New to backyard pond

[mudguard]

Hello:

I am thinking about turning my unused backyard water fountain into a small pond with some fish and water plants. I am so new to it, but before I start, I need to patch up some cracks and prep it. Any advice would be really appreciated. I attached some pics so you have an idea what the fountain is like. Can you recommend what I can use to patch up the cracks? Once the cracks are patched, what steps should I take. I am worry about mosquito as well so after I add in water, I need to add some fish. Also, planning to go solar powered water pump.

 

[mudguard]

no help?

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our group!

Where do you live, that base looks real shallow. Sealing concrete, there are sprays, liquid coatings you can use, like that stuff they spray that seals.

 

[sissy]

Welcome and I had luck with that flex seal in a stock tank and just used the flex paste to patch a free barrel I am going to use for a rain barrel

 

[addy1]

Might be ok for guppies, maybe fan tails. Thanks @sissy could not recall flex seal lol

 

[sissy]

That new paste they have is great .I used it to patch a hole in a gutter so figure the small crack in the rain barrel would seal up with it .Your welcome .The paste is 10 times better than the spray or the tape .

 

[j.w]

@mudguard
Pretty little pond and I'm not much help on patching but hope you can fix it up!

 

[mudguard]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into flex seal. I am not planning for a koi pond. My plan is to be able to house some gold fish (if possible) if not, guppies are fine. I am thinking about getting this pond to be self efficient, filtering without any mechanical filtering.

 

[addy1]

How deep is it?

 

[mudguard]

How deep is it?

It's around 15" - can go 17" if I fill it up.

 

[addy1]

It's around 15" - can go 17" if I fill it up.

Thanks it looks more shallow than that.

 

[sissy]

Once you put the water in you may want to get a thermometer to check water temps to see if it may get to hot for fish .Not sure where you live but just guessing it is a warmer state looking at it .

 

[mudguard]

Thanks, I live in Southern California - Los Angeles to be specific Partially shaded.

 

[addy1]

It's around 15" - can go 17" if I fill it up.

I would plan to fill it as full as possible.

 

[sissy]

Is it in full sun or part shade because the shade will help cool the pond .As I look at your pics I can see your first 1 is full sun and second is part sun and 3rd seems to be all shaded .The shade will also help with keeping some of the green water away .But you will need a filter if you get fish