IBC pond project advice?

[Vardo]

Does anyone have any experience setting up a pond out of a 1000l IBC?

My idea is to cut the top 10-15% off and invert it and use it as a natural filtration stage that cascades into the main pond and also will hopefully house the pump under the framework that will support the filter stage.
I've sketched out some ideas for a design on an old envelope (classic draft paper) to try to visualise my intention and explain the design.
Eventually I'll clad the outside of it with insulation foam board and wooden panels to protect it from the winter/summer temp extremes as I would like to keep some indigenous British species of fish such as minnow and stickleback but may end up with only goldfish for aesthetic reasons more than anything.
The water flow will be; Main Reservoir > Pre-filter > Pool Pump > Main Filter (planted/organic) > Main Reservoir

 

[Simmo]

Sounds a good idea and I like the look of your drawings, we have these at work and it’d probably be good and strong. I guess you need to make sure all residue of whatever was in it has gone, ours mostly contain chemicals. It’s also white plastic not very nice to look at but I am sure could be camouflage. An alternative would be to build your wooden structure first (or use a reinforced wood compost bin) and line it with pond liner. Good Luck and look forward to seeing the results! 😁👍

 

[Onoma1]

Sounds a great idea and I use IBCs as water butts in the garden. I have been told that they degrade quite quickly when exposed to UV. Not sure about the science behind this but have covered mine in wood cladding. Could you achieve the same thing using pond liner and rocks? I am enjoying the videos by Crystal Clear Aquatics on YouTube and they may be helpful.