Advice on railway sleepers

[Galaxy]

My pond is getting too small..... Or should I say....the fish are getting too big. lol

It currently holds around 350gallons. I can't go deeper and its an informal pond so I am looking to go upwards using railway sleepers. Probably by another 18-24". Its currently an informal shape so I'm considering 1)making it formal or 2) Making a large formal sleeper container with an informal pond shape in the middle. Not sure which would look better or which is the better idea?

The main aim of this is to increase the pond volume and to also raise it up so I can cover it and also to prevent my two young kids just running straight into it, despite the cover I've built I still get worried.

Basically, what are the best sleepers to use and cost is a factor (i.e. don't have loads of money). How best do I hold the sleepers together?...and does anyone know a good place to get them from please?

There is no rush for my new project but possibly would like to have it completely by the end of this summer.

[jaywickrob]

I used brand new tannilised sleepers to build one of my ponds, They are approximately 11" x 5" x 8ft long & cost about £20 each. To raise your pond by 22" you'll need 8 of them, so that's getting on for £200. Don't be tempted to use second hand "real" sleepers as they contain all sorts of nasties that may find their way into the water.
They can be screwed & glued together or you can run steel reinforcing bars through them. I used 10" Timberlock screws & Wudcare expanding adhesive.
A square of 8ft railway sleepers, two high (22"), simply laid on the ground, will hold approximately 2000Ltr.
The liner & underlay will cost another 150 - £200, depending on quality.

Most large garden centres will be able to supply sleepers, there is a variety of sizes available.

[welshcake]

Originally Posted by jaywickrob

I used brand new tannilised sleepers to build one of my ponds, They are approximately 11" x 5" x 8ft long & cost about £20 each. To raise your pond by 22" you'll need 8 of them, so that's getting on for £200. Don't be tempted to use second hand "real" sleepers as they contain all sorts of nasties that may find their way into the water.
They can be screwed & glued together or you can run steel reinforcing bars through them. I used 10" Timberlock screws & Wudcare expanding adhesive.
A square of 8ft railway sleepers, two high (22"), simply laid on the ground, will hold approximately 2000Ltr.
The liner & underlay will cost another 150 - £200, depending on quality.

Most large garden centres will be able to supply sleepers, there is a variety of sizes available.

You should ask jaywickrob to point you to the post he put on here sometime ago showing the build of the pond he mentions as it is a superb example of a build using sleepers.

[little fishy]

If you get yourself a copy of koi magazine they have a feature on sleepers in there

[koinut]

Hi Galaxy.

The post Welshcake mentioned by Jaywickrob is here.

http://forum.practicalfishkeeping.co...ad.php?t=47990

Its a cracking post very informative and very well written by Jay.

Remeber as well .
You can get a cheap pond
You can get a good well built pond.
But you cannot get a Good well built cheap pond.

Save your pennies a bit longer if you have to and do it right the first time.
You will be so much more happier in the end.

Good luck with the rebuild when you start Galaxy.

Andy T

[Galaxy]

Thanks for all the replies people!! Looks like my rebuild is on hold as the wife has said she doesn't like the idea of sleepers!! Grrrrrrr

[koinut]

Hi galaxy.

Thats a shame, have you showed her Jaywicks pond?
Groveled?
Brought her a prezzie?

I hope you come up with something.

Andy T

[Galaxy]

I'll keep plugging away! Apparently me remember valentines doesn't assist in my pond rebuild! lol