Thread: PVC structure

got a question are you guys filling the 5 gallon buckets up with concrete or only half way to 3/4 of the way full?

Depends on what kind you're building, where you are putting it (current?) and how tall they will be. If I use 1x2 wood, 4' tall, I'll use 8-10 pcs set in 5" of crete. 2x2 4-footers get 8 pcs with 7-8" of crete, and 6-8 footers get 2x2 and 2x4 mixes, or 3/4"x4-1/2 slabs with 10 to 12" of crete in the bucket. If there's current involved, add 20%. Always depends on wood type too. I've also known people to keep a bag or two of landscape rocks (1/2" to 1-1/2" size) in their boat in case the bucket needs a little more weight.

My PVC units get alot less concrete because the plastic isn't buoyant...use 3-4" for 4-footers and more for taller ones. Big "trees" obviously need a lot more weight to keep them in place, and a 20 oz. bottle or two in the top of the "trunk" will also help keep them upright. General rule of thumb with PVC: if it won't stand up on dry land with a breeze blowing, it won't stand up under water.

sbc

I drill a hole in the bottom of PVC so concrete can get inside, I also put some extra in at the top where I have as much concrete inside as outside the PVC. One way to help keep it from turning over is to put PVC through it just above the concrete where it will form an X. This way whichever ways the current is going the legs of the PVC will grab and help keep it from tipping over.

Agree with sanding PVC. I put some out years ago and didn't do this. Never paid off and I just quit fishing it. You want algae on it as soon as possible. Sweetening it up with brush is a good idea also. Adding a few limbs would make it easier to find at first but if you want to be catching fish on it in 20 years, add plenty of PVC limbs. Hard to see on depthfinder so you might consider putting it next to a drop or somewhere you can line up and find it pretty quick.

Thanks sbc
My neighbor's mom works n a kitchen n they get there food n two gallon n half gallon buckets so she supposed to be getn my a few dozen

Originally Posted by coreymassey

Thanks sbc
My neighbor's mom works n a kitchen n they get there food n two gallon n half gallon buckets so she supposed to be getn my a few dozen

Good deal. IMO, the 2 and 3 gallon buckets are the best...short sides let the stakes fan out more.

Here is a few we build.

With some natural cover to "compliment' them (about 1:1 ratio) those would just be the BERRIES!

great information and pictures guys.