Looking for opinions...wanting to build a smallish pond in my yard and trying to decide on whether to just buy one of those 300gal rubbermaid stock tanks and bury it or if I should just buy a EPDM pond liner? The stock tank would be super durable and would probably never have to worry about leaks but is preformed and doesn't have any shallow shelves for plants and such and is pretty expensive compared to a liner. ive heared the EPDM liners are pretty good and could spend a little extra to get the 60mil instead of the 40-45mil, would be able to make it whatever shape I want, could make shelves for plants, but I have a whole lot of trees so should I be worried about roots destroying it in a few years?
Stock tank or pond liner?
- Thread starter BlindSight
- Start date
With liners roots could be a problem, but not likely. Most tree roots will just follow the liner and not actually puncture it.
I would worry more about cutting large roots (1"+ in dia.) while digging that would harm the tree in the long run. If the trees are not a disirable species, start digging.
Shelves in stock tanks can be made from inverted milk crates or similar products. They don't take up much volume as well. Just place potted plants on the shelves and create instant shade and shelter for the fish.
I would worry more about cutting large roots (1"+ in dia.) while digging that would harm the tree in the long run. If the trees are not a disirable species, start digging.
Shelves in stock tanks can be made from inverted milk crates or similar products. They don't take up much volume as well. Just place potted plants on the shelves and create instant shade and shelter for the fish.
why not a preformed pond instead of a stock tank? a lot of the preforms have shelves for plants. you can even get them at lowe's or home depot as well as many other places; pet shops, garden supply, landscapers, ect...
at the very least, it will look more natural than a rectangular pond, unless you're going for a more "fountain" look than "natural pond" look.
i wouldn't worry a bit about the liner tearing. as long as you put a decent underlayment down, you'll be fine.
at the very least, it will look more natural than a rectangular pond, unless you're going for a more "fountain" look than "natural pond" look.
i wouldn't worry a bit about the liner tearing. as long as you put a decent underlayment down, you'll be fine.
thanks for the responses. If I do dig and put it in-gound what Kind of underlayment should I use? Ive heard of even using old carpet, anyone have experience with this?
BlindSight;4966018; said:
You do realize that many water garden plants can easily reach through 2 feet of water? Water lilies can reach through 4-6 feet. As someone else stated you can use milk crates.
I've used stock tanks for water features and broken up the edge with rock.
I think as per your needs it will be good if you buy 300 gallon rubbermaid stock tank for having your pond. Because the capacity is not much so it will be fine no need to spend much money on that.
When I did mine I went with the liner and used old carpet to protect the liner on the bottom and the sides. I was able to get it free from a carpet guy who does installs. Just make sure it is free of staples. Have had no problems and the pond has been doing great for nearly 7 years. Good luck