How to Make a Container Pond (with or without a fountain)

#aplantersdaughter
There's nothing like an element of water to bring in a slice of zen into your garden. For people who don't have an outdoor garden, a mini container pond can achieve the same effect as a larger pond. Here's what you will need to make a container pond for your balcony or garden.
Things you will need:
- 1 large plastic container: buy one without any holes at the bottom or you won’t have much of a pond going. If you want to keep fish, choose a container that’s as large as you can accommodate because fish need space. You can also buy cement or ceramic pots, but plastic is easier to clean, and if you want to shift your pond around its also lighter and won’t give you a bad back.
- Aquatic plants: give the pond a natural feel. You can find them at any aquarium shop. Plants like these help oxygenate the water and are crucial if you plan to keep fish.
- Gravel: the finer the better. You could also get different colours like black or brown for a more natural look. Just ensure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dust and debris from the stones before introducing them to your pond.
- Larger pebbles and rocks: I collected all these rocks from my neighbourhood and on holidays. Just wash them properly before using.
To make your fountain, you’ll need:
- A water pump: You can find these at any aquarium shop or even online.
- PVC pipe: that fits the spout of the water pump. The pipe should be slightly longer than the height of your container to be able to work like a fountain. You can get these at any hardware shop.
- Small ceramic pot: with a drainage hole at the bottom. You should be able to thread your PVC pipe through the hole.
- Small flexible pipe: lthat fits the PVC pipe. This will act as your fountain spout. So, measure and cut it as per your requirement.
- 2 bits of wood: on which your fountain set up can sit. I found these discarded in my neighbourhood and gave them a good cleaning.
- 1 bottle chlorine remover: available at any aquarium shop. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle.
How to:
With fountain
- Wash your container with plain water and find a place to set up your pond.
- Start layering your washed and cleaned gravel. I like at least two inches to create a good bedrock.
- Arrange the aquatic plants and press them into the gravel, ensuring that they wont slip put once you add water.
- Adjust the pipe firmly into the pump’s spout like so. Then arrange your pump so that it sits firmly on the container floor.
- Lay out the two pieces of wood on both sides of the pipe and against the container’s sides. Check that it sits firmly.
- Thread your pot into the pipe. Then thread the flexible pipe into the PVC pipe.
- Now fill the pot with the larger stones, placing them such that they bend the pipe, directing the water flow into the container to avoid making a mess.
- Fill the container with water. It’s best to use old water, that is water that has been standing for at least 48 hours. This allows any chorine in the water a chance to evaporate. This is important if you plan to keep fish.
- Plug in your pump and check the water flow. You can adjust the flow of water by the settings on your pump or by using a thinner pipe.
Without fountain and other notes
- I wanted to add a miniature lily to my pond, so I potted one earlier in a separate container. I’m going to place a simple empty nursery pot at the bottom that will act as a stand for my lily plant.
- I would wait 2 to 3 days before adding any fish to this setup so that the water settles, and the plants get going.
- Remember to get no more than 2 or 3 if you have a small container. Species like mollies and platys are best for beginners as they are hardy and resilient fish.
- Always float your fish on the water’s surface for at least 30 minutes so that the temperature adjusts.
Pond maintenance
- For the first week, remove 20 percent of the water and add more dechlorinated water everyday. A pipe like this available at any nursery shop makes the job much easier.
- After the first week, I change 50 percent water once a week and look out for any other maintenance like cleaning the sides at the same time.
Find me on Instagram: @aplantersdaughter
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[@OrigamiCalm]

Thank you. This is all very helpful!

[@lindalu8565]

Thank you for making such an easy video to follow.

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Thanks!

[@kkhanna364]

Looks beautiful!

[@kkhanna364]

@Polly Concannon no stop ad spamming

[@manojgtvm]

Excellent. A perfect video.. loved the way in which each and every step was explained in such a simple way.. looking forward for more such useful vids.👍

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Thanks so much, Manoj!

[@grandiesgarden175]

Nice! Thank you very much!

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Thank you

[@captnodge]

Nice job

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Thank you

[@michelleh5190]

How often do you clean the planter without the pump?

[@plantersdaughter6150]

I change 30 percent water every week and completely clean it out once a month

[@lakshmisreenivas6702]

Ur subtitles cover the entire video....

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Hi Laxmi, do you mean you cannot view the video because if the subtitles? Would love to know so I can fix it.

[@lakshmisreenivas6702]

@@plantersdaughter6150 yes... The subtitles r done badly

[@plantersdaughter6150]

Thanks for this. I'll work on it!

[@lakshmisreenivas6702]

The video is very well done and explained well...😊