I got lucky and found someone giving away a 300 gal pond. It looks like it is the same plastic as this tank is made out of. It already has a drain hole. I live in Illinois where it gets quite cold. I am wondering if I need to do anything special to be able to keep it going all year. Also, should I put something soft under it, like mulch or sand? Should I put dirt most of the way around it for insulation? I think I'm going to have to get some kind of pump to keep the water moving. I have a garden, so I thought I would use the water from the tank for that in the warmer months
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I would use crushed gravel underneath to maintain good drainage. If you use something soft it will wash away and undercut your container.
This may be a bigger project than you are aware of as a pump system can be expensive.
To keep it from freezing in the winter, your best bet is probably a stock-tank heater from the feed store. You should be able to find one for under $50. If you want aeration and movement, buy a small, cheap fountain pump (if you pay more than $25, you're paying too much), and use these plans to make your own biofilter for about $10 worth of materials.
There is a comprehensive article here. www.tyrantfarms.com/
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