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How to make a pond with a cascade and a homemade purification filter

This post provides step by step instructions on how to make a pond with a cascade and a homemade purification filter. Included are designs for two filters: a mechanical filter and a biological filter. The mechanical filter is easy to construct, using ordinary tools, and is best used for trapping debris and facilitating oxygen flow. The biological filter is highly efficient at eliminating bacteria and eliminating unpleasant odor and discoloration. Both filters offer significant advantages for homeowners, such as reducing maintenance costs, creating a visually stunning water feature, and promoting healthier and cleaner water.

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More and more often in our life we ​​come across a concept – landscape design. All kinds of water bodies appear on our hacienda. I propose the option of a small artificial pond, which is affordable for an ordinary land owner and will take no more than ten square meters of precious square.

Pond with cascade

The task was to arrange a garden pond with ornamental fish. There was a question of a water filter in order to less often clean the pond and change the water. The decision came during communication with the seller of the filter, the filter is a container with expanded clay or crushed stone with an interlayer of padding polyester.

Pond materials

It was decided to use a plastic basin, in which a hole was made in the lower part for the water flow to exit to the cascade from the Luhansk stone (sandstone)…

DIY filter

As for the plants and animals in the pond, this is a separate topic that is beyond the scope of this article..

Water purification in the countryside

What do we need to buy?

We go to the store, buy the base of the pond – plastic, fiberglass or other “trough”. You can, of course, be made of concrete or there are special films for making ponds, but good films are not cheap, and a concrete pond must be well waterproofed. After all the reflections and advice with the owners of the ponds, we came to an unambiguous opinion – buying a plastic or fiberglass base.

The next item is a pump.

We buy a pump for three meters of the rise of the water column, but this is also a personal matter, since if the pond is large, then the slide can be made of different heights and configurations. I have a “trough” of 500 liters.

You can divide the powerful flow from the pump into two directions, one to the basin (filter) and then back down the stream. The second exit, to the fountain, installed in the pond itself. I will do so soon. Therefore, the pump should not be chosen, too weak – as for aquariums.

You can buy a slide, it’s probably easier, because I didn’t succeed from the first or even the second time so that the water did not flow past into the ground, but everything gradually improved. I had a basin (for the filter) for 20-30 liters.

You will need river sand (in my case, 5 bags), although if you have soil without stones, you can do without filling, you will need to purchase sand and cement for the solution. You can buy fittings for the base of the slide, you can use old gratings (as in my case).

For finishing the stream itself, ceresite is needed, so as not to knead the solution every time after detecting a leak past the water bed of the stream. Lighting is also a personal matter, but what I personally encountered is what I will describe. We bought a ball-shaped street lamp and an energy-saving pink lamp. Wires, outdoor double switch, and socket. For finishing we need a Luhansk stone, or whatever you like best, and a bucket of pebbles (you can do more for filling).

When buying a trough, do not forget to buy containers for underwater planting – they are not expensive, but without them, no matter how.

Homemade pond in the country

You can buy a water lily from plants, and the rest can be found in wild ponds and lakes..

Let’s calculate the costs:

  • Plastic pond – 150$
  • Pump and hose 3m – 25$
  • For mortar, sand, cement, reinforcement and ceresite approximately – 50$
  • Lighting, wires and a switch with a socket about – 35$
  • Water lily and baskets for underwater plants – 20$
  • Finishing stone 5m. sq. and pebbles – thirty$
  • TOTAL – 310$

No cost of work, no living creatures, no plants (except for a water lily) both inside the pond and outside.

Excavation and installation of a purchased plastic pond

We choose a place under the pond, put the trough on the ground, outline the contours with a shovel (you can spread the hose along the contour – it will be like a template) and dig. Then the bottom of the pit needs to be covered with sand, level it and put a trough.

Pond filters

Gradually fill up the sand between the ground and the walls of the pond, and collect water inside – this levels the pressure of the sand on the plastic walls.

Do it yourself a pond in the country
What to make a pond from
Homemade pond

The upper, outer edge can be corrected at the last moment, if suddenly deviated slightly from the horizon.

Frame for cascade

The base of the slide is laid out from the construction waste: broken and whole bricks, gravel, rubble and just pieces of concrete. On the ground we put a lattice made of a rod (reinforcement) on it, starting from the bottom step, we begin to lay out the cascade under the waterfall and the slide itself.

Tips for decorating a summer cottage

IMPORTANT– the steps of the cascade should be horizontal (otherwise the water will flow along one edge) and there should be a slight slope of about 3 degrees from the top step to the bottom.

Landscape design

Basin filter

In the lower part (without touching the bottom itself), a horizontal hole is made about 15-20 cm wide, 12 cm high. Insert the edge of the first cascade into the opening. Fill the remaining space with a solution and smooth it so that a drain is obtained on the first step. We coat it with a waterproofing solution, when it dries, put 3-4 stones 5 cm high and cover it with a flat stone, a piece of iron or plastic on top. On the lower part of the filter you need to pour crushed stone, on top of a synthetic winterizer, then lay a hose from the pump, visible, decorate the upper part with pebbles.

Reservoirs at their summer cottage

It turns out a small geyser, the water from the pump (which is at the bottom of the pond) pumps through a hose, then goes outside and is filtered through our drainage and flows back into the pond through cascades.

Waterfall in the country

The basin is lined with a stone, it is possible for a solution, in my case without, this will make it possible to pick up material in the future and decorate in a different way.

Lighting and pump connection

I connect the pump through a double street switch, next to it is lighting. There are many options in stores, we will focus on the balloon. I inserted a pink lamp, put the base of the lantern on a flat stone on silicone.

Country fountain

Holes for the power cord and fasteners are also siliconized.

How to make a pond yourself

In the near future I want to add lighting, so I put not only a switch, but also an outlet. For those who do not want to drive 220 volts to the pond, advice: fountains and flashlights powered by solar energy are now on sale, which cost from $ 20 and more.

Making a pond in the country

Some helpful tips

Submerged underwater plants are made from soil, sand, clay and straw.

Do not forget that chlorinated water from the water supply system will kill the fish, do not add water that has not been settled for 2-3 days into the pond.

It is better to put the pump not on the very bottom of the pond, but to put a brick.

A filter is needed not only for purifying water, but also for enriching it with oxygen, and the fish will try to keep small insects less circling around your reservoir.

Tools for making a pond:

  • Pickaxe, shovels, trowel, spatula, block level.
  • Electrician tools – pliers, knife, screwdriver.
  • Screwdriver, hammer drill.

It remains to decorate everything with stone, sea pebbles, plant decorative vegetation. Our pond is ready, it pleases the eye and caresses the ear with the murmur of a stream.

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Comments: 4
  1. Magnolia

    Could you please provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a pond with a cascade and a homemade purification filter? I am interested in adding these features to my garden but don’t know where to start. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Riley Campbell

    I’m really interested in creating a pond with a cascade and a homemade purification filter. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice or tips on how to get started? Are there any specific materials or equipment I should consider? Any recommended resources or tutorials? Any potential challenges I should be aware of? I greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide! Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    1. Mason Turner

      Creating a pond with a cascade and homemade purification filter can be a fun and rewarding project. Start by researching the basics of pond construction and purification systems. Look for tutorials online or in books that can guide you through the process step by step.

      Some materials and equipment you may need include a pond liner, pump, filter media, plants, rocks for the cascade, and piping for the water circulation. Consider the size and location of your pond, as well as the type of aquatic plants and fish you want to incorporate.

      One potential challenge to be aware of is maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in your pond. Keep an eye on water quality, pH levels, and algae growth to ensure the health of your aquatic life. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and removing debris, will also be necessary.

      Overall, take your time planning and researching before you start building your pond. With patience and dedication, you can create a beautiful and thriving aquatic environment in your own backyard. Good luck with your project!

      Reply
    2. Bella Mitchell

      Creating a pond with a cascade and a homemade purification filter is a wonderful project that can bring beauty and tranquility to your space. To get started, you will need materials such as a pond liner, pump, filter media, rocks for the cascade, and aquatic plants. Consider the size and location of your pond, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight and is easily accessible for maintenance.

      Research online tutorials and resources for step-by-step guidance on pond construction and filtration system setup. Be mindful of potential challenges such as maintaining water quality, controlling algae growth, and keeping wildlife out of your pond. Regular maintenance and monitoring of water parameters will be essential for a successful pond ecosystem. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local pond experts or gardening centers for additional advice and support. Good luck with your pond project and enjoy the peaceful oasis you create!

      Reply
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