New Pond

[GaryD]

Hi,

I spotted this tank section on eBay.

It's 2.5 meters in diam and 470mm high.....and I'm told that it will hold about 2100 litres. It cost me $88.00.

I managed to sneak it up the back streets without attracting the attention of the gendarmerie.

At this stage, I haven't decided whether it will be a water garden or a landscaped greywater holding pond. I've long held the ambition to create a mini-wetland in my backyard. I already have a set of flowforms (pictured below). An hour with a Bobcat and we should have much of the infrastructure in place.

Gary

[echidna]

Only 45 cm overwidth ;-)

I like those flow forms. Were you intending them to oxygenate the water in the aquaponics system or are they for the greywater. I've seen photos of them used in large-scale greywater systems, but if I recall right, they were very expensive.

[GaryD]

Hi Echidna,

They are used for oxygenating water......and we'll probably use them on our greywater system (although they'd be excellent for a medium - large Aquaponics system, too).

They were expensive.....about $1300 for the flowforms, the hardwood support, submersible pump and fittings.....but I love the look of them when they're operating. I find that, if I watch the action of the water as it swirls around, it has a similar effect to meditation......it helps me to clear the clutter in my mind.

Gary

[sillyoldfart]

I've seen one of those flow-forms somewhere myself Gary, and I must admit watching the water flow is almost hypnotic. And very soothing.

Notice your new pond appears to be poly and round, almost heresy that is isn't it Gary, you do realise it's going to take up more space than a square fiber glass one don't you.

[GaryD]

HI SOF,

Notice your new pond appears to be poly and round, almost heresy that is isn't it Gary,

I'll probably use it as a greywater holding pond. I guess that holding dirty water is a useful end for a circular tank.

Poly's fine.......except for use as 300mm deep gravel grow beds.

Gary

[Matt Trevatt]

My father in law is a world reknown Appropriate Technologyst specialising in water. He makes his own flow forms for next to nothing. He has his own fibreglass mold and makes them out of concrete. Cheap as chips!.

[polypus]

hi gary,

how have the flowforms worked out over the years since 2007?
did you end up using them to oxygenate a fish tank?

_c

[GaryD]

Hi Polypus,

They have had very little use since we bought them. I'd planned to use them on a greywater treatment system but I'm still getting 'round to it.

They are due to be moved because they are around where we plan to put one of our new aquaponics units. I'm not looking forward to it because they are very heavy.

Gary