| 1. |
For preparing a pond lining, the Steebent CE powder should be used. It is recommended that work should be done on a dry, calm day as the powder is dusty. Use appropriate safety equipment such as goggles and dust masks.
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| 2. |
The soil for mixing with the bentonite should be free from large lumps and stones and dry enough enough to allow easy mixing with the bentonite powder. Soils rich in stone, limestone, chalk and peat tend to be very porous and thus require special attention. For such ground conditions, we suggest the use of of a bentonite enriched sand layer. Suitable fine sand for mixing is usually available from a builder's merchant.
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| 3. |
Thorough mixing of the bentonite powder with the soil or sand is essential to achieve optimum results.
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| 4. |
Mixing can be carried out by using a cement mixer adding the soil or sand first followed by the bentonite. For sandy soils, porous soils and bentonite enriched sands we suggest a guideline addition of 1 part bentonite to 12 parts of soil by weight (8 to 10 kgs per square metre). For clay soils, 1 part of bentonite to 20 parts of soil may be adequate (4 to 6 kgs per square metre). Bentonite powder is lower in density compared to soils and thus it is vital to weigh the first shovels or buckets to ensure that the guideline addition rates are followed. Mix until a uniform colour is achieved. Take a sample to see if the bentonite is binding the soil by squeezing a handful. If he mix is dry and powdery, it will be necessary to add water to achieve swelling and bonding. If the mix is too sticky, too much water is present and more soil/sand or bentonite powder should be added.
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| 5. |
Lay the prepared mixture over the area of the proposed pond site. Rake to obtain an even layer which, when tamped hard or firmly packed with a heavy rolller, achieves a dense layer 20 to 25 cms (8 to 10 inches) in depth. The harder the soil is packed, the lower will be its permeability and the better its long term resistance to the passage of water. Hard rammed bentonite enriched soil will have a density of approximately 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre.
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| 6. |
The sides of the pond should not have a gradient exceeding 1 in 3 otherwise slippage can occur during preparation or during pond life leading to "sideways" water loss.
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| 7. |
Having laid and compacted the mix it is important to apply 5 to 10cms of soil and hard ram/roll this layer. The bentonite is then trapped as a sandwich. It cannot leak out and will not "cloud" the pond water.
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| 8. |
Remember, it may be necessary to top-up the pond from time to time to offset evaporation losses during warm weather.
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| 9. |
Disposal: surplus bentonite can be used to enhance the water retention capacity of porous garden soils. Apply as a thin layer and work in well.
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| 10. |
Our guidelines are offered in good faith but total success cannot be guaranteed. The movement of worms, invertebrates and the germination of seedlings might still happen, whilst the roots of aquatic plants could puncture the bentonite rich layer. |
| 1. |
The granules of Steebent CE are sized from approximately 2 to 15mm. They can be used to seal holes found in the bentonite mix lining. They can also be used to increase the thickness of the bentonite lining where it has been worn away at the edges by water fowl.
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| 2. |
Sprinkle the granules over the hole or damaged area of the pond lining and as the granules drop through the water, they hydrate and form a seal over the damaged area. |
