110G outside tub

[Atitagain]

This is my 1st outside tub project, so I’m trying to keep it fairly simple. I’ve had the pond running 4-5 weeks just water for now I had some plants in there but got to cold. There’s plenty of algae growth on side walls and water temp is staying above 50F. I have a large sponge filter to keep water moving and give a little filtration and will be adding probably another large sponge filter or at least a airstone. Trying to use as little filtration as possible and have a lot of plants. I already have put in some Indian almond leaves and leaf litter will be using more also.

For substrate I used a decent sized gravel for 3/4-ish of the bottom rest with lava rock. 

To protect the electric cord from weather for now I’m just using a plastic container, will get something more weather/ water proof. 

Any suggestions on a good easy accessible option for cords?  I think I’m gonna get a box for encasing power strips My plan to start for the plants I want a stacked pot towards the back of the pond. Lots of grassy plants and some floaters. I started with a 12”pot and drilled some holes so it will be accessible for fish/ invertebrates then I want to add some kind of plant and use the holes as planters.

 

10” pot stacked ⬇️

It sits a little higher than I wanted but I’m pleased with how it fits. The soil for the plants  I started with some pea gravel then the pond soil the plants came in and mixed in some Fluval stratum. 

plant list:

For stocking I will have White Cloud Mountain minnows, cherry shrimp, and snails to start.

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

On 4/30/2022 at 9:21 PM, Atitagain said:

This is my 1st outside tub project, so I’m trying to keep it fairly simple. I’ve had the pond running 4-5 weeks just water for now I had some plants in there but got to cold. There’s plenty of algae growth on side walls and water temp is staying above 50F. I have a large sponge filter to keep water moving and give a little filtration and will be adding probably another large sponge filter or at least a airstone. Trying to use as little filtration as possible and have a lot of plants. I already have put in some Indian almond leaves and leaf litter will be using more also.

For substrate I used a decent sized gravel for 3/4-ish of the bottom rest with lava rock. 

To protect the electric cord from weather for now I’m just using a plastic container, will get something more weather/ water proof. 

Any suggestions on a good easy accessible option for cords?  I think I’m gonna get a box for encasing power strips My plan to start for the plants I want a stacked pot towards the back of the pond. Lots of grassy plants and some floaters. I started with a 12”pot and drilled some holes so it will be accessible for fish/ invertebrates then I want to add some kind of plant and use the holes as planters.

 

10” pot stacked ⬇️

It sits a little higher than I wanted but I’m pleased with how it fits. The soil for the plants  I started with some pea gravel then the pond soil the plants came in and mixed in some Fluval stratum. 

plant list:

For stocking I will have White Cloud Mountain minnows, cherry shrimp, and snails to start.

The pond looks great I can’t wait to see the progress on it. That’s some great plant selection and I’ve had white clouds in a pond before and they love it. Good luck with the pond I hope everything works out for you. I would love to set up one for myself this year but I’m moving in a month and it just wouldn’t make sense to set one up now. When I set up my pond last year the water hyacinth and water lettuce really did well and covered the hole top of the pond and it probably will do the same for you, the fish love all that cover. One plant you could add if you wanted is some elodea, it grows super well and would be good if you put a pot of it in the bottom of your pond the fish and fry would love to swim in it. I grow some in my aquarium and it grows really well in low light. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by Jacob Hill

[nabokovfan87]

I'll order one please.

Looks awesome!  Nice work.

[Atitagain]

@Jacob Hill @nabokovfan87 thank you, this is such a fun project. I think it’s because the differences than setting up a glass box. Being outside adds a bit more of “enjoy nature daily “ energy to the experience.

elodea sounds like it would be a good option I will try to get some.

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

On 5/2/2022 at 5:08 AM, Atitagain said:

@Jacob Hill @nabokovfan87 thank you, this is such a fun project. I think it’s because the differences than setting up a glass box. Being outside adds a bit more of “enjoy nature daily “ energy to the experience.

elodea sounds like it would be a good option I will try to get some.

Yeah I was out every day last year with my pond. They are such an easy and beautiful way to enjoy your fish.

I made a video on my pond last year if you’re interested, it was my first pond and there’s a lot of things I’d do different next time but I think your pond will turn out better then the one I did. Because of the better plant selection, pond size, the way you planted in the pots and you added substrate.

Also can you post some updates on the pond in the future cause I’m really interested in how it will turn out thanks. 🙂

 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by Jacob Hill

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

@AtitagainThis is inspiring me to get off my duff and get my second pond up and running! Thanks for the journal and the motivation!

[PineSong]

On 4/30/2022 at 9:21 PM, Atitagain said:

This is my 1st outside tub project, so I’m trying to keep it fairly simple....

This will be my first year with the exact same 'pond'--thank you for posting your steps; I will be following along. I am waiting for the water to warm up here and for my air pump to arrive.

[Atitagain]

On 5/2/2022 at 3:13 PM, Jacob Hill said:

Also can you post some updates on the pond in the future cause I’m really interested in how it will turn out thanks

Yes definitely will. Thanks for the encouragement it’s a new rabbit hole. 🕳 

the video was good I love the pennywart I am gonna try and add some for sure.

On 5/2/2022 at 5:49 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

@AtitagainThis is inspiring me to get off my duff and get my second pond up and running! Thanks for the journal and the motivation!

Absolutely that’s why we’re here! 
such a great community of inspiration 😊

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

On 5/2/2022 at 9:51 PM, Atitagain said:

the video was good I love the pennywart I am gonna try and add some for sure.

its a great plant but I recommend trimming it and don't let it take over the entire pond it becomes a problem when it grows to much.

[Atitagain]

On 5/2/2022 at 9:09 PM, PineSong said:

This will be my first year with the exact same 'pond'--thank you for posting your steps; I will be following along. I am waiting for the water to warm up here and for my air pump to arrive.

That’s great! Will you be journaling yours I’d love to follow and compare notes.

[PineSong]

@Atitagain, I might! My problem right now is not many fish to go in it, I have one too many QT tanks right now so I don’t want to bring home new fish. So I’ve got to choose from the fish I have on hand….two pair of swordtails, plus a few gold WCMM, endless numbers of mutt guppies, or mollies. Gotta decide!

[Atitagain]

I have stated stocking, about 10 guppy fry all under the 1”, cherry shrimp, and 6 white clouds. Also have added some val and a dwarf aquarium Lilly to the substrate. Pennywart and some dwarf water lettuce floating. And then added a floating piece of driftwood. I bought this for another tank but since it won’t sink I’ll leave it here. Got a small fountain as well to help with circulation and water aggravation. Planning on adding more plants inside and outside the tub soon.

[da_Fishylover]

That's so cool. There's this really cool pond place in my neighborhood that has really pretty pond plants. My mom really wants a pond. I might have to set one up for her in the summer.

[Jacob Hill-Legion Aquatics]

On 5/19/2022 at 6:03 AM, Atitagain said:

I have stated stocking, about 10 guppy fry all under the 1”, cherry shrimp, and 6 white clouds. Also have added some val and a dwarf aquarium Lilly to the substrate. Pennywart and some dwarf water lettuce floating. And then added a floating piece of driftwood. I bought this for another tank but since it won’t sink I’ll leave it here. Got a small fountain as well to help with circulation and water aggravation. Planning on adding more plants inside and outside the tub soon.

Yeah I think the best thing for babies to survive is dense plants underwater! Guppy grass could make a dense bush in one spot of the pond.

[Atitagain]

On 5/23/2022 at 3:33 PM, da_Fishylover said:

That's so cool. There's this really cool pond place in my neighborhood that has really pretty pond plants. My mom really wants a pond. I might have to set one up for her in the summer.

Thank you, I have a couple really nice plant nurseries near me. I know about a “pond” place that I’m gonna check out but I think it’s geared towards big ponds not tubs. Still should be interesting and maybe I find some new plants. 😁

On 5/23/2022 at 8:24 PM, Jacob Hill said:

Yeah I think the best thing for babies to survive is dense plants underwater! Guppy grass could make a dense bush in one spot of the pond.

I put some guppy grass in there but way to early and it froze and died. I do plan on getting a large portion to use but my LFS hasn’t had any in stock for a while now.

 

[Atitagain]

More plants!!!