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View Full Version : What I've been building over the holidays.


Dan
Fri Jan 25, 2008, 05:52 AM
Hey all

Not exactly discus related but I thought I'd share.

Been building this water feature because the spot where it now is was an eyesore.

Its been a terribly long process, building the brick walls then putting on the tiles. But its finally nearly done.
All I have left to do is put in the grout.
1 thing I'll remember, is next time use larger tiles! Having to go along each gap with a thin stick is a very painful process with small tiles.

I forgot to take pics of the building process until it was too late but here is what i have.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0009.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0031.jpg


Here is what it looks like atm. with all the tiles done. I have to do grout when I find some motivation and it should be finished.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0150.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0151.jpg

I need to work out filtration when its done.
As for fish I currently have cherry barbs, SAE and bn been living in there for quite awhile.

I plan to take out the Cherry barbs and replace them with P. Mellis and some Mollies. The mollies are in there so you can actually see fish in there and no one will complain.

Cheers
Dan
Mr Discus
Fri Jan 25, 2008, 12:08 PM
Great to see someone getting out and using their hands to create something fantastic.

Are you telling me you laid each of those little tiles individually? You do realise you can buy tiles like that, which are already connected together with tin matting on the back? They come in like 20x20cm squares and you apply them the same way, but its quicker and more cost effective.

Great for cleaning up an unused space in the backyard though - nice job.
Dan
Fri Jan 25, 2008, 01:29 PM
Hey Thanks Mr Discus

No no not laying each individual tiles! I would give up straight away.

It was connected together but when pressing the tiles on the cement stuff would come through the gaps and since the grout is a different colour to the cement glue stuff I had to carve it all out of the gaps so I can put on the grout.

It was a learning curve. I think i need to spread the cement on alot thinner next time as well. :lol:
nicholas76
Sun Jan 27, 2008, 12:37 PM
Dan

what do you use to make it water proof on the inside?

I want to do the same thing too , but im thinking about double the length.
scott bowler
Sun Jan 27, 2008, 01:24 PM
hey nic it looks like pond lining man thats what i would use not to expensive for bunnings ,
boost.puppy
Tue Jan 29, 2008, 03:05 AM
now the real question.. how long did your other half have to bug you to get it done??? :P
Dan
Tue Jan 29, 2008, 07:32 AM
Hey guys

Yep its pond lining. The problem with it is folding it neatly in the corners.
I was considering using the pond lining or paving the bottom and sealing it all off to make it all water proof.

I ended up with liner because it was easier and quicker.

I've finished it with the grout and all just need to do a final clean and tada!

I still live with my parents :oops: :lol:
Turned 20 today :D (God i'm getting old)

But yea took ALOT of motivation to finish it. Starting it was easy but when I realised how hard it actually is to do I regretted starting it :D

Just seemed soo much easier when I imagined it in my head.

Here are some pics
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0153.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b371/aquariumsrus/pond/IMG_0154.jpg

Going away on sunday but when I get back, I needa decide on filtration and buy the final inhabitants for it.
Also think I'll get a nice feature water lilly in the middle of it.

When thats all done. If i'm still interested I'll jazz up all around it as well so it fits in to the surrounding more.

Cheers
Dan
Mr Discus
Tue Jan 29, 2008, 09:16 AM
Haha all the best ideas ALWAYS seem easier in your head Dan!

If I had a dollar for the amount of times I had a great idea that I tackled head on, and ended up being a long drawn out process that I regretted, I would be a rich man. ;)
boost.puppy
Wed Jan 30, 2008, 01:33 AM
Haha all the best ideas ALWAYS seem easier in your head Dan!

If I had a dollar for the amount of times I had a great idea that I tackled head on, and ended up being a long drawn out process that I regretted, I would be a rich man. ;)hahah my point exactly.. But I was joking..

aww your mum must be happy with you making her a nice pond in the backyard!!!