Koi Pond: Dispelling Myths About Concrete
What some proponents of online sellers say business facilities pond using concrete and rebar, as well as mortar to hold the rocks?
(1) "A problem with the construction concrete and mortar is that the alkali leaching of cement for some time after construction, poisoning the water of the pond with high alkalinity. It also leaves unsightly white deposit build-up at points of exit and the surface rocks of the waterfall. "
NOT TRUE! If the concrete you use to pour the shell is a 7-bag mix of 40% pea fiber mixture of gravel and stealth, the concrete is so dense that leaching may still occur. In addition, because the density of concrete, it is not only waterproof, but stronger than the 5-bag mix used normal to pour driveways, patios and sidewalks. Finally, if you take the finished surface with Thoro-seal, one of several hunters nontoxic concrete, it can not leach.
(2) "When using mortar to secure the rocks in a waterfall, water seeping into the porous mortar joints, infiltrating alkali and phosphorescence that poisons the pond.
True in the past but not anymore. Ordinary mortar is porous, allowing water to pass through, dissolving and collecting the cement residue. This has been a major concern of mine for many years. After the completion of a fall, I have to run the waterfall for two or three weeks, turn it off every 4 or 5 days, and acid-cleaned alkaline residues on the white rocks that had accumulated. Then when we finished, we would have to rinse the acid and the pond.
Twelve years ago I discovered a secret formula that would render the mortar mix non porous and waterproof. It also allows mortar regularly, three times higher. It is produced by adding a 45 # bag of thinset (used to apply ceramic tiles a wall of the shower) and two bags of mortar type S. Once it heals, it becomes so dense, it is completely waterproof and will not leach any alkali after treatments (3-4 days). In addition, this mixture is so strong in its carrying capacity once that heals, a hammer is needed to remove a rock. In most cases, the rock breaks down before coming free from the mortar secret formula.
It is not only waterproof, but it binds very well with all types and textures of rocks. It will create a watertight barrier that comes in handy when building rock damns in the waterfall. The main feature my special formula is that it allows much more creativity. You can raise water levels above the limits the concrete shell without water seeps into the mortar joints, as in the case of ordinary mortar type mixture.
This special blend is Not for sale in stores, and never will, because I give the formula away for free! This discovery has revolutionized the efficiency of mixing mortar and its ability to bind, waterproof, and prevent alkali leaching.
A dramatic Test
A pool Swim 4000 gallons was transformed into a concrete koi pond with two large waterfalls, held with my new mortar, and 8 'x 12 'island. The rocks surrounding the island, were also held by the new formula. When the project was completed, all surfaces were a quick, mild acid wash, and the pond was filled and dechlorinator was added. The next day, $ 3,000 of my koi fish staff were transferred into the koi pond with concrete. They all swam calmly around the island, inspecting every nook and cranny. None of they experienced stress and they remained in their temporary quarters for three months without incident. If this spectacular demonstration is not sufficient to convert the skeptics, nothing There will.
So what's the bottom line?
geomembranes can be guaranteed not to leak for a myriad of reasons. Concrete ponds rebar, if constructed properly, will remain leak free for decades if not generations. You be the judge. You're the one to invest your hard earned money and time into it.
Be wise as an owl and as sharp as the numerous things that can pierce a shell line.
Reflect before acting and research before crying. Do not be [pond] Pennywise and stupid. Happy koi, peace and joy.
About the Author
KoRn – Freak on a leach & Y all want a single @ Rock im Park 2009
