Habitat - Outdoor :: Photos: Fric's beautiful above ground pond

[tinkersumx]

Fric,
I'm in the process of building a pond and I was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions.

Where did you find your basking spot? Is it a stepping stone? What's holding it up? Is there a lower shelf of stone under it to give the turtles leverage when climbing up onto it?

Also what type of filter does your pond have?

I'm having a hard time figuring out my basking situation, Thanks!

[industrial_girl_2000]

That's GORGEOUS. I know your turtles will LOVE it!!! Nice job!!!

[industrial_girl_2000]

What a gorgeous set up!

[fric]

tinkersumx,
Sorry for the late response regarding your questions. I haven't been to the site in a while and must have missed the email notification.

The basking spot is a stepping stone and it sits on top of a cement block that I placed standing upright. I also placed bricks in the top hole of the block wedging them in securely with flat stones and this created a step just under the water serving as a means for the turts to climb up onto it. In the picture of the boys basking, sweet pea is sitting on the step.

My filter is home made and actually a fountain pump. I went to a swimming pool supply and found a round plastic basket which fit a round sponge filter I found at petsmart perfectly. By cutting a hole in the basket then taking the fountain intake piece off and using it to hold the basket & sponge onto the pump, I came up with a fountain and filter combination.

I clean the sponge once or twice a week depending on what time of year it is and don't do all the biofilter stuff that everyone else seems to do in this forum. My thoughts have always been between the filter, water movement, the fish and the umbrella palm nourishing itself on turtle fertilizer so to speak,
nature will do the rest and has for 11 years now.

I'll try to submit some pics of the filter when I get some time because seeing it might make it easier rather than trying to explain especially this late in the night ... fric

ps ... I saw your pond while surfing the forum this morning ... Good Job!

[Breigh]

Woah, that's really amazing. I definately hope to be able to make something like that someday.

[tinkersumx]

Thanks for the response! I've figured most of the issues out. The only thing I'm having a had time with now is the water. Within the past week or two the water has turned super green & I can only see about an inch below the surface. Any advice?


P.S.
The filter plants are from Petco. The water plants are from a plant nursery. But, they are not in season right now.

[Starchick]

Do I see goldfish in there? How big are they? Do the turtles go after them?

[SpotsMama]

A UV filter will keep the algae down in an outdoor pond. I think they cost around $100. You should be able to find one where pond equipment is sold.

[fric]

Do I see goldfish in there? How big are they? Do the turtles go after them?

You do see goldfish ... they were 1/2" feeders that are 3 to 4" long at this point. They were put in the pond back in the summer and grow really fast. I've had them get as big as a pound or so and live with the turts as long as 6 years or more.
The turtles go after them but rarely catch them as there is enough space and cover for them to escape. The chase is good means of exercise for the turts! ... fric

[fric]

Thanks for the response! I've figured most of the issues out. The only thing I'm having a had time with now is the water. Within the past week or two the water has turned super green & I can only see about an inch below the surface. Any advice?


P.S.
The filter plants are from Petco. The water plants are from a plant nursery. But, they are not in season right now.

My pond sometimes turns over as I call it in the spring when the temperatures start to warm it up. It will turn to this bright algae green like you mentioned and doesn't seem to bother the turts or the fish. Usually after a couple weeks and numerous filter changes the water will become crystal clear again all on its own. You must be in a warmer climate than we are here in East Texas because it seems too early for a pond to be doing this at this time of year ... fric

[declutterbug]

I really like your "turtle" basking rock! Cool.

[crock1120]

That is an amazing pond... good job Fric. I am looking to do something very similar except indoor within the next year. You're pond is a perfect example.