Ask
Build your own "Biological Filter"
using parts that can be purchased from any
"Home Depot" or "Lowes" home and garden centers between $50-$75. To download your complete
plans and instructions...
COMPLETE HOW TO PLANS
BUILD YOUR OWN BIO-FILTER
IMPORTANT: After you purchase the plans, you will
be sent a unique email link and password to download
your files, so be sure to enclude it at checkout.
be sent a unique email link and password to download
your files, so be sure to enclude it at checkout.
The bio-filter plans are free with the purchase of the Professional Pond & Waterfall Construction Manual...
You save over $40!
Special One Time Offer for those Interested in the Bio-Filter Plans...
The Construction Manual has been reduced from the Bookstore price of $49.95 to only $14.95 as an eBook download and I'm adding the filter plans for free!
$35 OFF Bookstore List Price: $49.95
Only $14.95
Includes the free bio-filter plan download!
Douglas Hoover, M.W.B. (Master Waterfall Builder) will teach you step by step using hundreds of photos and illustrations using all the tips and necessary secrets that took him over twenty-six years of experience, and well over 2000 projects to learn: How to design, engineer, lay out, construct and maintain a natural waterfall and pond.
Douglas speaks from experience - his own!Therefore, every project shown in this book is his, every photograph was taken by him, and every illustration was drawn by him. He will share many of his techniques, ideas and several innovative products.
This manual not only teaches you the proper methods and techniques, but will teach you an amazing craft that will return more net profit than absolutely any trade in the industry.
There is no other trade that can bring returns of 60% to 80% net profit consistently. May this book bring you much joy, pleasure and financial security.
TESTIMONIAL: Debbie Johnson, Ph.D.
Northern California
Doug, Thank you so much for everything... I'm writing this to let other people know how I feel about you. For years, I had wanted a natural rock pondless waterfall in my back yard.
At first I planned to place it up the hillside. But then I realized I could situate it a few feet from the back door.I received three or four bids from local companies I found in the Yellow Pages—all were about the same, but one stood out for his design work.
I called him and soon I had a ten foot stream with three waterfalls dropping into a gravel pit. He built it with a rubber liner. I paid $4,000. For the first month, it worked great. The pump shut off when the water level fell too low—I only needed to fill it every three days. Then, suddenly, it needed filling every day. I called the contractor and he promised to fix it. But he never showed up. Within a month, it didn’t even last a day. Then when I filled it, the pump didn’t start. If I waited a few days, then filled it, the pump worked again.
After dozens of calls, the contractor did come out. He moved around a few rocks, looked at the pump and left. It was better—for a day. I started calling again. He promised to come out and didn’t. He finally stopped picking up the phone.
In the meantime, I started doing some research. I found out that the problem had to be the rubber liner. I found Doug at watergardenauthority.com and obtained his construction manual. By purchasing his book I discovered he gives out his private cell phone number for consultation.
Doug was right , he said it was probably some type of burrowing animal. When the liner was removed we discovered a mouse had chewed through the liner and was living beneath it.
Doug asked me if the liner guy had disclosed the truth about liners and the negative aspects and when I replied, no the contractor never mentiontion this possibility when using a liner. Because of this fact alone, Doug recommended suing in small claims court. Unfortunately I did not take his advice and made the mistake of telling the contractor my intentions.
He paniced and offered me $2,200.00 and I quickly said yes. After the fact I realized I could have gotten all my money if I had just listened to Doug and taken all his advice. I never should have bought a rubber liner pondless waterfall..
He also put it far too close to the house. As a result of the leaks saturating the house’s foundation, I now have termites. I paid another $400 to get rid of them.
I'm so thankful for Doug Hoover and the many hours of consulting and advice he rendered for free. When I rebuild my water garden I am going to have it done according to Doug's recommendation. Concrete and rebar.
His construction manual is priceless. Doug is truly a "Master Waterfall Builder" and a Professional in this field.
I highly recommend his book, training course and services.
With Warmest Regards,
Debbie Johnson, Ph.D.
save $40
off Bookstore List Price: $49.95
Only $14.95
Includes free bio-filter plans download!
Articles By An Expert Pond Designer/ Builder
(27 Years Experience)
Pond Liner Defects - Count The Cost
So you are considering building your own koi pond, or having one built? Do not add your name to the growing list of disgusted leaky pond owners. Please research all aspects of water gardening before proceeding. I am not
suggesting you google pond liners, or koi ponds, or how to build a koi pond... (read more)
How To Design A Water Garden
If you have ever designed a water garden by sketching with colored pencils on a sheet of graph paper, let me be the first person to tell you that there is a better way! Here's why... (read more)
Water Gardens Exposed
There are increasingly greater numbers of people arriving at the startling revelation that water gardening is not what it was cracked up to be. For 26 years I have promised my clients that the water feature I build for them would bring them more long-term joy and pleasure than anything they had purchased in the past... (read more)
Liner Disciples: Not Eating Their Own Dog Food
After spending some time reading the Piranha Press (water garden forums), I am scared to wade into the water [Forum] or even "get my feet wet." Good grief, talk about "eating their own". . . Where is the loyalty, appreciation, gratitude, dedication, camaraderie and "family pride" pride?After spending some time reading the Piranha Press (water garden forums), I am scared to wade into the water [Forum] or even "get my feet wet." Good grief, talk about "eating their own". . . Where is the loyalty, appreciation, gratitude, dedication, camaraderie and "family pride"
pride? (read more)
Water Feature Forums-Oh My!
As of late, I have discovered that sharing my bias towards pond liners with a forum full of pond liner installers is
something like trying to pass out Bibles at a porn convention! (read more)
Want a Koi Pond? Get a Clue
I had a pond once, and you couldn't see the fish for the algae. Someone said to use algaecide, and somebody else said to get a U.V. Someone said to get more plants, and someone else said I had too many fish for the size of my pond. No problem...a crane ate half of them and last month a raccoon ate the rest. Someone said I need a scarecrow sprinkler or a pond net. I asked, What for? I don't have fish any more, only lots of mosquitoe larvae... (read more)
Koi Pond: Which Pump to Use
One major drawback of sump pumps that the liner pond industry does not share with their clients is that they are literally energy sponges. But then, that is not the only thing they forget to mention to their usually innocent and unsuspecting clients... (read more)
Pond Design: Digitally Designed Masterpieces- Virtual Water Features Part I
One of the most challenging aspects of designing ponds and waterfalls is trying to convey my ideas to my client. Coming up with award-winning pond designs or implementing them using adequate skills and experience is not a problem. My challenge is getting my client to see what I see... (read more)
Pond Design: Digitally Design Masterpieces- Virtual Water Features Part II
This article talks about the exciting art of digital pond design and all of its various facets. Add digital design to your landscape or general contractors business and add incredible profits to your existing business. Increase your sales close by 60%! Dazzle your clients and impress your friends and neighbors. You can learn in a matter of hours,i it is fun! (read more)
Koi Pond or Pondless Waterfall: Where Do I Begin?
Have you thought about A Water Feature? Is it true that a water feature will add equity to my home? What about a swimming pool? Doesn't a pond require a lot of upkeep? What is the average cost? Do I need a building permit? Do I have to have fish? We travel a lot! What is the single most important first step in building a water feature? What about equipment? Should I get koi fish and a turtle? Where should I place my pond and waterfall? All these questions can be addressed with two words: Plan & Design! (read more)
Ponds & Waterfalls: Layout & Excavation
Layout is the most important phase of the entire project. I have heard many complaints from disappointed clients after they had a chance to get used to their new addition to the landscape. "I only wish we had made it bigger, made it deeper, added an island, made it longer and constructed a bridge, built it closer to the house, installed a larger water pump for the waterfall - or - built the waterfall higher or wider." (read more)
Pondless Waterfalls: Concrete vs. Pond Liner
The get-rich-quick factor in the pond liner industry has forced up the price of pond liner kits to equal the cost of concrete construction. If you search for the truth about concrete ponds and waterfalls from reading the literature of the greed-driven liner pond industry, you will not find it. Why? Because if the truth be known, no one in their right mind would invest good, hard-earned money in a pond liner! (read more)
Pondless Waterfalls: Why Pondless?
A pondless waterfall is the answer to many problems in our diverse world. No pond, no maintenance! Another positive benefit of a pondless waterfall is the money that is saved. If you do not have a pond, less material and labor is required in the construction. (read more)
Koi Pond: Finding a Contractor - 18 Important Things to Know
Because there is such a wide range of information to be learned on this topic of koi pond and waterfall construction and so much technical information out there, you may decide to seek professional assistance to complete part or all of the water features. Before you proceed, here are 18 extremely important facts you should know... (read more)
Koi Pond: Fish or No Fish?
If a pond has a waterfall to aerate the water, fish will produce waste that is broken down by nitrifying bacteria into nitrate nitrogen, and water plants will use the nitrogen and thrive. In turn, the fish eat the algae and small water insects that live on the rocks and plant roots. And those bugs eat other smaller bugs that eat microscopic bugs that eat bad bacteria bugs. This is called the nitrogen cycle. A properly balanced pond like this will pretty much take care of itself... (read more)
Koi Pond: Oxygen Levels
Adequate oxygen is essential for the health and survival of your koi fish and other pond creatures. As pond life utilizes the oxygen content of the water, it needs to be replaced. Oxygen enters the water where these two contact each other – primarily at the koi pond's surface. That is why a waterfall is such a vital adjunct to your water feature. (read more)
Koi Pond: Filter vs. Fish
The size of the bio-filter used in a koi pond is in direct proportion to the number of fish per gallon. The more fish, the more waste and the bigger the filter that is needed. Do you really need a filter? Not necessarily on the small ones... (read more)
Koi Pond: Is pH Important?
Koi Pond: Is pH Important? It can mean the difference between life and death of your koi fish! Generally speaking, alkaline conditions are more common than acidic in koi ponds, especially the newer ones. If the pH remains over 8.5 for any length of time, the koi fish will become stressed or diseased... (read more)
Koi Pond: Water Chemistry
The most basic conditions of your koi pond water chemistry are the pH factor (which stands for potential Hydrogen) and water hardness. These factors alone can determine the life or death of your koi pond's inhabitants... (read more)
Koi Pond: Biological Filters
Contrary to common belief, biological filters do not process or filter the solid waste of fish in your koi pond. They continue to build up and putrefy, creating a breeding ground for harmful species of heterotrophic bacteria which are pathogenic to koi fish. As stated, the biological filtration process utilizes Nitrosomonas bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrobacter, further converting nitrites into nitrates, which is less harmful to koi fish... (read more)
Koi Pond: Dispelling Myths About Concrete
What do some liner promoters and salesmen say about professional pond installations using concrete & rebar, plus mortar for the rocks? Is it true? (read more)
Koi Pond & Waterfall: Top 21 Most Asked Questions Answered
Question: What is the ideal depth for a koi pond? Answer: In my experience of over 25 years, 4 to 5 feet is ideal. You need a minimum of 3 feet for koi fish for several reasons. Safety for fish from wading cranes they can't wade in 3 feet of water. Plus the water temperature in shallow ponds fluctuates too much with the changes in ambient temperature. The greater the volume of water, the longer it takes for the temperature to change. Warm water or fluctuating temperatures are unhealthy for fish. (read more)
Pond Liners: The Hole Story
This article talks about the importance of planning your water garden in advance and how costly it can become if you don't, what it can end up costing by trying to save money, having a pond liner installed by an inexperienced contractor. What can happen if you install the wrong equipment. This article could save you thousands. (read more)
Pond Liner: Buyer Beware
This article discusses many reasons why pond liners should not be used to construct a pond. The reasons most liner ponds eventually leak are discussed and how liner leaks are contended with. (read more)
Koi Pond and Waterfall Builders: What You Need to Know
This article answers many vital questions about waterfall and pond construction for the home owner such as layout, design, engineering, shape, size and estimated cost. (read more)
Ponds & Waterfalls: Water Living
Why should you seriously consider installing a pond & waterfall on your property. Besides adding equity to your home, a properly constructed water feature can bring more long term joy and pleasure than anything else money can buy. This article will provide guide lines for considering such an investment. (read more)
Koi Pond: Liners vs. Professional Construction
This article spells out in simple terms the difference between pond liner pond construction and professional constructed ponds and waterfalls using rebar and concrete. In 25 years, I have built well over 1900 concrete and rebar water features and over the last 5 years have ripped out over 30 leaky or defective rubber pond liners and replaced them with concrete and steel. (read more)
Pond Liners: 7 Reasons Why I Don't Use Them
This article deals with the plain shocking truth about the pond liner industry. In simple terms, pond liners will eventually leak. (read more)
(27 Years Experience) Pond Liner Defects - Count The Cost
So you are considering building your own koi pond, or having one built? Do not add your name to the growing list of disgusted leaky pond owners. Please research all aspects of water gardening before proceeding. I am not
suggesting you google pond liners, or koi ponds, or how to build a koi pond... (read more)
How To Design A Water Garden
If you have ever designed a water garden by sketching with colored pencils on a sheet of graph paper, let me be the first person to tell you that there is a better way! Here's why... (read more)
Water Gardens Exposed
There are increasingly greater numbers of people arriving at the startling revelation that water gardening is not what it was cracked up to be. For 26 years I have promised my clients that the water feature I build for them would bring them more long-term joy and pleasure than anything they had purchased in the past... (read more)
Liner Disciples: Not Eating Their Own Dog Food
After spending some time reading the Piranha Press (water garden forums), I am scared to wade into the water [Forum] or even "get my feet wet." Good grief, talk about "eating their own". . . Where is the loyalty, appreciation, gratitude, dedication, camaraderie and "family pride" pride?After spending some time reading the Piranha Press (water garden forums), I am scared to wade into the water [Forum] or even "get my feet wet." Good grief, talk about "eating their own". . . Where is the loyalty, appreciation, gratitude, dedication, camaraderie and "family pride"
pride? (read more)
Water Feature Forums-Oh My!
As of late, I have discovered that sharing my bias towards pond liners with a forum full of pond liner installers is
something like trying to pass out Bibles at a porn convention! (read more)
Want a Koi Pond? Get a Clue
I had a pond once, and you couldn't see the fish for the algae. Someone said to use algaecide, and somebody else said to get a U.V. Someone said to get more plants, and someone else said I had too many fish for the size of my pond. No problem...a crane ate half of them and last month a raccoon ate the rest. Someone said I need a scarecrow sprinkler or a pond net. I asked, What for? I don't have fish any more, only lots of mosquitoe larvae... (read more)
Koi Pond: Which Pump to Use
One major drawback of sump pumps that the liner pond industry does not share with their clients is that they are literally energy sponges. But then, that is not the only thing they forget to mention to their usually innocent and unsuspecting clients... (read more)
Pond Design: Digitally Designed Masterpieces- Virtual Water Features Part I
One of the most challenging aspects of designing ponds and waterfalls is trying to convey my ideas to my client. Coming up with award-winning pond designs or implementing them using adequate skills and experience is not a problem. My challenge is getting my client to see what I see... (read more)
Pond Design: Digitally Design Masterpieces- Virtual Water Features Part II
This article talks about the exciting art of digital pond design and all of its various facets. Add digital design to your landscape or general contractors business and add incredible profits to your existing business. Increase your sales close by 60%! Dazzle your clients and impress your friends and neighbors. You can learn in a matter of hours,i it is fun! (read more)
Koi Pond or Pondless Waterfall: Where Do I Begin?
Have you thought about A Water Feature? Is it true that a water feature will add equity to my home? What about a swimming pool? Doesn't a pond require a lot of upkeep? What is the average cost? Do I need a building permit? Do I have to have fish? We travel a lot! What is the single most important first step in building a water feature? What about equipment? Should I get koi fish and a turtle? Where should I place my pond and waterfall? All these questions can be addressed with two words: Plan & Design! (read more)
Ponds & Waterfalls: Layout & Excavation
Layout is the most important phase of the entire project. I have heard many complaints from disappointed clients after they had a chance to get used to their new addition to the landscape. "I only wish we had made it bigger, made it deeper, added an island, made it longer and constructed a bridge, built it closer to the house, installed a larger water pump for the waterfall - or - built the waterfall higher or wider." (read more)
Pondless Waterfalls: Concrete vs. Pond Liner
The get-rich-quick factor in the pond liner industry has forced up the price of pond liner kits to equal the cost of concrete construction. If you search for the truth about concrete ponds and waterfalls from reading the literature of the greed-driven liner pond industry, you will not find it. Why? Because if the truth be known, no one in their right mind would invest good, hard-earned money in a pond liner! (read more)
Pondless Waterfalls: Why Pondless?
A pondless waterfall is the answer to many problems in our diverse world. No pond, no maintenance! Another positive benefit of a pondless waterfall is the money that is saved. If you do not have a pond, less material and labor is required in the construction. (read more)
Koi Pond: Finding a Contractor - 18 Important Things to Know
Because there is such a wide range of information to be learned on this topic of koi pond and waterfall construction and so much technical information out there, you may decide to seek professional assistance to complete part or all of the water features. Before you proceed, here are 18 extremely important facts you should know... (read more)
Koi Pond: Fish or No Fish?
If a pond has a waterfall to aerate the water, fish will produce waste that is broken down by nitrifying bacteria into nitrate nitrogen, and water plants will use the nitrogen and thrive. In turn, the fish eat the algae and small water insects that live on the rocks and plant roots. And those bugs eat other smaller bugs that eat microscopic bugs that eat bad bacteria bugs. This is called the nitrogen cycle. A properly balanced pond like this will pretty much take care of itself... (read more)
Koi Pond: Oxygen Levels
Adequate oxygen is essential for the health and survival of your koi fish and other pond creatures. As pond life utilizes the oxygen content of the water, it needs to be replaced. Oxygen enters the water where these two contact each other – primarily at the koi pond's surface. That is why a waterfall is such a vital adjunct to your water feature. (read more)
Koi Pond: Filter vs. Fish
The size of the bio-filter used in a koi pond is in direct proportion to the number of fish per gallon. The more fish, the more waste and the bigger the filter that is needed. Do you really need a filter? Not necessarily on the small ones... (read more)
Koi Pond: Is pH Important?
Koi Pond: Is pH Important? It can mean the difference between life and death of your koi fish! Generally speaking, alkaline conditions are more common than acidic in koi ponds, especially the newer ones. If the pH remains over 8.5 for any length of time, the koi fish will become stressed or diseased... (read more)
Koi Pond: Water Chemistry
The most basic conditions of your koi pond water chemistry are the pH factor (which stands for potential Hydrogen) and water hardness. These factors alone can determine the life or death of your koi pond's inhabitants... (read more)
Koi Pond: Biological Filters
Contrary to common belief, biological filters do not process or filter the solid waste of fish in your koi pond. They continue to build up and putrefy, creating a breeding ground for harmful species of heterotrophic bacteria which are pathogenic to koi fish. As stated, the biological filtration process utilizes Nitrosomonas bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrobacter, further converting nitrites into nitrates, which is less harmful to koi fish... (read more)
Koi Pond: Dispelling Myths About Concrete
What do some liner promoters and salesmen say about professional pond installations using concrete & rebar, plus mortar for the rocks? Is it true? (read more)
Koi Pond & Waterfall: Top 21 Most Asked Questions Answered
Question: What is the ideal depth for a koi pond? Answer: In my experience of over 25 years, 4 to 5 feet is ideal. You need a minimum of 3 feet for koi fish for several reasons. Safety for fish from wading cranes they can't wade in 3 feet of water. Plus the water temperature in shallow ponds fluctuates too much with the changes in ambient temperature. The greater the volume of water, the longer it takes for the temperature to change. Warm water or fluctuating temperatures are unhealthy for fish. (read more)
Pond Liners: The Hole Story
This article talks about the importance of planning your water garden in advance and how costly it can become if you don't, what it can end up costing by trying to save money, having a pond liner installed by an inexperienced contractor. What can happen if you install the wrong equipment. This article could save you thousands. (read more)
Pond Liner: Buyer Beware
This article discusses many reasons why pond liners should not be used to construct a pond. The reasons most liner ponds eventually leak are discussed and how liner leaks are contended with. (read more)
Koi Pond and Waterfall Builders: What You Need to Know
This article answers many vital questions about waterfall and pond construction for the home owner such as layout, design, engineering, shape, size and estimated cost. (read more)
Ponds & Waterfalls: Water Living
Why should you seriously consider installing a pond & waterfall on your property. Besides adding equity to your home, a properly constructed water feature can bring more long term joy and pleasure than anything else money can buy. This article will provide guide lines for considering such an investment. (read more)
Koi Pond: Liners vs. Professional Construction
This article spells out in simple terms the difference between pond liner pond construction and professional constructed ponds and waterfalls using rebar and concrete. In 25 years, I have built well over 1900 concrete and rebar water features and over the last 5 years have ripped out over 30 leaky or defective rubber pond liners and replaced them with concrete and steel. (read more)
Pond Liners: 7 Reasons Why I Don't Use Them
This article deals with the plain shocking truth about the pond liner industry. In simple terms, pond liners will eventually leak. (read more)