Making a Duck Pond

Supplies:

• stock tank
• faucet drain
• retaining wall blocks
• river pebbles
• flat paver
• various larger rocks
• hole saw (for drain)

Steps:

1. Use flat pavers to create a solid foundation for the stock tank to sit on. Set the stock tank onto the pavers and make sure it is level. This will ensure that it fills all the way up to the edge.


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2. Use stacking wall blocks to create the inner and outer curved walls of the ramp. Make sure to get the bottom row level, then start stacking the next layers. Use a flat paver turned on its edge to block the end that will meet up with the stock tank. This paver will hold back the river pebbles.



3. Put the stock tank in place. Then begin adding dirt to the ramp to create a gradual slope up towards the pond. Tamp the dirt until it is firm.
   
   For the drain: We talked to someone at our local feed store to select the proper hardware to create our drain. You only need a few simple parts and a hole saw to add it to the stock tank. You may even be able to find one that already has a drain.



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4. Add rocks below the faucet drain, if desired. Then begin filling the pond with water.

5. Add the river pebbles and tamp them firmly to hold them in place. We had to add a few large rocks towards the bottom of the ramp to help keep the pebbles from falling into the grass.



6. It took awhile to convince all three ducks that the pond was awesome. But now that they have gotten the hang of it, they rarely leave the water. :)
   
   Our pond was designed to be easily drained using the faucet. Then you can remove it to hose it out and clean it. If you find that debris and feathers block the drain you may want to add a screen over the drain opening.


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I would use crushed gravel underneath to maintain good drainage. If you use something soft it will wash away and undercut your container.

This may be a bigger project than you are aware of as a pump system can be expensive.

• I would suggest that you pay a visit to Home Depot, Lowe's or a pond supply store and explain what you have and what you want to do with this free pond.
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• Most of these stores have sales people who have some knowledge about installing and caring for a pond.
• If you go to a local store, they will be familiar with your climate and can tell you how to keep it safe year round.
• Of course, they will want to sell you their products but no need to buy anything that you do not want.

Larger stock tanks come with a drain plug installed. If yours doesn't have one, Home Depot sometimes carries them. Otherwise you can DIY one using electrical(gray) threaded PVC connectors and a few other fittings.

Tractor Supply!!!

Any farm store carries the 50 gallon stock tanks with a drain. All it takes to plumb in a valve is the proper PVC fitting and a PVC valve. I prefer a PVC ball valve with a PVC extension, because they drain the tank faster without plugging as easily and get the water away from the tank to eliminate a chance of erosion. Just remember, watering the garden with the water should only be done a maximum of twice a year to keep the soil from becoming too alkaline, so the water will have to be drained into the ground or disposed of into the sewer, if available, at other times.