How To Convert A Bathtub Into A Fish Pond
Things Needed
- Bathtub
- Cleanser
- Water
- Towels
- Silicone
- Putty knife
- Rubber stopper
- Shovel
- Submersible pump and filter
- Small, hardy fish
- Chlorine remover
Tip
Make sure your water is chlorine-free, as any chlorine likely will sicken or kill your fish.
Warning
Do not keep koi, as they will outgrow the bathtub pond very quickly.
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A bathtub can make an excellent addition to your backyard—as a fish pond. It is large enough to hold a small collection of fish and deep enough so that it will not freeze completely. Above ground or sunk into the earth, a bathtub simply replaces the preformed liner usually used to create a backyard fish pond.
Step 1
Choose a location for your bathtub fish pond. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which will stimulate algae growth in the water.
Step 2
Clean the tub thoroughly; rinse and dry it out with the towels.
Step 3
Use a putty knife to seal the overflow drain with silicone. Use a standard rubber stopper to plug the bottom drain so you can easily drain the tub to clean it.
Step 4
Measure the dimensions of the tub and get digging. Dig a hole big enough to securely hold the tub. You also may choose to leave the tub above ground.
Step 5
Fill the tub with water. If you are on city water, use chlorine remover to treat the water.
Step 6
Install a small, submersible pump and filter.
Step 7
Add your fish. Choose small, hardy, native species such as rosy red minnows, fathead minnows or mosquito fish.
Step 8
Help keep the water clean by adding water plants such as lilies, floaters and submerged plants.
Step 9
Top off your fish pond with water daily. Clean it out once or twice a year or when there is abundant algae growth.