Introduction: DIY Mini Pond
Hi guys,
I love water. I think it has a calming effect which I really enjoy. Since a few years I'm living in the city in an apartment building. I have a terrace/balcony but I miss nature and in particular water. So I've decided to build my own mini pond. It is very simple, everybody can do it. In addition, it is not expensive at all. All you need is
- a mixing tub which you can find at homedepot
- wooden panels and wood screws to cover the plastic tub
- stones
- water plants
- solar fountain pump
Step 1: Wooden Box
First, you need to build a wooden box for the mixer tub.To make the build even easier, I bought wooden panels just a tad larger than the mixer tub.
- Connect the 4 side panels with wood screws. I've used 2 screws for each corner.
- In order to strengthen the box I've added 1 panel at the floor which carries the weight of the tub when filled with water.
- To make life easier, you can mount wheels at the bottom. Once filled with water, your mini pond is going to be quite heavy.
Step 2: Plants and Decoration
- Before filling the tub with water, you should add plants and decoration.
- Make sure you place aquatic plants in the right depth. I have 2 different zones as water lilies need more depth than for example mentha aquatica.
- Use containers for the plants, so they don't spread too much.
- Gently fill in the water.
- Decorate with stones to get a more natural look.
Step 3: Solar Pump
- You should add a pump for water circulation. I used a solar pump to be independent of a power source.
- I put the hose into a terra-cotta amphorae to get a cool looking water spitter.
- Put the solar panel at a sunny place

Participated in the
Planter Challenge
9 Comments
4 years ago on Introduction
This idea would be a definite crowd favourite at my household where children roam freely every weekend when loved ones come to visit. It would be our personal little science project that is not that difficult to set up, yet delightful and educational.
4 years ago on Introduction
This sounds like a really easy DIY project to do with a random storage container that you have at home, if it weren't for the fact that I'd probably kill the plants. From experience, it's really not as easy as just picking some out that you think are pretty because you have to make sure that they are compatible with any fish that you're putting in and of course there are different care levels for the plants you choose too... It's not all that easy at the end of the day if you ask me!
5 years ago
Really nice! ☺️
5 years ago
Hi all! If you like this intractable feel free to vote for it in the planters contest! Thanks!
5 years ago on Step 3
I found this fascinating and very nicely documented. I especially like the solar touch. Good job. A nice instructable.
Reply 5 years ago
Thank you!
5 years ago
this is great!
5 years ago
Cool project! That's a good way to enjoy a couple of water plants. The solar pump is also a nice touch.
Thanks for sharing!
5 years ago
Wow, I've wanted to have a backyard pond but this makes it so much easier!