I use submersible filters hidden under the false bottom or canister filters. I don't always close the land off away from the land, especially when using a false bottom. Only if I plan to keep some form of aquatic life in the pond area, do I block it off and I use fiberglass screening for that.

Hate to hear you're going to break up terra cotta pots for drainage! Never tell a plant guy that! Lol it can be economical, but if you consider a 50lb bag of lava rock is about $5 at Home Depot, maybe not

No, you do not need to seal expanding foam. But unless you want a yellow foam background, you'll want to cover it with something.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk