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Expected daily water loss through evaporation
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Posted by mark_bray UK (My Page) on Thu, Aug 11, 05 at 9:43
| I have recently installed a small pond 500 litres, constructed from a fibre glass preformed liner. Water is pumped via a pressured filter and I have the option to return the water over a small preformed concrete rock cascade or directly into the pond via a Y piece diverter. There are a number of marginal plants and 10 goldfish. I have been concerned about the amount of water loss I am getting over a 24hour period (approx ½ an inch). I am topping the pond up every 2 to 3 days with a bucket of water from the water butt. During the last 5 weeks we have received no rain and temperatures have averaged 70 Fahrenheit. I have checked all of the connections and the filter for leaks and have found no obvious signs. I don’t suspect the pond liner due to it being preformed (Oasis Atlantis). We have no kids or pets in the garden and the only visitors to the garden are hedgehogs. Having read numerous articles I am trying to determine if the water loss I have is average for evaporation at this time of the year. I should add that the ½ inch water loss is whilst returning the water directly into the pond and not over the cascade. When switched to the cascade I see about ¾ inch loss. Would you expect this to be normal for such a small pond? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Expected daily water loss through evaporation
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- Posted by AJC_1 8 the fens (My Page) on
Thu, Aug 11, 05 at 14:56
| It varies from pond to pond, but 1/2" is not a great deal for the time of year, about average for a pond that size, plants remove water too, waterfall etc add to the evaporation loss, wouldnt worry about it to much. |
RE: Expected daily water loss through evaporation
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| Thanks that puts my mind at rest. Having looked into this a little more it appears a common concern with folk new to ponds. I was interested to see what experiences people have had with this. |
RE: Expected daily water loss through evaporation
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I have a 1500 gallon pond that houses both koi and goldfish. In my early days of fishkeeping I too was worried about excessive water loss through evaporation. It is important to remember that although the heat from the sun can cause evaporation, wind can also influence it (evapotranspiration). High wind = more evaporation. I have not really sorted the problem and at this time of year, I still put into the pond between 50-100 gallons per week, which as AJC says above is about 1/2 to 1 inch of water
I suppose a ledge could be introduced around the pond to reduce wind speed across the water surface, but this might be unsightly and prevent other creatures from entering or leaving the pond. regards
John TW16 |
RE: Expected daily water loss through evaporation
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| Interesting reads. I have just put in a pond with a 24ft stream and two small ponds on split levels at top of stream. Total rise including a 16" store bought weir. Is about 2.5 to three feet. I haVe had to add water everyday this week. System running 24hrs. My pond is only about 85 gallons. I am topping up about 2" at a time. Temperatures during the day averaging 78 degees Farenheit. Light to gusty winds. Some rain at night. I too have been questioning my water loss. As well, cannot see visible signs of leakage. I do have a joined liner 1/3 way up the stream. I also have a small 20gallon preform pond with waterfall. That has not lost any water. Short of a leak at the seamed liner, Would the amount of running water in stream and two rise waterfalls with above conditions give me this amount of water loss? |
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