How to make an old bathtub into a fish pond

Question
Hi I just bought an antique claw foot bathtub and was hoping to convert it into a koi pond. Is this possible? I need to know what exactly what plants I need it clean and what  equipment is needed to convert it into a pond. Please let me know the procedures and thank you for your time.

ari

Answer
Hello Ari. Antique claw foot bathtubs make great ponds. As far as plants are concerned, lilies, floaters (hyacinths and/or lettuce) and submerged plants (oxygenators) are best to keep the water clean. Pond Market has a great selection of mail order plants. Aside from that, a small submersible pump and filter works great. I would recommend a pondmaster system. They can be found over at www.pondmarket.com. The only other things you may need are a pH test kit, chlorine remover (if your on city water), and beneficial bacteria. If your bathtub is under 1000 gallons, most are, you may find that koi will jump out of it or get too large for it. Shubunkins my be a better choice. They have a wide variety of colors, long fins, short fins, and everything in between. They are from the goldfish family and will grow to the environment. Unlike the koi which can grow in excess of 3 feet long. Hope this helps!