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Topaz · 04-11-2007, 11:02 PM

I've seen plenty of sites online that discuss these rubbermaid ponds without any filtration other than plants. I want to do at least 2 tubs this year. One about 20g on my front porch and another larger one on my patio. I could run electric to both of them but it would be a pain.
My patio has great light for plants. Morning sun and afternoon shade almost anything I plant there thrives. Unfortunately I have a problem with leaves from not just my trees, but the neighbors so I plan on covering the tubs with fine screen when I am not outside enjoying them.
My biggest worry is chlorinated water from the sprinkler getting into the tubs. My kids are constantly having hose fights and power squirt gun fights. We also often have a fine mist sprinkler on over the garden area when we are outside, Just enough to create a very gentle cool breeze and keep the plants moist. No way will I do without that fine mist when it is hot and I am outback playing darts with friends. Do I just add some Prime before I turn the cooling system on?
With frequent water changes will a filter be necessary?
I'd like to get the porch tub running soon indoors and then transfer it to the porch. My outdoor plants overwinter in my unused bathtub in the bathroom with a south facing window. They are all starting to really come to life. Can I jumpstart my tub in my "plant room" and move it outside next month?
I'm really not sure how the porch tub will do. The porch faces north and gets very little sunlight, however, plants I hang by the door do quite well as long as they are lowlight plants.
I'm really concerned about not using filtration other than plants, accidental chlorine getting into the tubs and about cycling in general.

Oh, I plan on putting guppies in the tubs, possibly some mollies on the patio.
I have watersprite, java moss, pennywort and anacharis. I can probably get some other pond plants at a local shop thanks to my husband doing some computer work for them on a Sunday when no one else was open or available.
I'm big city born and raised, I love this small town where people say, "I owe you, let me know when you need something." and they actually mean it.

Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated.

04-11-2007, 11:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Topaz Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Tribe Country! Posts: 427	I've seen plenty of sites online that discuss these rubbermaid ponds without any filtration other than plants. I want to do at least 2 tubs this year. One about 20g on my front porch and another larger one on my patio. I could run electric to both of them but it would be a pain. My patio has great light for plants. Morning sun and afternoon shade almost anything I plant there thrives. Unfortunately I have a problem with leaves from not just my trees, but the neighbors so I plan on covering the tubs with fine screen when I am not outside enjoying them. My biggest worry is chlorinated water from the sprinkler getting into the tubs. My kids are constantly having hose fights and power squirt gun fights. We also often have a fine mist sprinkler on over the garden area when we are outside, Just enough to create a very gentle cool breeze and keep the plants moist. No way will I do without that fine mist when it is hot and I am outback playing darts with friends. Do I just add some Prime before I turn the cooling system on? With frequent water changes will a filter be necessary? I'd like to get the porch tub running soon indoors and then transfer it to the porch. My outdoor plants overwinter in my unused bathtub in the bathroom with a south facing window. They are all starting to really come to life. Can I jumpstart my tub in my "plant room" and move it outside next month? I'm really not sure how the porch tub will do. The porch faces north and gets very little sunlight, however, plants I hang by the door do quite well as long as they are lowlight plants. I'm really concerned about not using filtration other than plants, accidental chlorine getting into the tubs and about cycling in general. Oh, I plan on putting guppies in the tubs, possibly some mollies on the patio. I have watersprite, java moss, pennywort and anacharis. I can probably get some other pond plants at a local shop thanks to my husband doing some computer work for them on a Sunday when no one else was open or available. I'm big city born and raised, I love this small town where people say, "I owe you, let me know when you need something." and they actually mean it. Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated.