Nano Ponds are very popular for households. They are also known as indoor ponds or mini ponds.
If you want to decorate your home or office with ponds but don’t have much space, then nano ponds would be the best option for you.
In this article I’ll discuss nano ponds, it will help you to build and maintain your one.
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How To Build Nano Ponds
Building a nano pond is the easiest among other ponds. They are small and safe for the surroundings with very little expense. Follow my instructions to build a nano pond by yourself.
Things You Will Need To Build A Nano Pond
- Container, basin, bowl, flower tub, or something like these.
- Pond liner or waterproof sealant
- Clips to hold the pond liner
- Gravel
- Rocks, logs, or bricks.
- Oxygenating plants
- Hosepipe attached to a water source
Step 1: Choosing The Perfect Material & Place For Your Pond
These nano ponds come in small sizes and you should pick a container, basin, or tub that can be fit in a small place.
Now, you’ll have to find a container or basin-like 2 feet or less. If you want your nano pond to be smaller, you can use any regular small bowl or tubs like 12 inches or less. Container, basin, or tub, all provides the same purpose and can be built following the same procedure.
But to build a pond that looks more beautiful, you should use a preformed pond liner. We recommend Algreen 33-Gallon Avonlea Rigid Preformed Pond Liner (Link to Amazon) for your nano pond.
Nano ponds are easily movable, so the placement for these might not always be permanent. But these ponds are great for our households, offices, gardens and fit perfectly in a corner.
You should choose a half sunny location to place your nano pond because it will help to grow aquatic plants better. The full sun might make your container too hot. As these ponds are small, there is a chance that it might get knocked over by people or pets, so you have to ensure that the place is firm and stable.
You can place your nano pond in a raised stand or deck so that any animal doesn’t fall in accidentally.
So, pick the place you prefer to build your nano pond.
Step 2: Cleaning The Container
Use mild and non-toxic dish soap to clean your container or basin if it is particularly dirty. You should rinse it well after cleaning so that the soap doesn’t harm animals or plants in your nano pond.
Cleaning is especially important if you are using an old container or basin.
Step 3: Attaching Pond Liner or Sealing Waterproof Sealant
You have to check if there is any drainage hole in the container you are going to use. Then you have to attach the pond liner covering the entire pond area so that no water can be leaked through any drainage hole.
Once you have added the pond liner, press it down by your hand to match the shape with the container. After that, clip the pond liner to the rim of the container so that it stays in shape.
You can also use a waterproof sealant to seal any drainage hole in your container. I would recommend using a waterproof sealant because it is easier to use and user-friendly.
Step 4: Adding Gravel
You have to fill the bottom of the nano pond with gravel for 1-inch minimum. You should use aquarium gravel because it is specially created to create underwater landscapes.
Gravel will put extra weight on the pond to keep it in place and help to clean the water.
Step 5: Creating Varying Depths
You need to create varying depths in your nano pond. Use rocks, logs, or even bricks to make the different depth levels and the shallower area around the edge of the pond.
Varying depths will attract wildlife to your pond. Plants will grow at a higher rate in the shallower area, where they will get more sunlight. Animals usually prefer deeper areas so they can hide from dangers.
Create some steps for animals to get in and out if your nano pond has steep edges.
Step 6: Filling Two-Thirds Of The Pond With Water
Now, if you need to move the pond, do it before filling it with water because water will add extra weight to move the pond.
For filling water in any kind of pond, rainwater is the best option. Rainwater provides less toxicity to plants and animals and its chemical composition creates a better environment for wildlife.
If you can’t manage rainwater, use a hosepipe connected to a water tap to fill the nano pond. After filing with tap water, allow the nano pond to sit for around 2 days to neutralize.
Step 7: Adding Plants To Your Pond
Add oxygenating plants in your nano pond, they will help to clear the water. Dig a hole in the gravel large enough to fit your aquatic plant’s root and cover the root with gravel. Add aquatic composite in your container.
Plants like water forget-me-not, marsh marigold, and lesser spearwort will do good work for your pond. As nano ponds are small, you should use 1-2 varieties of aquatic plants. Add in a few more plants for a more diverse ecosystem in your nano pond.
Step 8: Filling Up The Rest Of The Pond With Water
Once you’ve placed your aquatic plants, top up the container with water. Then your nano pond is complete.
Remember, don’t rush in to bring animals from other ponds, let the wildlife to find its way to your pond naturally.
Maintenance Of Nano Ponds
Nano ponds need frequent cleaning. You often have to check the water quality to ensure that if it needs changing or not. You have to remove the fallen leaves from your pond, otherwise, it will damage the water quality.
Ponds water might need recycling very often. You should put some fences around the pond area so that any pets or children can’t cause any damage to your nano pond.
Nano ponds need special care in cold weather. In cold, there is a huge chance that your pond will freeze everything along with it. Nano pond surface is allowed to get frozen in cold weather, but don’t let your plants get frozen with it.
You’ll notice algae growth in your pond. Remove them carefully using your hands.
You should not add fish to your nano pond. Fishes need a larger space to live properly and nano ponds are not a great option for it. Still, if you are considering adding fish to your pond, install a special filtration box and pump.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nano Ponds
Where Can I Find Container/Basin For Building A Nano Pond?
You can find a container or basin for your nano pond on the internet from various shops i.e. Amazon, eBay, etc.
You can search in some local shops for a container or basin.
Can I Put Soil In My Nano Pond?
Putting soil in your nano pond is not a good idea. Soil usually makes the water dirty and if you have fish in your pond, they will eat the soil which may cause the fish to get sick or die.
You should always build your nano pond with great care and place it in a location that won’t provide any damage to anything at all.
Read my instructions carefully, you will be able to get proper knowledge about nano pond and build one by yourself.
