Pics of the Progress! [Archive]

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 07:47 AM

Well we have the waterfall up and running!
Filter has media in it......
added seasoned media from my Fx5.....
Rosey Reds are swimming, and my goldfish are in my 100 gallon waiting for the water cycle.
I have planted 3 Lillies and a lotus from Kat.....and will be going back soon to get some more!!
I have some bog plants coming, but need to figure out where and how I am going to add them!
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4005.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4026.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4027.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4028.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4033.jpg

R2 Ranch

03-20-2009, 07:53 AM

Wow..... Those are some really nice pic's. I bet you can't wait for your ponds to be complete and running. Love the bright red Hibiscus. Thanks for sharing your lovely house pic's :)

xtc

03-20-2009, 07:59 AM

nice work Brandy- very nice lookin.

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 08:37 AM

Thank you!!! I can't wait for everything to start growing! I have become a plant nut.........I just hope I can keep them alive! LOL

xtc

03-20-2009, 08:57 AM

Is the waterfall missin in the first pic? I keep tryin to figure it out...

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 08:59 AM

yes! Sorry.......it's on the far right close to the tree now. That was before the waterfall.....I just noticed that! LOL

bra8ndy8 added 0 Minutes and 30 Seconds later...

I'll take a new pic in a little while!

AndrewH

03-20-2009, 09:00 AM

Awesome!!!

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 09:01 AM

Andrew's starting to learn how to use the forum!! LOL He found the new thread!

Thanks hun!! I love it.....we eat dinner out there every night this week.

AndrewH

03-20-2009, 09:03 AM

Brandy you should learn how to use one thread for a single subject instead of spreading it out over several :rolleyes: (j/k)

That's freakin' awesome to have such nice weather to do that!!!

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 09:04 AM

Well I was asking how many gallons on the other.........so I was TRYING to be more forum savvy and do a real thread! LOL

Haiven

03-20-2009, 09:05 AM

Oh Brandy, your home is lovely and the pond is amazing!

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 09:07 AM

Thanks hun!!!
The house has been WORK for the last 4 yrs......we were in the middle of hand scraping the hardwoods downstairs when we decided to go outside and build a pond!! It was to pretty out to stay in!
So all my furniture is in my dining room.......and I have been planting like crazy.....ohh well you can't clean if it's all in one room! LOL

rije

03-20-2009, 09:09 AM

That looks really nice! Oh and I was meaning to ask....where did you find a pond liner that big?

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 09:26 AM

My brother in law........he works in the a oil field and it's some liner they use with their work....
It was like 30 by 90 and weighed A LOT!!!

bra8ndy8 added 6 Minutes and 32 Seconds later...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/HPIM0476.jpg

See!! LOL The kids played on it like a slippin slide!
That's why the pond ended up so big......cause we had everything...and could bear to waste all that liner!

xtc

03-20-2009, 09:45 AM

1st dibs on scraps. :D

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 09:46 AM

LOL I called my husband and he said he would see how much is still there.........

bra8ndy8 added 4 Minutes and 47 Seconds later...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4022.jpg

Here's the pic of the wall Chris.

alta678

03-20-2009, 10:05 AM

I love your house and the pond! Really nice looking!

Kat

03-20-2009, 10:05 AM

Waterfall looks great! The goldfish are going to love that pond :D

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 11:20 AM

Thanks! Yall are welcome anytime for a little wine on the patio! LOL
We are going to work on flagstoning the porch and possible the edges of the pond.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4013.jpg

TxBabyCat

03-20-2009, 11:49 AM

That is so awsome Brandy, it all looks soooo great! Very nice house and pond, bet ya'll are lovin' it.

EAST_TX_RN

03-20-2009, 11:57 AM

Nice photos, Brandy! Is that your son peeing in your new pond? Lol!roflmaoroflmao

Thanks! Yall are welcome anytime for a little wine on the patio! LOL
We are going to work on flagstoning the porch and possible the edges of the pond.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4013.jpg

rije

03-20-2009, 12:14 PM

2nd Dibs.....lol

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 12:26 PM

LOL He will probably do so!! I wouldn't put it past him! He got thrown in the VERY VERY cold water last night! He kept squirting his Dad with a water gun and didn't think he would follow through with his threats! LOL

xtc

03-20-2009, 12:29 PM

...so...what are the measurements... :confused::o

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 12:32 PM

19x30x31

EAST_TX_RN

03-20-2009, 12:34 PM

Wow! That is huge!

xtc

03-20-2009, 12:34 PM

I presume those are feet?... So- can you hook a white man up or what? Whatcha want for it? Want to trim it to what I need and do somethin with the rest for someone else?

Sharon, that's what my wife says. [throws a high five to Todd]

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 12:36 PM

It's almost 5,000 gallons...
I have to weight till the hubby gets home to see how much is there. I can get more......but I have to see when my niece or bro in law is coming. I know for sure on Easter.

xtc

03-20-2009, 12:38 PM

you mean "wait" :hehe:

Screw Easter- I need it now [Violet Boregard style]. Tell me what you have on hand....

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 12:40 PM

Lmao!!! Sorry....I was talking to my son....and writing! LOL Yeah that was bad!
Well dang I was saying if I didn't have enough then I can get more by easter....
I'm not driving to Granbury to get you some free liner! :p:

xtc

03-20-2009, 12:43 PM

time out... I was under the impression (from the words you typed) that you had enough left over from YOUR pond project- that IF it were large enough- you could pass it my way. AND, if that were not the case, you could get some more from the Grandbury connection.

so, my question is- did hubby figure out what size the scrap (ASSuming there is some) is?

Any WTF is that 3rd number? It's not 31' thick is it? :hehe: Or did you just take a turn on the freakin Star Trek enterprise and start measuring in the 3rd dimension? roflmao

bra8ndy8

03-20-2009, 12:50 PM

I do have some left over....and when the husband gets home I will have him measure it. And if not I can get some for free in Granbury on Easter!
31 inches deep
19 ft long
30 ft wide

xtc

03-20-2009, 01:02 PM

gotcha- I thought the dimensions were a reply to me...just let me know what you find out please- gunna start making build arrangements tonight- thanks Brandy!

Typical Tony

03-20-2009, 01:04 PM

wow looking good.

EAST_TX_RN

03-20-2009, 01:21 PM

xtc

03-20-2009, 01:22 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2047739257_522110eecc.jpg?v=0

masroberts9

03-20-2009, 01:29 PM

wow. good job brandy and family. its been a while since i've been to sherman, but i would think that your place is the nicest in town. very cool

EAST_TX_RN

03-20-2009, 01:41 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2047739257_522110eecc.jpg?v=0

roflmaoroflmaoroflmaoI need a doctor!

ElijahTurtle

03-20-2009, 06:43 PM

Wow!!! That's awesome! Chillin on your porch just got sweeter. Can't wait to get my pond in the ground.
Hey if you have any liner left over from all the other "dibbers", let me know.

lellison

03-20-2009, 08:02 PM

looking wonderful!

Trallen44

03-20-2009, 09:14 PM

Your pond looks great!!!!

gene711

03-21-2009, 10:02 AM

just joined the club and i rasie Koi in a much smaller pond it is about 3000 gallon with a wate fall which is not complete and a river that runs back to the pond. i have 14 Koi in it and they will have new babies in June. 8 of the Koi are more than 20 inches in length and the others are 10 inches or more and they are the babies from last June. i am looking for buyers to make room for the new crop although it is not crowded yet.

Gene in Dallas

bra8ndy8

03-21-2009, 10:09 AM

Thanks Gene for the offer......I'm going to do goldfish though, because I'm going to have lots of flowers and I don't want them to eat them! I don't need any help killing them! LOL

Thanks for the compliments........

The liner isn't enough to do a pond it has a big triangle chunk out of it from the waterfall.
But I will see if my niece will bring some on Easter.

bra8ndy8 added 20 Minutes and 51 Seconds later...

HEY.....I just tested with a pond test strip

My nitrate and nitrites are at 0
my aklinity is at 300
and my ph is 9

Can I add the FISH?!?!?!?!

xtc

03-21-2009, 04:34 PM

Thanks Brandy- Please let me know what you can get at Easter. Megan wants to do some more research- so time is on our side.

Thanks so much!!

bra8ndy8

03-21-2009, 06:07 PM

Here head will start hurting.........it is sooooo much information

flitemedic01

03-22-2009, 01:48 PM

Awesome pictures. My dad has a 5000 gal pond in his backyard. Makes me soo jealous. Look forward to more pictures.

bra8ndy8

03-22-2009, 02:15 PM

Thanks!!! I will have more probably today! We have done a lot this weekend!

R2 Ranch

03-22-2009, 03:40 PM

Can't wait to see your updated pic's from this weekend. :)

MarkS

03-22-2009, 03:54 PM

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 12:57 PM

Well here we are!!!!!!!!
We made a dry land plant container......and a bog section, where we will have water plants in pots where the water is cycling though and coming out a spicket on the front!
I got another lily and lotus from Kat and about 80 more goldfish!!!
It is coming along awesome! sorry about the dark pic.....but It was last night when we got everything up and running....and planted!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4054.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4049.jpg

Bubbles

03-24-2009, 01:02 PM

Looks great Brandy! I can't wait to see pictures in the day time with all of your new goodies!

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 01:06 PM

I'm ready for all the goodies to grow!! I will take some new pics later! :)

greeneyed

03-24-2009, 01:19 PM

hmmmmm Granbury is about 45 minute drive.....:noidea:

DCWaskom

03-24-2009, 01:31 PM

Beautiful! I wish my yard was big enough to put a pond in like that.

EAST_TX_RN

03-24-2009, 01:40 PM

I wish I didn't have raccoons, opossums,snakes, turtles that would love to eat some pond fish, or I would ask for some of that liner, Brandy! You are lucky your husband loves to do stuff like this, I have a hard time just getting old George to get his skinny butt off the sofa to paint or something!

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 01:49 PM

My husband is a ball of energy!! I beg him to just come and sit down and watch tv with me!!! To think he has built everything in about 4 days amazes me! All I did was plant and add fish! And look like a lifefguard skimming oak droppings off the top! The skimmer is working really good now!

guppyfreak2

03-24-2009, 01:59 PM

looks great

Kat

03-24-2009, 02:14 PM

Looking really good! Stock up on food & those fish will grow fast especially with having so much room to play in. Your hubby is so nice to do all that stuff for you!

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 02:21 PM

Thanks! You can borrow him when I am done! LOL:p:

TxBabyCat

03-24-2009, 02:23 PM

Looks so wonderful Brandy. I know you are going to enjoy that pond. It will be relaxing to sit out there near it.

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 02:33 PM

We want some daylight pics :exactly:

Looks awesome so far!!!!

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 02:35 PM

Looking really good! Stock up on food & those fish will grow fast especially with having so much room to play in. Your hubby is so nice to do all that stuff for you!

Hmmm whatcha feedin' your fishes?

My father-in-law feeds his catfish (in his stock tank) some round dog food looking fish food that he gets in 50# bags. Would that work or do Kio/Goldfish needs something special?

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 02:38 PM

I know.... I need to get daylight pics! I will!!
Kat says a good goldfish/koi food with min. corn.

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 02:44 PM

Isn't it daylight right now? :confuzeld:

Low corn content, got it. Anything else I should watch out for/avoid?

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 02:47 PM

Yes.....lol but I am stuck in between 2 sleeping girls!

xtc

03-24-2009, 03:00 PM

that's hot... while ya got the camera out...

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 03:02 PM

:rofl:

Being the father of two little girls myself I completely understand what you're talking about B.

@ XTC - LOL, being a man I went there first, too.

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 03:14 PM

LMAO!!!!!

roflmaoroflmaoroflmaoroflmaoroflmao

Kat

03-24-2009, 03:20 PM

I'm using Mazuri koi food that I get at my nearest feed store. It is definitely not the best food but then I don't have super expensive koi. The price is better than buying the 3 lb bags at WalMart or buying at a Petsmart. I'll freeze the extra until I need to use it. The fry & baby fish will eat it after I grind it up in a food processor. I once bought some better food at Creative when I had koi & the bucket cost me over $60. A lot of people will get koi food online but I'm too lazy to figure out what kind I need. My fish seem to do fine.

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 03:43 PM

Awesome, thanks for the info!!!

I'll check with my fa-in-law to see what type it is. Since it's for catfish it might be heavy in corn, but I'll check. I know he's paying like $16 for 50# (I'll double check the price as well - going out there today in fact).

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 03:48 PM

I was thinking about this.....

KENS PREMIUM FLOATING SUMMER KOI & GOLDFISH PELLETS 3.0 MM

High performance diet designed to meet the demanding needs of growing fish during earlier stages of development. The diet contains spirulina and other natural marine ingredients to enhance the vibrant colors of your fish. Stable vitamin C and brewers yeast are included to help improve immune function and promote healthy tissue development. Higher levels of marine protein sources are incorporated to maximize palatability, digestibility, and growth.

INGREDIENTS: Wheat, Fish Meal, Maize Gluten Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Hydrolyzed Feather Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Monosodium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Soy Lecithin, Spirulina, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Supplement), Vitamin B12, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Iron Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Canthaxanthin, Artificial Color.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS: Crude Protein Minimum 42.0%, Crude Fat Minimum 6.0%, Crude Fiber Maximum 3.0%, Moisture Maximum 11.0%, Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C) Minimum 210 mg/kg

FOR PHOTO:

http://kensfish.com/publishImages/pondfood%7E%7Eelement40.gif
1/2 LB $1.60 1 LB $2.95 5 LB $13.00

http://www.homestead.com/%7Esite/Scripts_Shapes/shapes.dll?CMD=GetRectangleGif&r=255&g=234&b=152

bra8ndy8 added 1 Minutes and 32 Seconds later...

It's from Ken's

Kat

03-24-2009, 03:56 PM

Sounds like a quality fish food. Got a link to Ken's?

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 05:46 PM

http://kensfish.com/pondfood.html

I get my cichlid food from them......so I was going to order some goldfish food too!

Kat

03-24-2009, 07:17 PM

Thanks Brandy. Just bought a bag of food, so I'll keep this info for later use. Let me know how your fish like it :)

ElijahTurtle

03-24-2009, 07:43 PM

Awesome! Heck I would nearly be tempted to build one above ground like that if I wasn't to worried about my fish freezing in the winter.

Kat

03-24-2009, 08:01 PM

I've never had one of my above ground ponds 300 gallons or more freeze solid. Even when we had that terrible ice storm around Christmas time about 7 years ago. I always run a pump in the winter to keep a clear spot on the surface. If we had lost power for several days & temps at freezing or below it might be a different story but if built big enough less chance of it happening.

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 09:40 PM

Also I think the 100's of dollars of NEW carpet and pad will help insulate it!! The neighbors were looking at us like we were crazy!!!

Kat

03-24-2009, 09:44 PM

You bought NEW carpet to line it? Wow! I've always gone dumpster diving at a carpet store to get mine :D

Plus if you install PVC hoops & cover with plastic like a greenhouse/coldframe it keeps the temps warmer.

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 09:52 PM

That's what my husband does.....so I always have tons in the garage!!! Remember I am cheap......I wouldn't have bought it! LOL

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 10:54 PM

Awesome! Heck I would nearly be tempted to build one above ground like that if I wasn't to worried about my fish freezing in the winter.

I've seen some solar powered pumps and some small electric heaters that's cover even down to the lowest temps we see each year. Might take extra measures on those once in 10+ year winters, but most of the time you'll be fine. Especially if you have a larger pond.

AndrewH

03-24-2009, 10:55 PM

That's what my husband does.....so I always have tons in the garage!!! Remember I am cheap......I wouldn't have bought it! LOL

Dang... I was wondering where i was gonna get enough. You have any extra? Might be time to make a trip to NE BFE :hehe:

bra8ndy8

03-24-2009, 11:11 PM

I can start having him keep some for ya.........and some clean used as well........

REYREY

03-25-2009, 08:32 AM

i could not see any pics....not showing in my system

bra8ndy8

03-25-2009, 08:58 AM

Sorry hun......I posted them under photobucket.

AndrewH

03-25-2009, 09:39 AM

I can start having him keep some for ya.........and some clean used as well........

Any will do, it'll be going between the liner and the ground so 100% clean isn't necessary. Just about any will work.

I'm still working on the final pond design, so exact quantity needed isn't known yet. :baghead:

I appreciate it. Let me know if he snags some and I'll make arrangements to stop by and get it outta your hair :D.

bra8ndy8

03-25-2009, 12:27 PM

Can do!!

Kat

03-25-2009, 12:42 PM

Brandy I just may have to borrow your hubby some time to work on a "Honey Do" list which my own hubby forgets even exists roflmao

bra8ndy8

03-25-2009, 12:44 PM

hehehe.......he's a good list do'er.....but he likes to do things BIG!! So he gets bored about 90% in and moves to a new project. He'll go back and finish.....but I have had to learn to be patient. He does it on his own time.

bra8ndy8

03-28-2009, 02:51 PM

Here's the pics I promised a couple days ago....sorry the weather has been nasty!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4060.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4061.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4062.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4063.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4064.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4065.jpg
The kitties enjoying their constant water supply!
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4070.jpg
Sophie watching the fish eat!
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4072.jpg
Them eating for the first time
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4079.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/bra8ndy8/DSCF4081.jpg

jessica

03-28-2009, 10:22 PM

that looks awesome Ya'll did a great job :D

Kat

03-28-2009, 10:31 PM

Looks great! The fishies & 4 legged critters are happy, too :):):)

bra8ndy8

03-28-2009, 10:36 PM

Thank you..... I just hope they didn't get to cold with the snow we got last night. :(

ElijahTurtle

03-28-2009, 11:06 PM

Wow! Looks fantastic!

guppyfreak2

03-28-2009, 11:07 PM

looks amazing great job can you and your husband be rented out
lol:Droflmao

bra8ndy8

03-28-2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks guys!! I am really enjoying it! My husband cracks me up cause he was asking if he added on to it if the fish would swim through clear tubes to another pond! LOL
Sure we can be rented....:D

EAST_TX_RN

03-29-2009, 07:05 AM

You got snow? Brandy, I love this pond and the pets look so happy! That waterfall just makes it awesome! Pardon my ignorance, but will you be having to skim a lot of leaves come fall? Must come to NBFE and drink margaritas and enjoy your pond with you someday!:drinking4:

bra8ndy8

03-29-2009, 10:10 AM

My pets are spoiled brats!! LOL Thanks hun!
We put a pool skimmer on the side, because me being anal.....the stuff floating on the top was driving me crazy! It has help soooo much! I am glad I added it.

And bring your crazy butt up here!

It snowed a little......and was freezing yesterday!

alta678

03-29-2009, 01:12 PM

I love this pond!

ElijahTurtle

03-29-2009, 03:59 PM

My husband cracks me up cause he was asking if he added on to it if the fish would swim through clear tubes to another pond!
They will. Google "Fish Highway" or "Fish Bridge" & you'll find alot of different ideas on it. Here's one that takes the cake Fish Bridge (http://gizmodo.com/346527/fish-bridge-connects-two-aquariums-if-only-fish-were-smart-enough-to-use-it) on the concept.

Here's an overly dramatic video of one guys creation on youtube.

YouTube - The Fish Tube

Less Dramatic one

YouTube - swim thru aquarium

AndrewH

03-30-2009, 12:30 AM

Pond looks awesome brandy! :clap:

Definitely makes a big difference between daytime and night time pics. Yawl planning to put some lighting in/around it?

bra8ndy8

03-30-2009, 05:50 AM

There is a flood light that is hooked up on the corner that points to the waterfall....
I want to add a fountain with lights.....but idk!

Thanks Alta....

And Ej......don't give him anymore ideas! LOL

nicole4983

03-30-2009, 10:56 AM

Looks stunning Brandy! I love how you've incorporated the Texas theme too :)

bra8ndy8

03-30-2009, 11:15 AM

Thanks hun...........My whole house is Rustic/Texas.

Kat

05-15-2009, 01:28 PM

Any updated pics to see how the plants have grown? ;)

TxKingcat

05-15-2009, 01:34 PM

VERY NICE.

bra8ndy8

05-15-2009, 11:39 PM

Thanks!!! I need to get some, but after the 2 hail storms my lillies look like they have been ate by the kitties! I will get some soon......

Haiven

07-01-2009, 10:40 PM

How about some current pond pics?

bra8ndy8

07-01-2009, 10:42 PM

Crap I know!!! I have tons of flowers!!! Cris and Kat have given me heck about getting pics.......maybe tomorrow.....it has just been crazy busy around here......and hot! LOL And the lillies close during the evening! LOL

xtc

07-02-2009, 03:46 AM

"Cris"? From the Fish Gallery? Surely you're not talkin about me as my name is CLEARLY spelled in my sig...:flipa:

I'm still waiting for my freakin Alpaca email to arrive...

Get your butt out there first thing in the morning and take a couple pics...[check the time on this post] :eek: Not being able to sleep past 3:30 sucks!