Of course, the zinc tub should be tight, or if this is not the case, it can also be covered with pond liner. It is important that the location is chosen so that the tub is secure. This is particularly relevant for balconies, where they have to withstand the load of water, stones and plants. Of course, this also applies to the garden, because a soft surface would then possibly give way.
The location is crucial
Before you can get started, the location should be chosen carefully. It is best not to place the zinc tub under trees or bushes, otherwise the small mini pond will have to be cleaned too often of fallen leaves. A location directly in the sun is also not necessarily recommended, as this will cause too much algae to form. A little sun doesn't hurt, but not all day long. About 6 hours a day is ideal, so the pond doesn't get full of algae so quickly. Once the right location has been found, the stones should be inserted. A layer of a mixture of sand and gravel is suitable for this. Small steps break up the picture and planting is easier afterwards. This can be easily done with bricks.
The right planting saves work
By choosing the right plants, algae formation can be largely avoided. These plants include waterweed, pondweed and needleweed. These plants bring oxygen into the water and prevent algae from forming. This also means that a water pump can be saved, meaning the zinc tub can be placed in the ideal location. Because there is no need for a power connection and no maintenance work is required. To do this, it is best to line the planters with fleece and then add some pond soil on top. To prevent the soil from being washed away, it is best to cover the plants with gravel. First up are the underwater plants, such as waterweed. Because this plant produces oxygen, it ensures a balanced ratio in the zinc tub.
Planting the edge of the zinc tub
Finally, the edge of the zinc tub is planted with swamp or wet plants. These include, for example, watercress or pine fronds. These also grow around the edge of the zinc tub, turning the mini pond into a green oasis. If algae forms despite proper planting, pond snails can quickly deal with this problem. However, these small ponds are generally unsuitable for fish as they would then lead to algae. A few splashes of color can conjure up mini pond roses. This flower can also be placed in a basket in the small pond. This makes an old zinc tub a real eye-catcher, especially if it is divided into different zones like a natural pond.
The mini pond in the zinc tub has its own ecosystem
With the right planting, this small pond is its own ecosystem that doesn't need anything else. It is important that small steps are installed, as the plants also have different requirements. All plants can be planted in baskets and are therefore easy to care for, especially if the pond needs to be cleaned. This means that all plants can be removed quickly and easily from the mini pond. Every now and then leaves or other dirt get into the water and then cleaning is important. Otherwise, unpleasant smells can occur, which are so easy to avoid. You also have to check the water level because it evaporates. The plants need water because this is their habitat. Some is always lost through evaporation, unless it has just rained heavily.
A nice place to relax
Such a small pond in the zinc tub creates a nice place to relax. Above all, by choosing the right plants, without any technology. Simply create a little paradise with nature. Of course the birds will also discover this small pond because they can drink here. But this is exactly the beauty of nature, because the pond with its own ecosystem is good for everyone. Such a small pond can also be planted in old flower pots, as well as in the zinc tub. Of course, you should always first check whether the container is waterproof. If not, simply lay out the pond liner first and then the gravel that has been mixed with sand. It is also important that there are small steps in the pond, as each plant needs a different water level. The pond becomes colorful thanks to the pond lilies, because they come in the most dazzling colors.
Little effort leads to success
With just a few steps, anyone can create a pond in the zinc tub. All the important supplies such as pond liner, gravel and sand are available in the various hardware stores. Just like the bricks, which allows the various plants to be used. The right location is also important, because too much sun promotes algae growth. This ecosystem cannot tolerate more than 6 hours a day. Partial shade is therefore the optimal location, which of course benefits people. Nobody needs chemical agents to keep the pond clean. Unfortunately, such a pond in the zinc tub is too small for fish. But other animals will quickly discover it and fill it with life. A little oasis of absolute peace.
What you should know about mini ponds soon
You don't need an extensively equipped garden pond so that you can let the gentle rippling of it entice you to dream during spring or summer. In contrast to the biotope, the mini pond represents a real alternative. Even in the smallest of spaces, it is an attractive eye-catcher and also offers space for a wide variety of animal and plant inhabitants.
Advantages of a zinc tub
Basically, almost any vessel can be used to create a mini pond. In general, wine barrels or discarded, spacious flower pots are very popular for this purpose. But a zinc tub is also a real eye-catcher.
- Especially because of its slightly bluish to silver coloring, it looks great in many outdoor areas.
- The only important thing is that the zinc container is waterproof and has a minimum height of around 20 to 50 cm.
Tip:
Even a discarded zinc tub that is leaking in one place or another could be converted into a mini pond. The solution is to carefully line the tub with pond liner!
Building a mini pond
- Depending on the planned size of the mini pond, it is advisable to determine the respective load capacity before placing it on the balcony.
- The fact is that the water, the plants and the stones as a whole can create a considerable amount of weight.
- Incidentally, the zinc tub should not be placed under a tree because of possible falling leaves.
The water would become contaminated too quickly, which would result in premature cleaning work. It is also worth knowing that a sunny location is not necessarily an advantage. This promotes the formation of algae. An aspect that has always been a thorn in the side of many pond owners. Because this could mean the “end” for some plants. In addition, excessive algae growth significantly affects the appearance of the mini pond.
Plant world in the zinc tub
Nature often knows how to help itself very well. Of course, this also applies to the mini pond in the zinc tub. For example, in order to avoid the additional installation of a water pump (to save costs and eliminate any repair work), it makes sense to use oxygen-supplying aquatic plants right from the start.
In this regard, examples include needleweed, waterweed and pondweed. Equally popular highlights are the water iris and the pine fronds. Other visual “delicacies” in a mini pond include the red, pink or white water lily. Experienced pond owners primarily use arrowhead or pikeweed to stock their mini ponds.
Tip:
If you plant the plants separately in a water-permeable flower pot, you will certainly be able to save a lot of work when cleaning the “paradise in the zinc tub” later.
