Metal Ponds -seal or not

[ashwatts]

Afternoon
Have a very large metal lily pond [approx 4 feet across], its been over wintering and i am getting ready to plant in spring. Any advice on whether to seal it first as concerned the rust water could be damaging/high ph etc? Was only going to use for water lily plants, would like to keep the rusty platina look thats developed - is there a clear coat sealer available??
Or shall i just leave it to nature??
Thank you

 

[Lisak1]

I'd say if you have no plan to introduce fish, you're fine with the galvanized metal. If this is similar to the "cow troughs" that used to be used in farms across the midwest, it should last for years with no need to seal or coat.

 

[ashwatts]

Thanks for the speedy reply
The pond is steel so will rust which is my concern?

 

[Mmathis]

You could always put in a liner….

 

[j.w]

@ashwatts
Since it's steel and not for fish maybe there is a sealant that might help last longer. Like a rubber sealant perhaps? If you use a rubber liner you would have to somehow hide the flap edge that hangs over the side or perhaps cut it right to the top and glue it to the top side edge. Liner does not lie flat against the side tho so many folds to deal with.

 

[Marck]

Greetings, welcome to the Forum.

Please post a photo. I am curious as to the thickness of the steel and the amount of rust.
Even applying a sealant effectively to a rusty surface might be challenging.

 

[TheFishGuy]

If it is the standard galvanized water troughs you should be fine, some report problems with fish due to zinc, but in my time owning one I never had that issue. ( and you aren’t going to have fish )

If you are concerned about rusting there is stuff called pond armor that you could seal it with, but I think photos would help to guide you further.