Aquascape 20 myths-funny...

[Seefdro Tvneik]

Top 20 pond myths.....seven minute video. What do ya think?? It seems we all have it wrong here.

YouTube - Green Opts - Common Myths about Waterfall Ponds

[KoiCop]

I'd rather a root canal without anaesthetics than watch those fish-killing landscaper's video.

Yup, I think that about covers it. Don

[MCA]

Thanks....I will stick with a purpose built koi pond.

When I see Peter Waddington, Bill Oakley and others promoting shallow gravel filled ponds as the perfect koi home...or the even better....the next ZNA Ponds book is all full of water gardens....then i will consider one as a koi home.....maybe.

I know, I know....what could Peter, Bill, and all the ZNA folks possible know about koi compared to Aquascapes pros........

[koiczar]

Here's what a contractor actually put in a bid proposal for an Aquascapes pond (at least they stated it was a water garden)!!

"We will install a COMPLETE ECOLOGICALLY BALANCED water garden for your enjoyment. Aquascapes patented system is based on the principles of establishing a working ecosystem within your pond, to keep it clean while reducing maintenance. The SYSTEM consists of a mechanical CleanSweep Skimmer, a BIOFALLS Filter and AquaClearer(tm) bacteria. After excavation, inderlayment cloth will be placed beneath a 45mil, fish-safe,EPDM rubber liner. Fieldstone rocks will then be placed by hand(how else would you do this) over THE ENTIRE LINER AREA. Finally, decorative gravel and smaller rocks will be spread between the fieldstone rocks to help "lock them in place". Plumbing lines and liner will be completely covered with rocks leaving all mechanical components hidden from view, below and above the waterline. HERE'S THE REAL KICKER (this eliminates the concern for permits) - ALL WATER GARDENS ARE INSTALLED AT A MAXIMUM DEPTH OF 2 FEET AND INCLUDE UNDERWATER LIGHTS - OOOHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We guarantee our workmanship for one full year after installation. You will receive a Water Garden Owner's Manual, maintenance DVD and (here's the best part), AquaClearer bacteria with the completion of your project.

TOTAL COST $10,680.00

Looking at the customer's plans, the pond would be approx. 6' X 10' with a waterfall/stream. This would equate to a pond of some 600-750 gallons, allowing for shape and otherwise useable space taken up by the rock) Of course, they want to place the waterfall along the back fence, but in the middle of the yard, using wood retaining walls to hold the soil which was excavated from the pond dig. (that way they don't have to get a dumpster to haul the dirt away - another added expense avoided).

Doing the math, and using 750 gallons for computation, it comes out to roughly $14.40/gallon to build this toilet. As a contractor, when we build a "koi pond" we charge between $5.50 and $7.00/gal based on size/filter requirements and consumer wants.

If you were comparing the two, which would you want for your garden oasis?

Mike

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Seefdro Tvneik Top 20 pond myths.....seven minute video. What do ya think?? It seems we all have it wrong here. YouTube - Green Opts - Common Myths about Waterfall Ponds

Porta- potty heaven....

[PapaBear]

I'm in the wrong business... 10K$ for a SHALLOW LATRINE!!! Are you sure these guys didn't get their start selling $5,000 hammers to the pentagon?

[JasPR]

Spooky. This is 1969 technology available in 2007 at today's costs! JR

[MCA]

Remember....it is good business for many companies.

Great business plan based on piss poor animal husbandry!!!

[MikeM]

Mike: The cost range you gave is not out of line with costs in Florida. (DIY can reduce costs, of course.) Some of the old 'reasonable range' info posted around the 'net has not caught up with contemporary construction costs. Folks see those old numbers and then think honest pondbuilders are hoodwinking them, and end up falling for the AS-type sales pitch. Bet that 700 gal pond was sold as a thousand. I think the 'good guys' do a service for the hobby, and themselves, by getting accurate cost information out. A proper koi pond is not cheap, but it is less costly than using a rock garden pond to keep koi. Kudos to you for talking straight.

[koiczar]

Thanks MikeM

You're absolutely correct about the logic people use to justify trying to get what they want and settling for something less because of initial cost - usually, in the end, they get screwed, so as JR puts it, BUYER BEWARE. We try our best to inform and teach our customers about the right way and the wrong way to build a pond before we even get into the mechanics of a particular job. There are a lot more folks out there getting wise to ADS type ponds, so it helps get the message out that much easier. Just spoke to a lady yesterday that, although she only wants a pond for goldfish, she knows she doesn't want an Aquascape style pond. She's aware of bottom drains and their importance. Now, I just have to get her to understand that unless the rock is mortared in place in such a way to allow the debris to be swept to the drain, there's no point in a BD. I just won't build the pond unless it's done in such a manner. I don't like folks accepting mediocre work and then telling their friends who built the porta potty in the backyard who built it. Just not good business from where I stand.

Mike

P.S. - thanks for the kudos!