2000 gallon Indoor Pond Build

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

Hi Everybody!

 

i’m working on building a 16’ x 6’ x36” monster pond for some ID sharks, arowana, and other large predatory fish. Should be about 2000 gallons with the filters. 
 

I wanted to do this once right so i’m going with stacked 2x4 with alternating corners. Four screws in each corner and a ton on each layer. I found similar builds with this method that were successful.

 

i will be using a 45 mil pond liner. I’m not sure if I will have bullheads or a filter to the sump and gravity back to the pond.

 

for reference the black “rod” in the later pictures is 41”

 

curious for any tips or advice.

[TheSwissAquarist]

Ambitious project! Can’t wait to see it come to life! 
@Cory has done some big setups, maybe he’s seen something like this? 

[BlueLineAquaticsSC]

Will it have a viewing window?

[Theplatymaster]

@Brian - Advanced Aquarium

sounds fun!

thats a large pond, but its true that those large species need it.

 

 

[Cory]

I think the trick on these ponds to prevent the bowing in the middle of the long sides. Outdoors you use Rebar through all the boards a few feet into the ground. Inside, I'm not sure what you'll use to keep it from doing that.

[jwcarlson]

Cory's got a great point on the bowing.  Fill up a plastic tote with water and it wants to bow and (ultimately) lay flat.  I don't know the answer for resolving that indoors.  You could probably sink some bolts into the concrete and bolt some sort of bollard in a few places along the length, perhaps supporting between the bollards as well by tying them together.  Also consider that on the back side the same stresses are occurring and it will be pushing against concrete at the bottom foot or so and then it's open to the wall above that, which may cause weird stresses on that side.

Otherwise... interested to see how it goes for you.  How do you plan to heat it?  Not sure where you live, but there's likely to be a humidity/condensation issue in the room.  Especially in the winter.

Edited March 15, 2023 by jwcarlson

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

Tips from the man the myth the legend!

 

yes to both I have worried about that. I got this idea from MFK on a tank someone built 10x14.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/10x14-2500-gallon-plywood-stingray-pond.394202/

I called my dad who is a journeyman carpenter for 30 years he said the 16’ is a really long end. That will be the weak spot. He also said to not go much higher than it is due to that much water pressure. So i’m gonna add another 2-4 layers and then the pond liner. 
 

added some extra bracing underneath that he recommended.

Even at the shorter height it’s still a great view from the chair.

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

I was able to get some answers on the calculations for the height and strength. From people who have built these types of set ups they agree this method is more than strong enough and the banding will help. I’ll be slowly working on it and hoping to have this done by the middle of April for my bday present. 
 

photos to come!

[Miska]

I am so so so excited to see this come to life! Thank you for posting. 

[Liddojunior]

Will you using hanging lights for it? Will you be using any pond plants?

I’m also confused by the height, from the photos wouldnt this be considered really shallow?? I know arowana are a surface feeder but feel like limiting the height might be stressful since it can’t escape lower and might jump? 

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

On 3/17/2023 at 8:52 AM, Liddojunior said:

Will you using hanging lights for it? Will you be using any pond plants?

I’m also confused by the height, from the photos wouldnt this be considered really shallow?? I know arowana are a surface feeder but feel like limiting the height might be stressful since it can’t escape lower and might jump? 

This is only at 16” now but it will eventually be 36” deep. Plenty of depth for all the inhabitants! I’m keep everyone posted on the build!

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

Hi everyone!

 

lots of progress and lots of photos! Added some extra bracing to the bottom as well as the rest of the layers of 2x4 and foam. Talked to some people who have built something similar and a few much larger. 

The corners weren’t easy and aren’t the prettiest but they will work for me.
 

secured the top bracing with 12” lag screws. Two on each end of the 2x4. Spaced every 48” on center from the center. 2x4s are double wrapped in extra pond liner.

let me know if you have any questions and enjoy. It’s about 12” deep right now and everything is looking good.

[Urban]

Yooo it’s been a lil hot min since the build how’s it holding up I saw this post a week ago n I’m dead set on copying yr build n I needa know any pros n cons to the build 

[Brian - Advanced Aquarium]

Glad to hear it! I actually ended up taking down this pond due to turn the work shop/office into a guest house rental. I did another pond that was 10x8 instead. Between those i learned a few things.

 

1. using 2x6 was much stronger and prevented all bowing on the smaller pond. So if you can afford to do that. Plus i didn’t need top bracing.
 

2. the 45 mil liner is amazing and super strong don’t cheap out on s lesser quality.

3. The add a was to purge the barrels from the bottom. I ended up installing a gate valve. This will make cleaning and maintenance a ton easier.

4. use cut in bulkheads. I used one for an overflow but wished i’d have done one lower so i didn’t have to keep a pump running in the pond itself. Smear on the aquascape silicone in bulk and you’ll have no issues.

5. you can’t use too many screws.

If you have any other questions let me know. Looking forward to watching your build. Here are some pics from the second one i did in my new office.