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sunk metal pond

SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
edited April 2023 in Problem solving
I am looking making a small pond by sinking either a cheap galvanised steel / zinc /tin bath / dolly tub in a raised bed. Does anyone know the chemical effect of water and metals  - long term - on life forms (frogs, bugs birds, foxes)? I read there might be potentially toxic or undesirable results. Oxidisation of metals. I wouldn't like to harm any critters or create an odd soup. The pond water would renew through rain and tap water regularly so there would be a fairly fast turnover of water over the weeks and months. Thanks
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  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I think metal is only an issue if it’s galvanised (zinc) and if you’re thinking of adding fish to it. 

    Most sites mention tin baths for ponds. 


  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    Thanks
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Can I ask why use a metal tub? If it's going into a raised bed then you can carve out the shape you want and use a flexible pond liner. For a small pond it shouldn't cost more than about 20 quid.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    It looks prettier in a metal tub (edging) and I can get old metal baby bath for about £20. I have tried out other designs. 
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited April 2023
    "Tin" means zinc = galvanised.  Your water will build up toxic heavy-metal salts.  Better plastic or a flexible liner.  The price of the latter usually reflects its expected life.   Polyethylene << PVC << EPDM << Polybutadiene.

    re turnover of water, apart from leaks, the turnover will be via evaporation.  Any chemicals extracted will gradually build up. 

    Also, in constant contact with water and air, the zinc coating will last a while and then actually accelerate rusting of the steel.  Look at old watering cans.  It will probbaly start underneath.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    I wonder why lots of places online say “tin bath” if it’s going to turn the water to toxic waste! 

    The Gardeners’ World website should know better no? 
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    Waterside plant nursery recommend metal ponds


  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Lidl were recently selling plastic half-barrel type planters with no drainage holes. They aren't as hideous as they sound, sunk into the ground they would make excellent small ponds. And they won't rust.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    edited April 2023




    TheGreenMan 's comment, I had a look at wildlife gardening sites and many high profile ones seem fine with metal ponds, so I feel reassured. I will choose one with a removable bung to make it easy to drain when needed and wash out. Thanks for your thoughts.



  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    You will always get conflicting advice.  On any subject.  Only you can make the final choice.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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