OK so the pond is nearer 5 metres by 4 metres? Still a pretty decent size. Netting will stop a heron but not otters. People near me have had koi ponds completely cleaned out by otters.
I agree with your logic about the stones not falling in, but I had some really large flat stones fall in over time. I'm assuming it from the weight of water compressing the soil over time and making the edging stones unstable.
If you remove some of the water initially, so that the ledge is exposed, you can mortar the rocks in place. You'll probably need to locate the fish elswhere for a little while
I've just realised you said the fins were left when the fish disappeared - I thnk that rules out herons, so possibly otters are more likely ? You might need a purpose built grid if you want fish. Do you know if you have otters in the area?
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Well im now absolutely devastated, and i have a pond i dont really want. I guess i will have to move forward with it and get it right with these stones. I dont really understand the mortaring fgirl. Should i have not done a shelf at all? All the websites said to cut a shelf.
Oh no - the shelf is fine, but if you get more fish and they get in amongst the rocks on the edge of it, they might dislodge them.
If you can remove enough water to expose the shelf, you can mortar the rocks into place on it - the same as doing a course of brick. It doesn't have to be perfect - just enough to hold them in place. Sloping them back towards the back of the pond is good if you can manage it, so that they're not leaning forward into the pond.
You can buy ready to use mortar, or stuff you add water to. It's not difficult - honest
Sorry about your fish. You might have to rethink what you do. A nice wildlife pond is a lovely thing to have though. If you really want a fish pond, I think you'll have to invest in a proper mesh cover for it.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
otters got mine.
10 inches is nothing to a heron...
or an otter!
I'd agree about the pointy rocks - and some planting. If the fish are getting into the ledges and shelves, plant some marginals in there.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If its an otter i wont need to worry about them tomorrow, right? I hope the net stops a heron.
The pond isnt 7.5 x 6.5, i was asked how big the liner was!
Erm...sort of explain what i have done wrong with the stones? I dont see how they can fall in (famous last words probably)
I'd suggest laying some gravel at the bottom of the pond, this will help with a few things...
1. It'll cover the ceases in your liner;
2. It'll protect the liner if any of those rocks do fall in;
3. Predators will have a more difficult time seeing your fish.
Hope this helps.
OK so the pond is nearer 5 metres by 4 metres? Still a pretty decent size. Netting will stop a heron but not otters. People near me have had koi ponds completely cleaned out by otters.
I agree with your logic about the stones not falling in, but I had some really large flat stones fall in over time. I'm assuming it from the weight of water compressing the soil over time and making the edging stones unstable.
Hmm i didnt know gravel was an option, never considered it. can you use peas, rinsed, or need an aquatic gravel?
Yes i think 5 x4 quite accurate. I am hoping netting works, pretty upset by losing the fish.
oh right im with you about the stones. Things move over time. Not really sure how to rectify. i will look at some pond pics and try and work it out.
If you remove some of the water initially, so that the ledge is exposed, you can mortar the rocks in place. You'll probably need to locate the fish elswhere for a little while
I've just realised you said the fins were left when the fish disappeared - I thnk that rules out herons, so possibly otters are more likely ? You might need a purpose built grid if you want fish. Do you know if you have otters in the area?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Otters definitely. you can guess the rest.
Well im now absolutely devastated, and i have a pond i dont really want. I guess i will have to move forward with it and get it right with these stones. I dont really understand the mortaring fgirl. Should i have not done a shelf at all? All the websites said to cut a shelf.
Oh no - the shelf is fine, but if you get more fish and they get in amongst the rocks on the edge of it, they might dislodge them.
If you can remove enough water to expose the shelf, you can mortar the rocks into place on it - the same as doing a course of brick. It doesn't have to be perfect - just enough to hold them in place. Sloping them back towards the back of the pond is good if you can manage it, so that they're not leaning forward into the pond.
You can buy ready to use mortar, or stuff you add water to. It's not difficult - honest
Sorry about your fish. You might have to rethink what you do. A nice wildlife pond is a lovely thing to have though. If you really want a fish pond, I think you'll have to invest in a proper mesh cover for it.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...