Is AC Galvanized for or against Galvanized Ponds?

[ChilDawg]

Are there any known defects of using galvanized stock tanks as outdoor ponds? Would you keep Carassius auratus var. Comet in one?

[anonapersona]

I painted my galvanized pond, since I wasn't sure. After 5 years the fish began dying.

The paint was chipping off the pond, I think the goldfish were ingesting paint with the algae. I decided they were dying from the paint. I broke down the pond, fitted it with an EPDM liner and refilled and restocked, and the fish began dying.

I finally realized that they were eating flake food that was 10 years old. :o

If you can find a black Rubbermade stock tank, you can skip this question entirely.

Meanwhile, I've had people tell me that the galvanizing is not a problem.

I did see the tank that was painted rust eventually on the rim. If looks are important, I'd suggest lining with the EPDM from the start. An 8'x10' piece from JustLiners.com, cut a circle and one long rectangle, then fit and glue with the stuff they sell. I used the tube of sealant, the tape might be prettier as it tends to curl at the seams the way I did it.

The pond that I've installed at the elementary school science garden has no liner or paint, I figure that it will be discarded in 5 or 10 years and replaced.

[aquariaddictus]

The zinc used in the galvanizing process willl kill the fish. You can paint over it, but I like the Rubbermaid idea - mine is 300 gallons, and very sturdy.
judy

[ChilDawg]

That's a good thing to know...I'll be doing a Rubbermaid container pond if that's what my mom would like...

[demon_surfer]

where can i get one of these 300 gallong rubber maids?

[aquariaddictus]

Your local farm supply store (well, maybe it's not local, but worth the drive) Not sure if anyone would ship you one - the biggest I've seen online are 150 gallons.
judy