Any tips on converting an old redwood hot tub into a water garden with koi?

P

Pat

New member
We have a hot tub (6' diameter, 4' deep) on the back deck that is past its prime and want to turn it into a small pond with plants and fish. We will need to clean it, seal the wood, oxygenate it enough and filter to keep algae down. Experience?
 
You may not have to seal it at all. Clean it without soap of any kind. Fill it with water and dechlorinate the water well.
The water garden does not need moving water to be attractive although most of us like the sound of water moving. If electricity is not available, oxygenating plants (anacharis), floating plants covering about one half the water surface and a few mosquito fish, goldfish or minnows will balance the ecosystem. The water feature will be very attractive and need little or no maintenance.

Koi may present a problem because the pond is small. I would use goldfish only just to be safe.
 
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