Pond On Balcony DIY

[chinaryukin]

Tank/Pond On Balcony

Hi to all,

For long I’ve been thinking to build modified my balcony into a floor tank/pond for keeping my goldfishes. This tank will take about half of the floor area. The tank size proposed to be 9ft x 3ft x 1 ft depth. The area will be exposed to afternoon sunlight (2-3 hours) also open for rain and falling leaves.

I’ve never build a proper fish pond, so I looking for advise and information to DIY concept. Should I put in lining/paint (for waterproofing) or just barely the cement floor?
Any special kind of cement/material for building pond?

Also to consider the type of filter for the tank; what is the best type and brand of filter for it. Need to consider the maintenance of the filter system, the easiest is preferred. Need information on the pros and cons of each type of filter system (for floor tank).

Input from all are welcome especially experience pond keeper.

Thank you.

[eu71my]

Dear CR,

Sorry, i may pour cold water on you. Before you start the project, pls do check your condo/apartment deed of agreement, see any rules restraint you building pond at blacony ? Beside, pls do check if your balcony is strong enough to stand the weight.

If you clear for the above point, then i suggest you use custom tank/tub (glass or fiber glass). Don't use cement or lining as leak will cause trouble to your neighbour below. If glass/tub leak, you can repair easily. You can get some idea from bali pond design.

Hope this help.

Regards
eu

[Pilik-Palak]

Originally Posted by eu71my

Dear CR,

Sorry, i may pour cold water on you. Before you start the project, pls do check your condo/apartment deed of agreement, see any rules restraint you building pond at blacony ? Beside, pls do check if your balcony is strong enough to stand the weight.

If you clear for the above point, then i suggest you use custom tank/tub (glass or fiber glass). Don't use cement or lining as leak will cause trouble to your neighbour below. If glass/tub leak, you can repair easily. You can get some idea from bali pond design.

Hope this help.

Regards
eu

I don't think that our friend hv any problem with that as the balcony can even support an elephant without any problem...LoL..Just Joke...

I do agree what Eu point ,a custome make tank is better.

[chinaryukin]

Originally Posted by eu71my

Dear CR,

Sorry, i may pour cold water on you. Before you start the project, pls do check your condo/apartment deed of agreement, see any rules restraint you building pond at blacony ? Beside, pls do check if your balcony is strong enough to stand the weight.

If you clear for the above point, then i suggest you use custom tank/tub (glass or fiber glass). Don't use cement or lining as leak will cause trouble to your neighbour below. If glass/tub leak, you can repair easily. You can get some idea from bali pond design.

Hope this help.

Regards
eu

I've seen other unit having cement tank on their balcony..I'm not sure about the deed or agreement (I'm only renting a family owned apartment). For now I assume all Ok with the approval & structure integrity.

My unit is at bottom, no unit below.
The main thing is to build a tank on the floor that will not leak...maybe put in pond liner or waterproofing paint or special cement?

Thank for reminding,

[chinaryukin]

I imagine something like this, but different taste...and different kind of fish.

[eu71my]

CR,

I got your idea. I suggest you to use fiber glass tub, stone slab, wood, plant. Pls go to 1 Utama Jusco Home Centre (former ikea location), look for plants area. You can find black color fiber glass tub. Then you need to do a little wood work to make raise floor cover arround to tub. Put some stone slab for decoration. You also need to put some pot of plant to cover your canister filter/power point, etc. Got it ? Sorry, i am not good in drawing, can't draw out for you.

I am dreaming to hv my own pond too, but no space & balcony also small..

regard
eu

[yeemiau]

CR,

I think using fiberglass or plastic tub will be a better idea. I've seen and know people does that to their balcony and 3 out of 3 that i know leaks. Waterproofing paint may do the job but also release poisonous chemical to the water, so have to be careful of this issue.If you wanna do a 100% DIY, why not build it with waterproof plywood and line it with fiberglass resin. It is easy to do and 4-5layer of the fibreglass resin will make sure there's no water able to penetrate the wood. Furthermore, plywood is very easy to work with.


Cheers.

[chinaryukin]

Hi,

I visited Pet Safari this afternoon; they sell many equipment and staff for tank on floor also for pond. I saw many setups using wooden frame with liner to hold the water. Also I got some idea on the filter system...but need to check if it is good for goldfish.

Here a snap to share;

[chinaryukin]

As you can see in picture, the wooden frame keep the liner hold the water in the shape. Water is very clean although plenty of koi in there...maybe feeding is keep at minimal. Or the filter system is very good.

But I'm just wondering how to let go the water for water change. This setup do not have bottom outlet hole.

[chinaryukin]

Originally Posted by eu71my

CR,
I got your idea. I suggest you to use fiber glass tub, stone slab, wood, plant. Pls go to 1 Utama Jusco Home Centre (former ikea location), look for plants area. You can find black color fiber glass tub. Then you need to do a little wood work to make raise floor cover arround to tub. Put some stone slab for decoration. You also need to put some pot of plant to cover your canister filter/power point, etc. Got it ? Sorry, i am not good in drawing, can't draw out for you.

I am dreaming to hv my own pond too, but no space & balcony also small..
regard
eu

Hi eu & yeemiau,
I think I've seen a temporary setup using black plastic tank. It was at Pet Safari Ikano (Jenny's place). But not sure if it work at outdoor plus with our heavy feeding.
Here a photo from my record;