We are having a landcape company put in a small new pond in our back patio area.
We acutually had two different proposals, however there was quite a difference in price.
I do have a few questions, however. The pond is small with a biofalls. Its is approximately 6 foot in diameter and about 3 foot deep at the deepest part. There is a shelf ledge below the biofalls. I plan to put a couple of fish nothing big. The company we have doing it does not plan to put any gravel in the bottom of the pond but the ponds I have seen have the gravel in the bottom. Pros & cons? I want a natural looking pond.
Also we have our own flat limestone rock that they are using to cap the pond, however they are also using this on the shelf. I have been told that this will killl the fish. What type of stones should be used. I don't want this to look like a piece of black plastic just put in the ground. Also, since this is the beginning of October and I am in Ohio what do I do to winterize the pond? This looks like a very helpful website. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Here is my section listing the pros an cons of rocks/gravel on the bottom of a pond: http://www.fishpondinfo.com/setup.htm#rock

Limestone will leach into the pond, raising the pH and hardness to high levels. If there's enough in the pond (as when it is edged with it, especially in the water), then it will kill the fish. My pond uses Pennsylvania fieldstone but you can also you other things like granite, quartz, slate, and probably some other rocks. Most quarries have a selection and should know their rocks. To test a piece of rock to see if it will leach and harm the fish, add some acid to it. While hydrochloric (also called muriatic acid sold at pool stores) would work better, you can use acetic acid (vinegar) if that's all you have. If any foaming occurs, that means the rock is basic and will raise the pH so don't use it.

If you don't add plants and animals yet, you don't have to winterize the pond. If you do, read over my winterizing page for ideas at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm

I hope that helps! Good luck with your new pond!

Thanks, Robyn.

I stopped home today to talk to the landscaper and told him about my fears concerning the limestone. He told me that the PH is the major factor as far as killing the fish.
Unfortunately the biofalls is already installed and the water cascades over the limestone.
The limestone edging the pond really does not come in contact with the water.
Next spring I hope to buy a few comets, nothing expensive. The reason I used the limestone was because I had so much of it at my disposal. When I asked him about using varied stone material, such as fieldstone for the falls, he told me it would not look right. He used limestone for his pond and as long as the PH stays where it should his fish are fine. Is he telling me a story or is this true. Also, I looked at your book. Does this tell me what plants to plant and how to plant them? This is a great website.

Limestone in contact with the water or at the edge that runs in when it rains will increase the pH some. How much depends on how big the pond is and how much rock there is. If there's enough water versus rock, then the pond will be fine. If not, there's a problem. Also over time, as the limestone is degraded by the water, it will actually lose mass. It may take a while depending on the quality of the limestone. I don't know why fieldstone wouldn't look right. My pond is made of PA fieldstone and looks fine.

My book, which I made back in 2001, contains everything that was on my site at that time. This includes the large plant list and potting/planting information.