johnson lee
Veteran
May 21, 2002, 12:34 PM
Post #17 of 105
(100114 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [sichang] Building new pond
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Hi sichang and the rest
I can sympathise with sichang and understand the frustrations he is going through!
To be fair, there are a number of honest and good pond builders out there who is willing to listen to your ideas, designs and plans for the pond, filter etc. but I agree with sichang that some pond contractors are only out to make as much money as they can from people with little or no knowledge of pond construction. They also have a one-tracked mind about pond building. If you try and argue with them, they will sneer at you and say "I have built more ponds than you can ever imagine, so who knows better?"
Then they will quote you an astronomical sum and say, "If you want clear water from a hassle-free filtration system etc. then this is the price to pay!" And if you say to them that your budget is say RM5K, then they will give you a dirty look and tell you why are we wasting their time! I had one contractor who quoted me RM28K for a pond that comes complete with zen garden, bonsai plants etc. which has got nothing to do with koi-keeping!
So out of frustration, I decided to read up on pond building from bookstores, internet and then based on my budget and financial constraints came up with a pond that best suited my needs. I got a contractor friend to help me with the pond building. It costs me about RM5K to build the pond with a 4 chamber filtration system. It is very basic, no bottom drains or mid-feed. I am satisfied with what I have done based on the money I had. My kois are happy, I am happy and my pocket is happy!
So my advice to all would be koi-ponders is to read up as much as possible about koi ponds, the nitrogen cycle, filtration systems etc. and you form an idea in your head how you want your pond to be. I am realistic enough to know that since I do not have a bottom drain or back flush in the filters, I have to put in extra work to keep the filters in tip-top condition. That's something I have to accept for the choices I have made.
Once, you can accept that, then work within your budget. Who says that you need RM10K and above to build a pond? Of course, I may offend some connoisseur koi keepers for having an 'incomplete' pond. I guess, ultimately as long as my kois are not 'suffocating' or dying due to diseases, and are growing well, I consider myself to be a responsible owner.
I have learnt a lot from this forum and if any contractor says that this website is nonsense, then pls do not engage his services. So sichang, do not give up hope, I am sure you will be able to build your dream pond soon but be patient. For all you know, you might end up designing your own pond and supervising the contractor on what to do! Kevkoi has written and illustrated some excellent ideas on pond and filter construction and I suggest you study them and perhaps can incorporate some ideas from there. I am sure Kevin wouldn't mind?
Good luck to you and keep hanging in there!
Rgds
Johnson
|
MAIN
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
Re: [sichang] Building new pond
[
. 
Hang in there. 
. Let's take it easy on the BS...
. I generally agree with kevkoi. 1) the bottom drains should open into a) a dry sump which should be as deep or slightly deeper or slightly shallower than the deepest part of the pond. This would facilitate easy removal of heavy waste during flushing. And Stuart...maybe you've misunderstood the idea for having a deep sump. It's not only for the purpose of large water change but also for ease of waste removal as mentioned above. A bottom drain with a long up-bend opening into a shallow sump will not function very well in waste removal as alot of water is required for flushing. b) the settlement chamber. Some ponds have this system. c) both the dry sump and settlement chamber. My pond has this system. Hence there is no need of midwater feed. I could flush the bottom drain and settlement chamber at the same time. I feel that midwater feeds are more suitable for very deep ponds, >6ft. 2) depth of bio-filters. Definitely need not be more than 3ft 6in below water surface. Reason, good bugs thrive in shallow water where DO is higher. Maintenance is also easier. 3) Pond builders. In this part of the world, it is not easy to find a pond builder who is widely read, widely travelled and truly knowledgeble. Most of these so-called professional pond-builders were actually ex-contractors who also happen to keep koi. They boast of their years in the business and the effectiveness of their systems. Many are not willing to listen to your opinions or ideas. In this forum, there are many learned people with wide experiences. Ideas are discussed, challenged and debated. Hence, it would not be right to say that this forum is useless. We are the best people to give our honest opinions about the working conditions of our ponds, not the pond builders. 4) Making money. Who wouldn't want to? In this materialistic world, it would be even harder to find a good pond builder who would not take advantage of his talent to make more money. Those who've been to any Medical Specialist centre would know. So, be it good or bad pond builders, they're out to make money. In my case, I burned a big hole in my pocket but I'm now beginning to appreciate the results. 
Re: [SMW1] Building new pond
[
But what interest me is the problem you have with pond contractors and i fully understand all this. I have a friend which also been through all this crab so finally, he went to his kois dealers for help. This kind gentlemen recomend him to a contractor and actually sit together with him and the contractor to design his pond. The last time i heard is that he is very happy with the outcome ( i have yet to see his pond)
1
