Former owners had 2 goldfish "tanks" put in on our patio....

Judy
by Judy
We don't want fish to care for, but don't have money to do a new patio. How can we make this patio more user friendly on a tiny budget? It is a large area of unused space, that collects leaves from our beautiful shade trees! And I would love to have the space to use. As is, the space is very disconnected and in small segments.

View of full patio. One fish tank is directly under the windows on the left. The other one is near the outer edge of the patio on the right, right behind the smoker grill
Fish tank on the left, larger of the two.
Tank on the right, smaller one.
Side view of patio, that shows both tanks.
  10 answers
  • Delora Creech Delora Creech on Jun 13, 2017

    fill them with dirt and grow flowers or vegies or herbs

  • Denise Denise on Jun 13, 2017

    Make it a seating area. Then throw some pretty outdoor pillows on it.

  • Rhayge Queen Rhayge Queen on Jun 13, 2017

    I was thinking sitting area with storage as well.

  • Caseyem11 Caseyem11 on Jun 13, 2017

    can you plant it?

  • Martha Martha on Jun 13, 2017

    id fill with dirt and use for vegetables if dont have space for garden or if u do deff lots of flowers!

  • Lily Schlender Lily Schlender on Jun 13, 2017

    I would take off the whole patio, porch and 2 fish tanks. Remove the wall with all those windows and you could add a nice big addition for a family room. Depending on what is behind the windows (kitchen?) Lots of room in your yard for a nice trex deck off the addition. That's what i see on your house.

  • Goldrushgal Goldrushgal on Jun 13, 2017

    I would add dirt and plant the larger one. The smaller tank would make a nice water fountain. Paint black inside, fill with water and add a fountain pump. You could also add under water lights or a few water plants. The sound of moving water would be very nice.

  • Kaj24142248 Kaj24142248 on Jun 13, 2017

    I would not have water this close to the house wall. It may not leak now but who knows in the future. You can use as a planter if you plant the plants in pots with a vapour barrier near the wall. I'd go with the storage idea and put nice cushions on it. Low maintenance that way.

  • Jennifer Jennifer on Jun 13, 2017

    Hmmm , I see a stepping stone type path to a wooden platform under a pergola or canopy of some sort with seating whether it is for dining or just hanging out. Add potted plants in a variety of sizes and colors. Solar lighting would be nice to have on the path, maybe string lights in the trees, under the canopy and along the deck area.

    The fish tanks could be used as storage for cushions/pillows. To cover the fish tank up you could use wood to build around the tanks and top or sale them then plant something with some color there.

    I think it definitely needs to be brightened up, some rugs, pillows cushions with color would do wonders for your big backyard!

    Whatever you decide to do make it yours,you know what makes you happy and comfortable!!

  • Kris29 Kris29 on Jun 13, 2017

    Ideally, remove all the brick from the tanks and the brick around your porch & steps. Paint that side of your house either a white wash to mute all the red brick or pick a color & paint. Add benches & large potted plants if it looks too open. Add a dining area and put up a pergola. If you can do it yourself I see under $1000, if you hire someone close to $3-$5k.