here?

My son busted his ass building a "water feature" for the backyard, lots of backbreaking work with rock and stone, installing plants, plumbing and lighting. Very nice when done, and then it became an oasis for all the critters.....including RATS which invaded his house and caused major problems.

Bottom line.....don't do it. rainwater from downspouts into barrels with lids is your answer.
 
My son busted his ass building a "water feature" for the backyard, lots of backbreaking work with rock and stone, installing plants, plumbing and lighting. Very nice when done, and then it became an oasis for all the critters.....including RATS which invaded his house and caused major problems.

Bottom line.....don't do it. rainwater from downspouts into barrels with lids is your answer.

We already have rats because of the chicken/cow feed. :doh:
 
We already have a 100 gallon, sitting on top of the ground w/ fish and plants. No filters. No water movement. Fish survive throughout the winter. Never had an algae bloom, but it is mostly shaded. It's been going for 6-8yrs.
 
Rainwater is best, WHEN it rains....My rain barrel is near empty right now....Rain forecast for Friday....I wonder if plumbing the top barrel to fill from the bottom might put too much stress on the pump...That's a lot of weight above the outlet...I think it would be much less stress on the pump to fill from near top of top barrel, it also would keep the top barrel water moving better and possibly aerate as well. EASY to install an in line aerator.....The fish would thank you....
 
Rainwater is best, WHEN it rains....My rain barrel is near empty right now....Rain forecast for Friday....I wonder if plumbing the top barrel to fill from the bottom might put too much stress on the pump...That's a lot of weight above the outlet...I think it would be much less stress on the pump to fill from near top of top barrel, it also would keep the top barrel water moving better and possibly aerate as well. EASY to install an in line aerator.....The fish would thank you....

I know rainwater is best, but I have no way of catching rainwater from the roof; so this is a secondary idea using things I have laying around the yard.
 
Back
Top Bottom