Aquascape MicroPond & MicroPondless Kits (99763, 99764, 99765 & 99769) - Manual (Page 6)

Viewing Area
(Patio, Deck or Lawn)
2” to 3”
6
• All of the soil removed from the
excavation can be spread and
compacted around the Micro-
Falls ® , creating a berm. The filter
should be completely surrounded
by soil by the end of the project.
(See fig. 10 on previous page)
Design spaces for plants
• Design your shelves wider in areas
where you wish to place aquatic
plants. (See fig. 14)
• Marginal and bog plants require
a water depth up to about 10”,
so the top shelf is a perfect
location for these plants.
(See fig. 14)
• Water lilies will vary according to
species, but a depth of 12-24” at
the crown works best, so the sec-
ond shelf or bottom of the pond
will work great for the lilies.
(See fig. 14)
• To make planting lilies easier, add
a few ‘lily pockets.’ These pockets
are simply depressions or bowls
cut into the soil 6-8” deep and
10-16” in diameter. The goal is
to create a natural looking pond,
and this is possible only if plant
pots are eliminated or completely
hidden. (See fig. 14)
Leveling the edges
• One of the most important parts
of the excavation is getting the
perimeter of the pond level and
setting the level of the water. An
excellent tool for this is a 2x4
set across the pond. Set a 4-foot
bubble level on the 2x4 to make
sure the perimeter of the pond
is level. We recommend using a
transit or sight level on larger
projects. Check your progress
several times while digging.
• It is typical to set the water level
2- 3” below the main viewing
area (patio, deck, etc.). This will
bring the water level of the pond
up close to the edge of the pond
without going over the sides.
(See fig. 15)
• Rough out an excavated area for
the MicroSkim ® . Simply dig a hole
18” wide by 21” long (the outline
of the skimmer) and 18” below
the desired water level.
(See fig. 13)
• The skimmer should be excavated
down to a depth so that the pro-
posed water level in the pond is
approximately ¾” below the top of
the opening of the skimmer.
• Re-check all your measurements,
including length and width of
pond, plant shelf depth,
and overall pond depth.
Fig. 14 Pond excavation - side view of plant pockets.
Fig. 15 Set water level 2” - 3” below viewing area.
Excavate your MicroPond ® cont...
1st plant and rock shelf: shelf
varies 8” or greater wide, 1” to
12” deep
Set 6” to 12” size
cobblestones on verti-
cal edges. Gravel on
all horizontal surfaces
2nd plant &
rock shelf: 16”
to 20” deep
Plant pocket 6” to 8” deep,
10” to 16” diameter
Water line
Marginal plants should be
removed from containers and
placed directly into the gravel
Liner ends 1” to 2”
outside of pond
Mulch