In 1992, 16 one-inch goldfish were put in the goldfish pond - there are still 4 of the original fish, and 6 generations of babies - some now as large as 9"! The goldfish pond had a waterfall that had to be removed, and then we re-graded that section of the bed . We checked the old pond for level and made sure the area between the ponds was well supported. The plan is to raise the water level in the old pond by use of a liner, and make it look like the water from the little pond is spilling into the large pond under the bridge.     We have removed the fish to a temporary holding tank, emptied the old pond, and cleaned it completely. We used some leftover under-layment, and then placed the 45 mil liner in the pond, and tried to get rid of all the wrinkles!  The plants in the foreground were taken from the small pond and are planted in soil, unlike all the plants in the Ornamental pond which were potted hydroponically! With all the liners for both ponds in place, we now start work on the connector.  First we make sure there is plenty of liner for any overflow from heavy rainstorms, then we use rock to make it look like the ponds are connected. Here is just one of the coping rocks used for the small pond!  We wanted the water level to come about 1/2 way up the rocks, so they were partially buried and looked completely natural. The coping rocks are in place, and we are refilling the pond!  The filters were already mature, and the well water was perfect for fish - so we had them back in the water in a little over 4 hours! We have to finish the edges, put the plants back in the pond, and plant the bed.  The outflow from the biologic filter which used to power the waterfall will now be used for a much more peaceful fountain made from a bamboo pipe.  A mound of rocks hides all the hardware perfectly! In the upper left, you can see the bamboo pipe pouring into the pond.  The edges are finished and the correct drainage ensured.  The big blank space on the right side is for a beautiful rock full of mica that was quickly named the 'Meditation Rock'.   Finished!  The miniature Japanese maple is wearing it's fall finery, and the 'Meditation Rock' glistens in the sun!  While it looks like the two ponds are connected, they each run a separate eco-system to help prevent the cross-over of any problems. The goldfish are very happy in their new home!  The pond was originally 380 gallons and only 18" deep, but because we were able to fill it much higher with the liner, it is now over 500 gallons! The perfect picture showing the two ponds and the bridge over the connecting 'stream'.  Beautiful!