Container wildlife pond - galvanised tub?

[ziopin]

Hi, I've just been given a lovely old galvanised tub, (the ones you may have done you clothes washing in) which I want to use as a wildlife pond.

The kids have a large bucket full of large tads (most now have back legs) and I want to relocated them. I need to ask a few questions please

I've got water from my waterbutt to fill it, but will I need to coat the galvanised metal in anything before I fill it?

Also what can i use as a ramp out of the tub as it's going to be located on the decking

What plants should I use?

Should I put gravel, sand, or anything else at the bottom?

How can I keep it from freezing in the winter?

Can I add a couple of small goldfish?

Sorry, I'm a complete novice xx

[bobbarber]

Hello ziopin and a warm welcome to the forums. If the galvanising on the tub is sound I wouldn`t coat the inside with anything, just scrub it out with hot water. Don`t use any soaps or detergents to clean it. You could paint the outside for decoration. A mixture of gravel and sand would be fine. As for planting chose a pygmy waterlily (they are not cheap) for flower and shade. One of the best plants for oxygenating is Hornwort, it doesn`t make roots and attracts waste matter to it, you could also add a little duck weed. don`t over stock with plants at first. Fish and pond life don`t mix well, pond life is food for them I would go for one or the other. A ramp can be built from rocks at one end or a branch of wood weighted at one end and leaned against the side if you go for pond life. Keep out of sun as it can get quite warm being metal,and out of strong icy winds in the winter. In the winter you could try bubble wrap round the outside to prevent freezing or place hardy pot plants round to give shelter. Good luck with your project,,,Bob

[ziopin]

Thanks for your wondeful advice Bob, will get to work straight away, without the fish I think

[bobbarber]

Originally Posted by ziopin

Thanks for your wondeful advice Bob, will get to work straight away, without the fish I think

Thank you ziopin, I think you have made the right choice <smiley>...Bob