How to Use a Whiskey Barrel for a Pond

A water garden or pond is a thing of beauty, but building one requires either a lot of money or a lot of strain on your muscles. Rather than digging a hole in the ground for a pond, consider using a whiskey barrel as a pond instead. Easier and cost-effective, whiskey barrel ponds add style to your yard.

Things You'll Need

• Whiskey barrel
• Electric saw
• Pond pump
• Hoses and tubes
• Water
• Aquatic plants

Instructions

Use a Whiskey Barrel for a Pond

1. Purchase a water-tight wooden whiskey barrel and cut it in half around the widest part of the middle, or buy a pre-cut whiskey barrel specially made for pond or planter use. Test the water-tightness before creating your pond. If necessary, buy a plastic barrel liner and insert it.

2. Place the whiskey barrel where you want the pond to be. Choose a location with at least partial sun on a sturdy surface such as a patio or a deck. If you put it on the ground, protect the bottom from moisture and rot with flat rocks or a piece of plastic sheet.

3. Attach all necessary hoses or tubes to a small, submersible pond pump. A fountain pump can be sufficient and adding a small bubbler fountain to the whiskey barrel pond can help with oxygenation and appearance. Support the pump with a few rocks if necessary.

4. Choose very small aquatic plants for a whiskey barrel fountain. A miniature water lily in a pot can be placed at the bottom, while a few oxygenating plants like hornwort and floaters like water hyacinth can be used successfully. If necessary, create a shelf in the barrel with an overturned flower pot for plants that prefer shallow water planting.

5. Fill the whiskey barrel pond with water from a garden hose and turn on the pump. Allow the water to circulate for several days before adding small fish. Because a whiskey barrel makes a rather small pond, three or four fish should be enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a whiskey barrel liner to prevent leaks.

References

• Whiskey Barrel Pond