Kitchen sink micro-pond

Hello, this is my very first official Permies post I could not find a similar topic, so hopefully this is not a duplicate.
I have been trying to find a way to upcycle a stainless kitchen sink (double basin).
We have a large garden, no livestock.

What I was really hoping for is to make some sort of in-ground micro-pond for wildlife, but don't know if this is feasible or ever been done. Our soil is mostly clay and we get plenty of rain, zone 6B if that matters. We also have lots of stones and a stream to collect water from (or ways to collect rainwater) to fill the pond.

Welcome to Permies!
I'd say try it and see, it's a low risk experiment.
I've seen small water features made out of big pots, why not a sink?

I have a mini pond about that size. I think it’s 30-35 gal. It gets dirty pretty fast so far but I put a lily pad in the other day. Hopefully that will help clear it up. From what I’ve seen only bugs are using it atm. It has some big rocks so there’s ledges for birds or lizards etc to get in and out.

I thought it be a big hit and really help my garden. So far that doesn’t seem to be the case. I still like messing with it though. Hopefully wildlife takes a bigger interest but if not it’s calming to me.

I say give it a try! Good luck

This sounds great!
How would you plug the drain hole?

Thank you for your kind responses.

William Bronson: I have not thought of the logistics yet, such as how I would plug up the holes! I plan to look at some more micro-pond examples in previous threads for inspiration.
My main reason for wanting to upcycle is throwing the sink out is wasteful (also expensive for trash haul!).

Joe Hallmark: I hope you get some friends to move to your pond soon! I can really relate, as I bought some tufa toad motels. I see toads all around, but never anywhere near these which were intended for them. I tried different locations with no luck. However, lizards love sitting on top of them.

A picture and some measurements would be helpful. (depth, width and length), as I've seen plenty of variability in "double sinks".

Were you thinking in-ground (which will help moderate the water temperature) or above ground (which might help with management)?

If the baskets are still attached to the bottom of the sink, a big glop of  pure silicone caulk will probably be enough.
You could also try   about a half inch of  water stop cement in the bottom of each.

Jay Angler wrote:A picture and some measurements would be helpful. (depth, width and length), as I've seen plenty of variability in "double sinks".

Were you thinking in-ground (which will help moderate the water temperature) or above ground (which might help with management)?

Jay Angler: I don't have current measurements or a picture handy. I am definitely thinking in-ground and I hope to disguise the sink itself as much as possible.

Brilliant idea! You won't believe the bird life that permanent water will draw in -- especially in dry times. Native pollinators too. Build in various bathing shelves and access points, to create a safe space where everybody can get a drink and have a splash.

Did you ever get this project underway? I have a bathroom sink basin I’m trying to make into a pond or bird bath, but having a hard time plugging the drain hole with just regular plugs. Seems to be impossible without the fittings. Wondering how you did it?

If you can find "aquarium sealer" at your local hardware store, that should help to seal the plug in the sinks you're hoping to use as in ground mini pools.  It is a clear silicone, fast drying time, and with lower "icky" voc stuff.  What I have seen in the past came in a small hand tube, no caulking gun needed.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Peace

Brie Lynn wrote:Did you ever get this project underway? I have a bathroom sink basin I’m trying to make into a pond or bird bath, but having a hard time plugging the drain hole with just regular plugs. Seems to be impossible without the fittings. Wondering how you did it?

Brie, sadly, I did not get the project done yet. It has been a really busy summer. We still have the sink!

Brie Lynn wrote: I have a bathroom sink basin I’m trying to make into a pond or bird bath, but having a hard time plugging the drain hole with just regular plugs.

I would suggest the toe of an old sock filled with soil and slimy stinky bio-goo from the bottom of your compost bucket. They will stop up the drain smartly.