1/2 Barrel - gravel and plants question

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oups.com...
Thanks for the replies so far.

It sounds like I can get either the small river rock pebbles or the pea
gravel from the construction section. Which one is better?

## I use all sizes for different things but I don't use them in my barrels.
Why? Because they get foul very fast and are hard to clean. I leave the
bottom bare.

Is the
pebble smooth surface preferred or gravel rough surface? Anything
related to beneficial bateria here?

## I read that bacteria more easily colonize a rough surface.

Still debating about the sunken pots vs lining the bottom of the barrel
with soil, how thick a layer of soil do I need? Can I use regular
nursery pots instead of the aquatic pots (more holes).

## The plants will do best if you lined the barrel with soil and planted
them in that. Any pot can be used just make sure there are HOLES in and
around the bottom.

It might be
easier to plant with the bottom soil layed out than having about a
gallon pot for each plant, right?

## Easier? No matter how you do it there is maintenance involved.

I am thinking of using a regular nursery pot up side down and cutting a
door out for the fish to hide in the shade and also use as a "plant
shelf".

## Yep! I've done that! :-)

I have trouble locating a dwarf water lily. Can I get a regular water
lily? Where do I look for these because aquarium stores don't sell
floating plants.

## Skip the water lily if you already have other plants already - and
something to move the water.

I have read about they don't like ripples, the pump valve adjustable
and I am running it for aeration, I could make it very gentle if
needed.

## But a normal water lily (non mini) can get over 6' across. I find they
don't do all that well in barrels as the leaves start to fall over the edge,
break, burn and turn brown. They need a lot of surface area to thrive.

I am in Northern California do you think I can run it during the winter
here? It might get to 32F at the coldest point of the year, but with
the fountain pump I don't think it would freeze.

## Make sure what you buy are HARDY. Avoid the tropicals as few (none?)
will survive 32F even for one night. None of mine ever did. Hold the water
lilies until you can dig a regular pond of at least 300 to 500 gallons. Or
you can sink a 150 $9.99 kiddy pool from Wal*Mart. Line it with a black
drop cloth, add 4 or 5" of soil and plant the lily right in the bottom. :-)

Thanks again

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