Custom Floating Islands: Is this right for me?

BioHaven floating islands, sometimes called floating treatment wetlands or FTW, are custom created in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending upon the application.  Are you looking for a natural approach to pond cleansing, searching for a safe and alternative habitat solution, trying to improve water quality or clarity, perhaps you are looking for effective water gardening ideas, or overall pond beautification?  At Floating Islands West, we have been manufacturing islands for commercial, residential, municipal, and government clients…each floating wetland is handcrafted and no two are exactly the same.  If you fall into any of the following categories, a custom floating island model is your best choice: looking for a floating treatment island larger than 25 square feet, municipal agency, natural habitat management or pond contractor, conservation district or other non-profit organization, looking to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife preservation or other natural resources?

Our custom sized floating islands are similar in cost comparison to our standard models, use the following ideas when considering the design of your own custom floating island.

Size of Floating Island

At Floating Islands West, each floating wetland is custom created by our highly experienced island master.  We refer to “custom islands” as anything outside of the standard “mini” floating island models.  Any floating island larger than 5 feet x 5 feet is classified as custom, any island that you would like modified would be classified as custom.  The price is fairly similar to that of our standard models…price varies depending on the type of customization – for example, some floating islands are modified slightly with variances of planting pockets, while other floating wetlands are modified to the extreme and include heavy metalwork and added buoyancy.  If you simply want a pretty pond island that is similar to our standard floating islands, but modified to your own shape, the pricing structure shouldn’t be too much different than the standard models.

Shape: Square, Rectangular, Oval, Circle, Kidney?

When thinking of a custom floating island, it’s useful to consider the overall shape that you are you looking for in regards to the floating island application?  What is the main purpose of your floating island?  Do you want to maintain a healthy pond? Improve water quality or biodiversity in your pond ecosystem, improve pond aesthetics, create waterfowl nesting, add shoreline protection, stormwater or greywater treatment, improve fish spawning?  There are many applications for BioHavens® , as well as routes that you can go as far as shaping.  Our most popular selling island shape is the kidney.  If you want more island for your money, the rectangular, square or kidney are your best choices.  You can also join islands together to make a larger floating island.

Costs and Budget

Custom floating islands are similar in cost comparison to our standard models.  Unless you are doing some serious customization – heavy weight load, integration of metal framework, aeration kit, solar kit, or any other unique modifications, the island will generally run similar in price (per square foot) to the standard floating island models (refer to IPO500 5foot x 5foot island).  Please note that circle shaped floating islands, while beautiful, are not as cost effective as a kidney or other shapes.  Depending upon your budget, we will try to come up with the most cost effective solution to fit your needs.  As a side note, if you want to get more island for your money, we recommend the kidney (most popular shape), square, or rectangular designs.

We know times can be tough, which is why we offer promotions and discounts from time to time.  Discounts are available to municipal agencies, non-profit groups, as well as educational.  Please ask about available options when requesting a quote.

Planting Scheme

Includes formal plant sets to random plant placement.  Do you plan to use specific plant sizes in your floating island?  Let us know and we will be happy to customize your island planting pockets.  We can customize your floating island with a variety of plant pocket sizes; such as at 2″ diameter, 4″ diameter, 6″ diameter, as well as 8″ diameter…just remember, smaller islands are limited in space and buoyancy.  Keep in mind the selection of specific plant heights will add dimension, depth, as well as scale to your floating island.

Plant selection criteria could involve nutrient removal benefits, habitat enhancement benefits, attraction for specific wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies, invertabrates.  If possible, we will try to incorporate your vision into the design without compromising the integrity of the product.

How do you plan to use the island?

If you want an island, but need help in determining the size or shape, we’d be happy to help you.  In order for us to best assist you, we would need to know what your goals are with the island.  For example, some clients are simply looking to beautify a pond, while others are looking to reduce algae, or increase overall pond health.  If you are looking for a nesting island, that’s always good to know as well; some birds weigh more, so depending upon which type of nesting island, you may need a floating island with a heavier weight load.  These are examples of questions to consider for choosing the right floating treatment wetland for your needs.  Feel free to contact us if you need assistance, we’re always happy to help.  The button below will direct you to an online question form, fill out what you’d like regarding your interests or project and we’ll get back to you.