All about my stock tank pond 🌿 Learning more every day

I've learned a lot about water gardening in the last three years (and still have a lot to learn). But mostly I've learned that I'm having a blast with it. I'm sharing all the details about my stock tank pond.
Setting up my stock tank: • Making a stock tank po...
Planting lotus: • Planting a lotus for t...
Stock tank (similar): www.farmstore....
Solar fountain: amzn.to/2X8BUKF
Mosquito bits: amzn.to/2X440qo
Some of my favorite garden stuff:
➟ Favorite container soil Organic Mechanics: organicmechani...
➟ Cute, comfy garden boots: bit.ly/3cCOkj7
➟ Deer repellent: amzn.to/3gnPu46
➟ Magnetized water: www.plantsurge... (Use code IG10 for 10% off)
➟ Inexpensive soil scoop: amzn.to/2TA4PWp
➟ Gardening gloves: amzn.to/3pVoUT3
➟ Seed storage boxes: amzn.to/3gqAfHC
Some affiliate links may appear. I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support. You can see all my favorite products on my Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com...
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5b.
If you liked this video give it a thumbs up and if you loved it, please subscribe and click the bell so you never miss a new video! Thank you for your support.
🌿Blog: www.theimpatie...
🌿Facebook: / impatientgardener
🌿Instagram: / impatientgardener
📩 [e-mail]
Music in my videos from: bit.ly/39wBm5f
Mail to:
The Impatient Gardener
125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074

[@emkn1479]

Great moral to the story. My cousin has a literal hole-in-the-ground pond that she slapped a liner in and called it done. She got a few goldfish and that little puddle brings her SO MUCH joy 😆 Even if it isn’t fancy, go for it!

[@melissasullivan1658]

I feel like water and humans is such a basic connection that we are all pulled to. It’s like it steadies us somehow. I know that when I live inland I have way more anxiety, and when I near water it seems to dissipate on its own. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@turtlelilysgarden5258]

Your Lotus is so beautiful! I had one once but I wasn't able to overwinter it. I still have the pods though. I have a small in ground pond and I leave my fish in it in the winter. Most of them survive here in 6b. Glad to now you won't release them into our waterways. My husband has a full time job removing invasive species from our waterways. Same is true of plants. There are people that work full time to attempt to control invasive water plants that have escaped into our streams and lakes. Invasive species choke out our native species and generally cause havoc. I know most people who garden would not want to cause such harm to our environment. Thank you for being responsible in your leadership on this channel.

[@chrisversola26]

You could probably throw a teeny piece of the hornwort in a jar of water and it will re-grow when you set up the pond next spring!

[@judyjackson450]

My mother-in-law had a pond stocked with gold fish in her backyard. She lived in Michigan where it gets very cold so she over-wintered her fish in a small plastic kiddie pool in her basement. It worked for her!

[@ericjorgensen8028]

Overwintering lotus. I am in zone 6 and put the pots they grow in (bottom 8" of 25 or 30 gal plastic garbage cans) under an outside deck, up against the south side of the house over the winter. I mostly cover them with leaves for a little extra insulation. The warmth of the house keeps them -mostly- from freezing and many tubers survive. It's important that the tubers stay wet so containers Must not drain at all. In the late winter/early spring I flip the dirt and tubers out if the pots and wash the dirt off the tubers then cut a few out that look good for planting for the coming season. It's a mucky and heavy job but I like also having a bunch of tubers left over to give away. And know that the lotus will Fill the container with roots/tubers in a summer so it's good to divide and give them space.

[@melissasullivan1658]

I’m in 9b (~25F winter) and we don’t do anything special with ours. While it doesn’t flower, it also doesn’t die back or anything. Just....takes a bit of a snooze. Maybe we have a hardier variety?

[@terrikim4992]

I love it when we give ourselves grace to be inexperienced. Thanks Erin

[@christinahaftmann8837]

As you know, the Lotus is a symbol for enlightenment! Very lucky to grow these special flowers. You will have great blessings this year. 🙏💞🙏

[@marilynruggeberg]

Guppies won't survive cold water. I have the 25 cent Goldfish. I put a tank heater on the pond to keep an open circle on the water surface for oxygen. The water plants you sink to the bottom of the pond until Spring if they are hardy enough. 💖💖💖

[@katiekane5247]

I had a power source, a small pump from a leaky fountain & shade. I bought a 50 gallon black poly oval. I didn't put any plants in but a few rocks. Gives me nice water noise & attracts birds & bees. I'm a big fan of even a bowel size water feature, it adds so much. Your tank turned out lovely!

[@chrissheets4865]

OMG you cracked me up with the fish getting smaller comment!! 😂 That lotus is stunning! Thanks for the update!

[@buckywill9322]

I believe the lotus is Mrs. Perry Slocum. From my own fond memories of my pond a few years ago. If any of your followers have space, look into the tropical night blooming lily called Victoria Amazoniaca; the bids open white the first night and pink on the second night and have the fragrance of juicy fruit gum. Congratulations on your beautiful pond

[@maureenlevy207]

So beautiful Erin!!

[@BellaSC]

Thanks for shortening the learning curve for all of us. You’ve inspired me to try one next year. Something to look forward to. 👍🏼😊

[@jilladcock5648]

Love this. Those lotus flowers are gorgeous. Time to do some research. I’m retiring before next garden season and adding this to my year 1 retirement garden redesign projects!

[@w.franklinstreetlittlefree3882]

I love the joy you expressed when you were talking about “ playing” with you water garden.

[@cathybranly1839]

That lotus is amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@prairie2gem]

This is so inspiring, both the water garden and your words of wisdom. The obvious joy on your face is contagious 😊 Thank you for sharing 💚

[@juliej.9200]

I’m so happy you are enjoying it! Your lotus is beautiful, they really like still warm water and adding fertilizer is key. I am going to have to divide my water lilys in the spring, I’ll send you one to try.

[@deborahr9237]

A beautiful pond - love the dyed water!

[@sarahlatham4600]

I tried a smaller water garden this year for the first time and I have to admit I love it. Thanks for some really helpful info Erin, I definitely need to get some pond dye and I think I may even try a few little fish 🐟 🙂

[@maryfarrand1799]

You have done amazing! Those lotus plants are outstanding! The flower color with the little green landing pad in the center is so calming!

[@fd9987]

I remember my grandmother in Franklin NJ with the fish pond. She grew beautiful tropical waterlilies every year. In the winter, she’d go outside with a hammer every morning and break up the ice.

[@katytaylor6326]

I love your pond! It’s beautiful! These container ponds are my passion. I have had them since I was in high school. My first one was in a half olive barrel at our family home when I was still in school. I worked at a barrel shop in Newport Beach, Ca selling vintage and newer barrels of all sizes and types and that was the first time I had ever seen fish and plants in a barrel. I loved the charm and have never looked back. Now I have them mostly in stock tanks of all shapes and sizes. They are great for anyone from condo to a large yard. They stay clear and mosquito free on their own when you have a nice balance of aquatic snails, oxygenators and mosquito fish.

[@tamsyngardner9308]

The lotus are stunning, looks amazing 😻

[@cindyking9813]

I have a water trough that was my grandfather’s and I can remember playing in it when I was 4 years old. He always had common gold fish and red horse minnows. It also had hornwort moss as yours does. I have set the water trough up in my yard now and my how much I have enjoyed it. I remember him every time I look at it. The last winter we had zero degree weather and my trough froze solid. I was concerned about my gold fish I have in it but I didn’t loose a one and my pump never running. Another fun fact about that week is that the trough made snow while it was freezing. It was so cool.

[@bloomsbyamelie]

Love the lotus. So fun to see people try new things. Thanks for sharing.

[@ginafriend1690]

It's a Winner to me! I absolutely 💚!!

[@donabailey5965]

Thanks so much I have always wanted to do a water garden.

[@carolynvenema1019]

No expectations...love it..enjoy!

[@CTR6067]

You’re water garden is my favorite feature. It’s beautiful. 👏👏👏

[@playme129]

I love the way you describe your knowledge level.

[@michelebushnik2874]

It's beautiful!

[@betsyschaffitzel1044]

Wonderful information! Great video! I’m going to try it next spring! Your garden is beautiful!

[@SteveL2012]

So beautiful, Erin. The lotus could not be more exciting. You have inspired me to try this!

[@naturegirl7777]

... I have a 200 gallon oval stock tank that I have had for nearly 20 years... I run a pond pump in a filtration box with a waterbell spout just for the sound effects. Mine brings me joy as well. This year I'm cleaning the filter every 2 weeks and my water is crystal clear...it has never looked better than this year! I empty mine as well but over the years I've had to caulk the seams numerous times. This year I used Flex Seal in a spray can and it worked wonders. I could hardly wait for it to dry so I could refill it. (I didn't know I had a leak this year; thus, an empty stock tank with the pump still running! Not good! 😵) Cindy in Maryland (zone 6) =^..^= 👩‍🌾💚🌻🌹💐🦋🐝🙏

[@tinachristensen4008]

I have a.southeast corner of my lot that I have done anything with. I keep toying with different ideas. Maybe I'll try this. Ive always wanted a water feature but cant do anything with electricity as well. Your pond looks fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@kentaylor3319]

Hello Tina 👋 How are you doing today?

[@stephaniestewart9396]

The lotus is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

[@deeaustin379]

Thst is so cool! I need to try a tank. Maybe I'll start with a large pot, lol.

[@kimpaynter]

How fun is this those lotus flowers are stunning

[@kentaylor3319]

Hello Kim 👋 How are you doing today?

[@aprilandrews7239]

I add guppies to mine too! I love them in ponds. I do keep a tank inside for over wintering in MN. Pet stores often offer credit for fish if you call ahead. You might also have a local pond garden society willing to take them in?

[@annstuart-birdsall5581]

So beautiful!

[@katefrancis7476]

Oh my gosh, you have inspired me to hunt for a claw food bathtub and turn it into a water garden! ❤ I need a lotus in my life.

[@thehorti-culturalists]

Wonderful lotuses!

[@jenniferhutchinson2999]

Your lotus is STUNNING💗!! And so unique and just so neat to see! Thank you for sharing what you know so far!! Something else to put on my wish list!!

[@SR98889]

How lovely! I love the lotus

[@FlowerPatchFarmhouse]

Oh my, I am trying to figure out where I could put one! I would love to have some fish and a lotus. Yours is beautiful.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Erin, I love how your tank-pond looks this year! That is one of the most fun things that I've seen in anyone's garden, and it looks great! I purchased six 85-gallon poly-stock tanks, earlier this year to use as raised garden beds. I think I may have gotten one too many. That extra tank may need to become a water feature next spring! I wouldn't even have to add pond dye, because the tank is already black, inside and out. Hmm, I need to give this some serious thought. Please give us an update on your huge urn planter and a close-up of the espaliered apple trees. ~Margie

[@belwynne1386]

Did you drill holes for drainage? Are they working? Great, economic idea.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@belwynne1386 Yes, Mary, I drilled 3 -holes in both ends about an inch up from the bottom of these oval tanks. I used a 1/2 inch hole saw on my drill to make the holes, and I also removed the drain plug from each of the tanks. This is working quite well, and I love the height at 2 feet tall x 4 feet long.

[@katiekane5247]

@@greenthumbelina7331 one of those would work great. I've found I can keep the water moving with a pretty small pump because price is based on horse power. That converts to head height for water so with relatively shallow tubs, you don't have to push water up a hill. I wanted splashing so I put a short extension (wide straw) on the out port. Added cool rocks, planted around it & done. Good luck!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@katiekane5247 I would love to see how yours turned out, did you put pictures on Instagram or Facebook? It sounds wonderful!

[@daiseegray9110]

The lotus is beautiful! I just had to purchase a new pump for my small pond. I could have gotten a lotus! ☀️🌸

[@carmenbailey1560]

We too have a pond, no locus though. You must be very proud of your accomplishments with yours, and you should be. Beautiful for sure. Thanks for sharing everything looks so healthy. 👍❤️😊

[@RevAcres01]

Great video I love the stock tank.

[@butterpecanrican_]

That Lotus is beautiful!!

[@sandyg8794]

Hi Erin! This was fun. That lotus flower was beautiful! I'm glad you're having fun with the water garden. I don't have a place for one so will enjoy yours. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@beckyscheller9358]

I have a oval stock tank with a pump hooked up to a metal garden watering container. It draws lots of birds and is fun to watch them drink or take bath on a rock I added. Have not tried plants but may try next year. Need to try fish also. Love the dark color of yours

[@melchantz]

Cant wait to see u restart the stock pond after winter

[@stevezphone]

Very nice! I've done similar water gardens in large pots. So fun and yours looks amazing

[@Finnswife3]

Love it! Totally on my “must have” list. I have a half barrel, this is the third year. Three feeder goldfish, they are very dirty and I clean the barrel a couple times a season. Tried lilies but they were even dirtier. I have a pump to keep water moving. Yes I bring them in from the Michigan winter but I’ll keep Mother, Juggs and Speed alive as long as I can.

[@charlottecannon5288]

This is inspiring!

[@pamhouglan4710]

Love this! Thanks for the update!!!

[@lizplastow3095]

Omg. This is exactly the video I was looking for. It answered most of my questions. Thank you!😀

[@georgiastewart5035]

Looks great Erin. The closest I've come to water in my garden is a bird bath. I'm in zone 9/10 in Australia and the prospect of all those mozzies has turned me off, but good to know the fish work to keep them at bay.

[@kentaylor3319]

Hello Georgia 👋 How are you doing today?

[@kittenpawsbb]

Really beautiful. This is so helpful. Thank you 🤗🌸

[@roslynholcomb]

This is awesome. I plan to do a small raised bed garden and had thought about putting in a tank like yours, but was worried about mosquitoes. Love the idea of adding fish.

[@TexasHomesteaders]

Very pretty lotus. I once had a pond with koi in it. It was a constant battle to keep the cats and racoons out of it.

[@mountainryder8]

My ex put shibunkins in his ponds and they did great! It doesn't freeze hard here in California so they are year round. He was able to score a big commercial tub used for tomato harvesting for a pond.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

It’s lovely and I would love to add something like this to my garden 🪴🌺🪴

[@suziqbrown7073]

Just love your videos! On my list of things to try

[@helenevans6132]

Those lotus are stunning erin. Hope your keeping the seed heads for christmas decprations they take spray realy well too.

[@klcpca]

LOVE your tank pond... one day I'll have one!!! Rosy feeder fish in general aren't very strong fish, they have poor genetics and aren't raised under very great conditions... don't feel bad that they didn't survive. Guppies are a good choice and also mosquito fish... you can put many smaller aquarium fish in your pond.... That lotus is to die for!!!!

[@juliabinford6500]

Yay to trying new things!!

[@katherinemiess9246]

Whelp! One more project to add to the list. 🤣 Your content is so inspiring. What a unique surprise to have tucked in with the veggies. Thank you for sharing ways to make life fun, exciting and beautiful!

[@dianapohl8185]

Gorgeous! We used to have an in-ground pond that was relatively large for a city lot and we loved it. But the maintenance eventually got too much and we drained it and turned it into a sunken rock garden here on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. I love your stock tank and the size of it - and those lotus are stunning! Wow!

[@anahart3807]

Sooooo gorgeous!

[@jcking6785]

Gorgeous bloom!!!! 💚💗

[@juliafiore120]

My Lord, I love the Lotus!! 😍😍 I so am copying you!! Thanks for the links🙏🏻

[@kimmierishe5547]

What a beautiful little pond, Erin! I may need to find a place in my garden for one. Thank you for sharing! 😍

[@samoatodd8730]

I love this! ❤️

[@melissasullivan1658]

I live in a condo on property with a ton of water features. 2.5 yrs ago they added (blue) pond dye and lemme tell ya: that stuff is NEVER going away. It looks like Disneyland. 😂 At least the koi are happy!

[@crittergirl3647]

Rachel O’Leary, a KZbin fish keeper in PA, overwinters some of her dormant outdoor tub water plants. Look for some of her older ones when she kept them in her basement before she had a greenhouse.

[@robayre]

When I was young my grandma had a friend that had a whiskey barrel pond with goldfish and every winter they took the fish out, put them in a (bigger) square tupperwear type thing and put them in their basement fridge. I have no idea if they took them out occasionally and/or how often they fed them, but they were big goldfish

[@robayre]

Forgot to ask, I know you said you were going to rehome your fish, but what does one do with their water plants over the winter? Do they just stay in there or do you take them out and put them somewhere so they aren't completely frozen?

[@pondandgarden]

Your lotus is amazing. Have you ever thought of getting an in-ground pond? I have one and love it! I over-winter my koi and other fish. As long as the pond is two feet deep and there's a hole in the ice, they'll survive. I'm also in zone 5 - just round your channel!

[@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497]

Nice, hornwort is a real workhorse in the water. Your tank is quite stunning!

[@kimberlydearing6305]

I REALLY want to grow a lotus! As for your fish, guppies won't survive the winter, but I have heard multiple people say that their goldfish froze solid in ice, and they let it thaw out and the fish took off. I have never frozen a fish solid so I don't know from experience, but I don't see why all these people would lie to me. I have heard that koi are not as hardy. Loved the video!

[@sandrar3628]

Sooooo pretty!

[@tracyehrenberg6074]

SO beautiful, i'm inspired!!

[@didisinclair3605]

This is so beautiful! And I love your attitude about the whole project. Hope you can figure out how to overwinter the lotus!!!

[@mrspaulsen1717]

Got my stock tank off of Facebook marketplace two days ago- love this, love your perspective, so inspired to start next year. Best wishes from North Dakota! PS, started salvia argentia from seed in Feb., love it in my front beds now. We are zone 4 but I like to push it....😁

[@shirleywilson5959]

You just can't have enough water gardens, it's gorgeous. Dig a proper pond somewhere and transplant your water garden each year! 😊

[@kentaylor3319]

Hello Shirley 👋 How are you doing today?

[@sherimatthews2958]

It’s beautiful Erin! Wish I had room in my garden! The lotus 🪷 are stunning

[@joanotto9984]

We have had the same fish for years. We live in Minnesota so we have a small tank we put in our garage. Garage is heated to 40*. We do not feed them over winter have not lost a fish in several years.

[@vishnuBNair-dg6dn]

Nice pond ❤

[@breakingburque2200]

I love that you added fish. I’ve tried lotus from seed and they start but never transfer well. ……One of these days.

[@mysticmeadow9116]

Beautiful! Thank you for the tips :) Blessings from zone 8a Georgia.

[@maryanns6182]

Love this. I live on a lake on a wooded lot so definitely can’t try it thanks to all the critters, but I love seeing your experiment come to life!!! My new trial will be galvanized raised vegetable beds with cages to keep the deer out! Thanks to my hillside lot fences won’t really work, so here’s to hoping some chicken wires cages make the cut😉😅

[@Donamtrx]

Mmk...just about to watch...first wanna say...this pond has been on my mind since you first showed it to me. I haven’t had the guts to try it yet but I’m sure this will help. How did u know I needed this?🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanx a bunch Erin!😁

[@marselbicentennial5159]

I am trying this ASAP in the PNW.

[@mountainshamanscloudorchid354]

I used to do high end SW/FW fish tank maint. and did ponds as a courtesy to my customers and if you take the fish to a mom and pop pet-store they should take them no problem...not so much with a corp. big box pet store..... The pond looks amazing with the lotus!!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Thanks for that! That’s the kind of store I bought them from so I will be sure to ask.

[@skylineranches]

Very cool!

[@annesweeney5552]

Wow that is super cool

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed your video. Take care, DA

[@chrismcpherson1204]

You can add Prevent algae it doesn't harm plants or fish. I use it and my pond stays beautiful ❤