I Built a Natural Mini Pond 🌿🐟 on My Terrace for Platy Fish

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @theurbannemophilist   I Built a Natural Mini Pond 🌿🐟 on My Terrace (No-Filter Walstad Style Setup) In this video, I build a mini pond on my terrace using a polymer tub measuring 25 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height. To create a nutrient-rich base, I started with a layer of vermicompost as the substrate, which I then capped with river sand. This helps lock the nutrients within the substrate while preventing them from leaching into the water column. For the hardscape, I placed a large piece of driftwood on top of the sand and arranged three large pieces of black lava rock around it. To ensure the driftwood stays in place and does not float, I secured it to the rocks using the soft tissue and superglue technique. A few additional river stones were added to complete the hardscape, along with crushed lava rocks for extra detailing and texture. To prevent the substrate from getting disturbed while filling the pond, I placed a plastic sheet over the base and slowly filled the tub with water. Next, I added hydroponically grown Philodendron Burle Marx and a Syngonium Podophyllum, attaching them to the driftwood using black zip ties. I also wedged a cutting of Pothos between the driftwood branches. These plants will help filter the water naturally by absorbing excess nitrates. Once the structure was ready, I began planting aquatic plants. I started with multiple stems of Limnophila Sessiliflora, followed by Sagittaria Subulata, a cutting of Hygrophila Pinnatifida, and several stems of Rotala Rotundifolia and Ludwigia Repens. Heavy planting is essential in no-filter Walstad-style setups like this, as the plants play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting the natural nitrogen cycle. I also added Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis) to the water. From my garden pond, I collected some Salvinia and Frogbit floaters and introduced them to the setup. These floating plants help with filtration and light diffusion, which in turn helps control algae. To enhance the overall look, I placed a potted Ruffle Fern and a potted Chinese Money Plant on either side of the tub, creating a beautiful setting against the backdrop of my terrace garden. After allowing the system to settle for a few days, I introduced a pair of platy fish. These fish help support the ecosystem by contributing to the nitrogen cycle and feeding on mosquito larvae, keeping the pond naturally clean. I hope you enjoy this mini terrace pond build 🌿💧🐟 Thanks for watching! Timestamps: 0:00 - Placing the tub 0:05 - Adding the substrate 0:14 - Capping substrate with sand 0:33 - Creating the hardscape 1:51 - Adding details to hardscape 2:04 - Filling up water 2:27 - Attaching the terrestrial plants to hardscape 3:03 - Planting the aquatic plants 5:11 - Adding the floaters 5:38 - Finishing scene with potted plants 5:53 - The finished pond with Platy fish Material buying links (May earn commission): Tub - https://amzn.to/4ryFQNn Vermicompost - https://amzn.to/4cJFika Sand - https://amzn.in/d/0ahFA3xj Driftwood - https://amzn.in/d/0dt6U49F Lava rocks - https://amzn.in/d/00gglgI1 River stones - https://amzn.in/d/0dMmLaoJ Lava rock chips - https://amzn.in/d/0gOyhyLt Garden hose - https://amzn.in/d/03mNO0g5 Philodendron - https://amzn.in/d/0enfkBDs Syngonium - https://amzn.in/d/0fvYS6OQ Pothos - https://amzn.in/d/0dpETGVo Ruffle Fern - https://amzn.in/d/00EP9uVs Chinese money plant - https://amzn.in/d/0igOGoqD —————————————————————————————————————— I have always been fascinated by nature, especially the way life thrives in the smallest spaces. The Urban Nemophilist is my journey of crafting miniature green worlds—Terrariums, Aquascapes, Moss gardens, and more. Whether you’re here to get inspired, learn, or simply relax, I hope my creations bring you closer to nature, just as they do for me. Consider supporting The Urban Nemophilist on Patreon Follow The Urban Nemophilist on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Reach out on : [email protected] THANK YOU !!! —————————————————————————————————————— Follow us on : https://www.facebook.com/theurbannemo... https://instagram.com/the_urban_nemop... —————————————————————————————————————— Music : Sugarbee by Chris Haugen Dusty Road Magic by Chris Haugen Starlight on the Water by Chris Haugen YouTube audio library #minipond #terrace #fishpond