Bucket Preparation

• 1). Drill a hole 3 inches from the top of the bucket. Make the hole large enough that the PVC pipe fits snugly through it.
  
  
• 2). Sand the PVC pipe with medium grit sandpaper. This roughs it up slightly and gives the aquarium sealant good footing.
  
  
• 3). Clean the PVC pipe with denatured alcohol using a rag. Remove all of the loose particles of pipe.
  
  
• 4). Pull the PVC pipe through the top hole in the bucket. The pipe should eventually extend far enough into the pond so the water cannot spill onto the ground.
  
  
• 5). Drill a hole an inch from the base of the bucket. This is where the water pump hose goes to bring water into the bucket.
  
  
• 6). Pull the pump's hose through the hole in the base of the bucket. Use sealant around it if necessary.
  
  
• 7). Seal around the PVC pipe with aquarium sealant. Make sure there are no spaces where water can escape.
  
  
• 8). Allow the sealant to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours.
  
  

Filling the Bucket

• 1). Rinse the lava rock with water until the water runs clear.
  
  
• 2). Fill the bucket to about 1 inch from the top with lava rock.
  
  
• 3). Plant flag irises and cattails in the bucket; this step is optional but will filter the pond water more efficiently.
  
  
• 4). Place the pump and bucket in the pond. The PVC pipe should face towards the center of the pond.
  
  
• 5). Plug the pump in and turn it on. Watch the pump closely for several minutes to ensure it is working correctly.
  
  

Planting the Pond

• 1). Place potted irises, reeds, cattails, meadowsweet and other marginal plants around the shallow parts of the pond.
  
  
• 2). Add several bunches of bladderwort or anacharis to the deeper areas. Allow the plants to float freely.
  
  
• 3). Add one or two cupfuls of azolla or duckweed to the pond. Cover about one-third of the surface of the water with live plants. Surface plants filter and shade the pond to prevent algae growth.