A REAL BACKYARD PROJECT · ALOHA, OREGON
I want my ducks to be happy. I’ve started digging their pond—now I’m asking for help finishing it, with filters I can clean and a run that’s easier to care for.
Every dollar received after processing fees stays with the ducks and their run.
THE WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED
The pond is dug, but I am concerned water is seeping through the clay. The plan now includes a full pond liner, fitted to its unusual shape. With nine ducks using the water and leaves falling from the trees, the next priority is a filtration system that’s accessible and easy to clean.
That means three filter barrels outside the fence, a protected intake, a suitable pump, and a waterfall returning the filtered water. Stones, firm walking areas and a small duck bridge will help finish the space.
Read the decisions behind the plan ↗MEET THE REASON FOR ALL OF THIS
Solo, Spot, Cleopatra (Cleo), Hershey, Coco, Nibbler, Wobbles, Pickles and Toby. Seven full-sized ducks and two little call ducks.
LIFE WITH THE FLOCK
Portraits, pool time and quiet afternoons from our own photo album. Open any photo for a closer look.
The duckling photos are earlier album memories; they do not show the flock’s current size or age.
THE BUILD PLAN
Filtration comes first. We’ll check the final equipment, levels and supports before buying, then test and adjust the system before finishing the surrounding space.
Measure the full liner path and edges, then check pump depth, pipe route, barrel levels, foundations and outdoor power.
Install three serviceable barrels, removable pads, aerated media and large sludge drains. Test flow and pump-off behaviour.
Add the waterfall, stable stone edges, walking gravel and flat duck bridge. Include the resting hut if fit and budget allow.
HOW THE WATER MOVES
A flow concept—not a scaled site or construction drawing.
The return’s capacity, actual drop and overflow/drainback provisions still need checking. Regular cleaning, testing and water care continue after installation.
WHY THESE CHOICES
A researched shopping list is useful when it explains the choices—and makes the remaining checks visible.
Suspected seepage has changed the plan: the main pond now needs a liner, with polyethylene preferred if suitable. We will also protect the waterfall flow path and confirm how the pieces overlap. Foam directs flow between stones; it does not replace a liner.
Manufacturer guidance ↗Outside-fence barrels, removable pad grids and three large full-port sludge drains are planned so routine cleaning is possible without dismantling the system.
See quantities & purpose ↗Interbarrel corrugated hose uses barbed fittings and clamps. The flexible-PVC return uses compatible socket fittings and flexible-PVC cement. They aren’t interchangeable connections.
Cement application reference ↗The latest reported three-inch water depth makes pump cover especially important. The return flow, overflow protection, foundation bearing and hut framing also need final checks. Items on hold aren’t ready for donor purchase.
See the remaining checks ↗THE MATERIALS LIST
Quantities count listing packs where noted. Status means Bought or Not bought, based on what I have confirmed. Being on the wishlist does not mean an item has been bought. Read the item notes before gifting so we avoid unsuitable or duplicate supplies.
| Material | Quantity | Purpose / check before buying | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BayTec 55-gallon open-top drumsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 3 | Three drums for settling, washable pads and aerated biological filtration. One drum per stage; measure actual barrel before drilling. | Not bought |
| Pondmaster PM700 pump candidateProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | One main pond pump feeds barrel 1; gravity returns water to waterfall. Confirm shallow-water operating cover and intake-box fit before purchase. | Not bought |
| Pump reducing couplingProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Pump outlet adapter for the 1-inch feed; depends on final pump selection. | Not bought |
| Banjo 1-inch hose barbsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 2 | Two individual 1-inch hose barbs: one at pump adapter and one at first-barrel inlet. | Not bought |
| 1-inch pond feed tubing, 20 feetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 roll | Twenty-foot roll for approximately ten-foot pump-to-first-barrel route including climb. Extra length is spare. | Not bought |
| Black Matala half sheetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Black coarse pad at bottom of upflow barrel 2. Cut to actual barrel size; washable and removable. | Not bought |
| Green Matala half sheetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Green middle pad in barrel 2, above black and below blue. Cut to actual barrel size. | Not bought |
| Blue Matala half sheetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Blue finer pad at top of barrel 2. Check current list before adding another sheet. | Not bought |
| Weramics grid panels, four-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 2 packs | Two four-packs provide eight panels: four for bottom pad grid and four for top retainer. Already reported added; do not add two more packs. | Not bought |
| Support-frame PVC pipe packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Three 40-inch pipe pieces for removable pad-support stand. Final cuts depend on barrel measurement. | Not bought |
| Three-way PVC corners, ten-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Ten-pack of three-way corners for pad-support stand, with spares. Check final support layout. | Not bought |
| Removable ties packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Removable ties for grids and guards; reuse existing ties first. Ties alone do not anchor a floating pad assembly. | Not bought |
| K2 bio media, two cubic feetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 bag | K2 biological media for barrel 3. Two cubic feet is about 56.6 liters. Start with part of bag and confirm circulation; replaces earlier K1 allowance. | Not bought |
| Lifegard 2-inch media guardsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 3 | Three bio-barrel media guards: inlet, gravity outlet and sludge drain. Confirm actual K2 retention and operating flow. | Not bought |
| Coarse stainless screen two-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Two coarse stainless screens for guard wraps only if needed to retain K2. Cover edges and keep guards removable. | Not bought |
| Hakko HK40LP air pumpProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Air pump for moving-bed bio barrel. Needs matched manifold/diffuser and ventilated shelter above maximum barrel water level. | Not bought |
| Matala MDB11 diffuserProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Single weighted-base air diffuser for barrel 3. Check fit and included hose adapter/clamps. | Not bought |
| Weighted 3/8-inch airline, 25 feetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 roll | Twenty-five feet of 3/8-inch weighted airline from matched manifold to diffuser. Measure route and slack before extra rolls. | Not bought |
| Aquascape airline check valveProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Airline backflow protection; arrow toward diffuser. Pump also stays above maximum water level. Verify airflow. | Not bought |
| Small hose-clamp assortmentProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Small air-hose clamp assortment only if supplied/existing clamps do not cover joints. Select by hose outside diameter. | Not bought |
| Banjo TF100 1-inch bulkheadProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | One 1-inch bulkhead for barrel-1 pump feed. Use manufacturer hole/gasket instructions. | Not bought |
| Banjo TF200 2-inch bulkheadsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 8 | Base design: four interbarrel ports, one gravity-return outlet and three sludge drains. Emergency overflows are additional and not yet designed. | Not bought |
| Banjo short drain nipplesProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 3 | One short threaded nipple per sludge drain, joining barrel bulkhead to full-port valve. Support valve weight. | Not bought |
| Banjo 2-inch full-port drain valvesProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 3 | One full-port sludge drain valve per barrel. Stop pond pump before flushing and collect waste outside pond. | Not bought |
| Banjo 2-inch threaded plugsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 4 | Four plugs total: three drain caps and one proposed return cleanout cap. | Not bought |
| 2-inch hose barbs, two-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 2 packs | Two two-packs provide four barbs for interbarrel links. Optional third pack only for shared waste-hose adapter. | Not bought |
| 2-inch corrugated hose, 25 feetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 roll | Twenty-five-foot corrugated hose roll for two short interbarrel links. Spare length may serve as dedicated waste hose. | Not bought |
| 46–70mm hose clamps, twenty-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Four clamps needed for interbarrel hose; twenty-pack provides spares. Replaces older low-stock clamp choice. | Not bought |
| 2-inch flexible PVC return, 25 feetProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 roll | Candidate twenty-five-foot flexible PVC gravity return for approximately twenty-foot waterfall route. Burial, elevation, flow and spillway transition need confirmation. | Not bought |
| 2-inch PVC unions, two-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Two return service unions, one near bio barrel and one near waterfall. Both must remain accessible; use with matching PVC pipe. | Not bought |
| 2-inch thread-to-socket adapters, four-packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Four-pack return adapters: one barrel outlet transition, two cleanout-tee transitions and one spare. | Not bought |
| Banjo 2-inch cleanout teeProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Proposed accessible capped cleanout near barrel 3. Uses two adapters from existing four-pack. Not an automatic vent or anti-siphon safeguard. | Not bought |
| 20–44mm feed-hose clamp packProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 pack | Two clamps for 1-inch feed hose. Reuse existing suitable clamps instead if available. | Not bought |
| Oatey flexible-PVC cementProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 can | Flexible-PVC cement for return pipe into compatible PVC sockets. Follow preparation and curing instructions; not for polypropylene fittings or hose barbs. | Not bought |
| Weld-On P70 primer candidateProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 can | Candidate PVC primer; match exact pipe and cement instructions before buying. | Not bought |
| PTFE thread tapeProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 roll | Thread tape for manufacturer-permitted pipe-thread joints. Not for bulkhead locknuts or glue joints. | Not bought |
| Pond water testsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 kit | Already have pond tests, as confirmed by the owner. No additional kit needed. The linked API kit is the earlier recommendation; the exact kit already owned has not been independently verified. | Bought |
| Telescoping leaf netProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Leaf net to remove debris before it clogs intake. Skip if a suitable net is already owned. | Not bought |
| Utility cleaning brushProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Brush for empty barrel walls and hard guards. Avoid aggressive scrubbing of biological media and pads; reuse existing brush if suitable. | Not bought |
| Aquascape 77000 22-inch waterfall spillwayProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 | Current recorded wishlist selection; supersedes earlier VCRAZE kit. Includes 2-inch slip and 1.5-inch barbed fittings; final return flow still needs checking. $242.99 observed October 13, not a current quote. | Not bought |
| Waterfall EPDM liner + underlayment bundleProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 bundle | Earlier candidate 5×10-foot EPDM / underlayment bundle for waterfall area. Main pond now also needs a liner, so reconcile waterfall overlap and total sheet layout before buying separate pieces. $84.40 was an October 13 observation, not a current quote; wishlist addition unconfirmed. | Not bought |
| Aquascape 82002 waterfall foamProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 initial can | 12-ounce straw-applicator foam for stone gaps. Liner contains water; foam directs flow. $20.99 observed October 13. More depends on stone layout; addition unconfirmed. | Not bought |
| Matched air-pump manifold | 1 | Preferred Matala SC2-38: 3/4-inch inlet, two 3/8-inch branches. A suitable Amazon listing and package connection still need confirmation; tiny aquarium fittings are not the selected substitute. | Not bought |
| Lift-out intake box / screen | 1 assembly | Accessible coarse screen for leaves and twigs. Confirm exact box selection and pump fit in the shallow pond before purchase. | Not bought |
| Automatic low-water protection | 1 arrangement | Select for actual pump operating cover, outdoor conditions and shallow water. A high-water alarm is not equivalent. | Not bought |
| Emergency overflow / drainback provisions | Route dependent | Plan safe overflow for each barrel and pump-off behaviour. Up to three extra 2-inch bulkheads are an allowance only, not included in the base eight. | Not bought |
| Raised concrete barrel supportsProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 24 standard + 24 solid blocks* | Provisional three-platform layout: 8×8×16-inch blocks plus solid 4×8×16-inch blocks. Foundation bearing, dimensions, mortar and finished level need validation; not a structural specification. | Not bought |
| Concrete-base preparation and valve supports | To measure | Firm level bearing on wet ground, stable assembly and supported drain valves. Confirm actual site before ordering aggregate or footing material. | Not bought |
| Duck bridge materials and bank bearings | 1 bridge | Flat approximately 3×2-foot duck crossing with low 4×4 edge rails. Confirm framing, bearing, fasteners and exact cut list. | Not bought |
| Protected outdoor power installation | 1 installation | Post, appropriate boxes/covers, GFCI protection, conduit and wet-rated conductors selected for actual circuit by installer. Ordinary NM-B Romex is not the wet-conduit wire choice. | Not bought |
| Stone edging, spill stones and walkway gravel | To measure | Firm maintenance paths, suitable waterfall stones and stable pond edges while retaining gentle duck access. Quantity and delivered price need local confirmation. | Not bought |
| Irregular resting hut materials | 1 provisional hut | Follow the accepted uneven footprint. Earlier owner estimates: about 4-foot front, 1.5–2-foot back, 3-foot depth/height. Verify dimensions and identify studs; roof, floor and support details remain open. Core work comes first. | Not bought |
| Hut fence-corner pavers | 2 proposed | Two new pavers proposed with existing supports; all bearings must be level and stable. Final hut framing and ground conditions determine actual support requirements. | Not bought |
| Pad upper-retainer attachment | 1 removable arrangement | Secure upper grid so the complete pad stack cannot float. Final attachment depends on barrel rim and internal measurements. | Not bought |
| Ventilated air-pump shelter | 1 | Protect air pump from weather while preserving airflow and service access; mount above maximum barrel water level. Do not use a sealed equipment box. | Not bought |
| Waste collection and pad-rinsing containers | 1 each, reuse first | Collect sludge outside pond and rinse removable pads in a suitably wide tub. Reuse sound existing containers before buying more. | Not bought |
| Winter French drains | About 90 feet, provisional | Separate leftover-fund project: pipe, sock, drainage rock and a suitable outlet. Route and outlet design are not finished; not counted as completed core work. | Not bought |
| Duck food, treats and further run improvements | As funds allow | Any leftover funds remain dedicated to the ducks. Report spending and reduce cash purchases when supplies are gifted. | Not bought |
| Shed-mounted viewing cameraProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 optional camera | Outside the $4,300 core budget. Previous candidate Reolink RLC-810WA; stream and privacy setup not yet demonstrated. Pond essentials come first. | Not bought |
| Full pond liner — PE candidateProduct / supplier reference ↗ | 1 sheet, size to confirm | Owner confirms the pond footprint may be 20 by 15 feet, with about 3 inches of water. Amazon candidate: VEVOR 20 by 25 feet, 20-mil LLDPE (polyethylene). With 1-foot anchoring on each edge, the basic size example is 22.5 by 17.5 feet; actual raised banks may need more. Measure along the full bank contours before buying. Current Amazon price unavailable; additional cost is not yet included in the $4,300 estimate. | Not bought |
| Main pond protective underlayment | Coverage to measure | Protect the full pond liner from roots, stones and rough substrate; confirm liner instructions and measured coverage. Select a pond-underlayment product after sizing. This is separate from the smaller waterfall-only bundle unless the final layout combines them. Additional cost not yet priced. | Not bought |
Product links are references, not endorsements of every seller or an instruction to buy held items. Prices, variants and delivery need checking before ordering.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
The existing $4,300 plan includes processing fees and contingency. A full pond liner and its underlayment are a new requirement and are not yet priced into those allowances. We'll revise the total after measuring and checking the delivered cost. Donated supplies reduce the corresponding cash need.
Approved planning budget: October 13, 2026.
Page prepared: October 26, 2026.
Supplier prices need refreshing before purchases.
Full pond liner and underlayment: additional cost pending.
After GoFundMe processing fees, every dollar received goes toward the ducks and their run. None goes toward my personal bills or spending. Any funds left after the main work stay dedicated to the ducks—for winter drainage, food, treats, plants, stones or further shelter improvements.
BEFORE WE ORDER & BUILD
These are the decisions still needed to turn the shopping plan into a working installation.
The owner confirms the pond footprint may be 20 by 15 feet. A 20 by 25-foot sheet is a candidate, subject to measuring the actual bank contours and edge anchoring. Measure along the actual banks and bottom in both directions, including edge anchoring. Three inches of water depth alone does not account for raised banks. The 20 by 25-foot PE listing is a candidate, not a released size selection.
The latest water-depth estimate from the owner is three inches, replacing the earlier six-inch estimate for current planning. Verify the intended operating depth, pump cover, intake-box fit and delivered flow at the actual lift. Select suitable automatic low-water protection.
Measure the roughly twenty-foot return and available drop after the barrel bases are built. Confirm actual flow, service access, safe overflow routing and what happens when power stops.
Confirm wet-ground bearing and level masonry supports. Measure barrel interiors for grids and pads, anchor the upper grid, and match the air pump manifold and diffuser without restricting airflow.
Confirm circuit suitability and outdoor installation with the installer. Measure bridge bearing and the hut’s accepted uneven footprint. Identify available metal studs before choosing the floor frame; ordinary interior drywall studs aren’t a verified outdoor floor system.
Framing manufacturer reference ↗PROGRESS, WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK
The digging has started. The photo shows an earlier stage of the actual pond. Our next milestones are confirming the installation details, obtaining parts, building the filtration, and testing it before finishing the edges.
I’ll share dated photos and updates on what was bought and completed as the work moves forward. No completion date or finished-water result is being promised here.
HELP FINISH WHAT WE’VE STARTED
Choose a suitable supply from the wishlist, share the project, or follow the build. Please read each item's notes before buying; some parts still need their fit confirmed.
The GoFundMe donation link will be added once the public fundraiser URL is verified.