Powerless ponds ?

[cal]

I am planning in the spring of next year to build a pond in my back garden.I intend to buy the biggest pre,cast pond I can afford and set it up , half buried, half raised in a sunny area , away from overhanging trees about 6 feet from my back window.( the position is ideal for my mum, who is disabled, to watch the fish from her bed.
However, I am not too keen on using electric filters or pumps, I,m not confident enough to wire up external equipment, and can,t really afford the cost of an electrician.
So I was wondering.....can I set up a pond, as above without electrical gizmo,s and still provide a good home for fish ?.
Thanks for reading my ramblings

cal.

[vjvl51]

Hi Cal

I've had no experience with ponds and will ask some of the other moderators to respond.

My first thoughts would be - a pond without filters/circulation would be like an aquarium without filters and with no water movement. It starts, very quickly, to smell like swamp water. The temperature in a pond would be lower but I think standing water (read not moving) will get the swamp look and smell.

I do know from the ponds that I have seen, you have to be fairly close and looking down into the water to see the fish. I'm not sure how much your mom will be able to see. If there is room for an aquarium in her room, she might be able to see more.

Good luck on your project.

Vickie

[Alf]

Well I have no Idea about ponds. Dave will probably be the best person to help. he is busy setting up the new VB this week But I will PM him and ask him to give some advice.

[oscarbartoni]

In nature ponds do not always get green with algae or cloudy so that you canont see the fish in them. The same holds true with home ponds. The filters are the live aquatic plants and just make sute that you do not overcroud or over feed then you should have better luck with out electricity. If it is close to the house then maybe you could run a heavy duty extention cord (an indoor-outdoor type) from the house to the pond to run a filter. That way you would not need to pay for an electrician. If the pond is deep enough to not freeze solisd in the winter then you might be able to keep your fish in the pond year round. <img border="0" alt="[Fish]" title="" src="graemlins/bfish.gif" />

[AquariumPro]

I agree with OscarBartoni, but would recommend that you plant the pond first and allow the plants to take hold and grow well before adding fish.

[cal]

Thanks to all who gave advice, I like the idea of under stocking and using natural planting as natures filter, also have looked into the positioning of the pond as much as I can, the angle that my mum is from the expected level of the pond should ensure a clear view of any fish swimming near the surface....that is if I can maintain relatively clear water.
The ready formed pond I had in mind is just over 2ft deep at its deepest, roughly 7ft long by 4ft at its widest, and I intend to half bury it and back fill the rest with cement so that the pond is fully supported.
Apart from the pleasure of seeing the fish, my mum will enjoy the birds and assorted wildlife that it will attract (except for herons of course !).
Any other pointers will be very welcome.
thanks again,

cal.