i remember seeing a planter that, at the time i thought was so very cool (this was about 3 years ago). it was made to hold a planted tree with a ring around it for a goldfish pond.

if you imagine a donut, then thats the look of it. the inside donut hole was for a 12inch dia plant pot, and another foot or so ring all the way around for a pond.
it also had an edge that was about 6-8inches, that could be used as a sitting place around the edge.
it was approx 3-3.5 foot diameter and 18-24 inches high. i have no idea of how many gallons it would hold. more than 10 maybe less than 30

i rent. i cannot dig a hole in my yard. i live on the second floor, so putting a container on the lawn, loses some of its specialness.
my deck on the second floor (~30x10) is on the south side (full excruciating sun in summer) it has no shade (none zip nada, except for a large hanging umbrella)

ok, so i thought this was cool, because i could have put a tree in there to shade the water somewhat, and i could have a couple small comets (i wasnt even considering koi)

has anyone seen something like this it their home depot center? what were your thoughts on it, or if you havent seen one, what are your thoughts in general.

i have been thinking that this year, i would weave a shelter out of plant material(think grapevine look) to run from the house to the edge or the deck 6'x10' at 7' high, just to break the sun and i have already planted some morning glories in large planters to grow up the sides (plus trellis) to also offer some side shade. (if morning glories dont work, i'll try beans plants, or something..

we've lived here 6 years and i've yet to enjoy my deck in summer.
we tried a canopy, but the wind ate it (wasnt even a big wind)
removable tarps i hated them.,(bless my husband)
last year we got the big hanging umbrella.
this year, i found a wonderful chair table set.. the chairs rock and swivel and **sigh** will be so nice.
but i'd love to have some water too.
i'll take opinions on if a pond container would work with the heat on the deck.
and would consider just a water garden if the fish would be in danger.

-tooterfish

Tooter, having a deck to put some things like plants, a seating area and, YES, some fish, sounds really nice and relaxing. I know, I couldn't be without the sound of splashing water anymore, no way!
I wonder, from what you are discribing (no, haven't seen anything like that yet), it sounds like it doesn't have much gallonage. DId you consider getting some horse feeding throughs instead? They come in all different sizes, are very durable, yet easy to carry around (I rolled a 300 gl thing over the lawn all by myself a few days ago). That way you could accomodate so much more fish, and the greater water mass would keep the temperature more stable than a little 10-30 gl container.
TractorSupplyStore

Not shown on the picture is the 300 gl rubbermaid, which I personally prefer, since they hold the most water, and are still under 200$. I just wouldn't be sure if such a heavy setup (a gallon of water weighs around 8 lb, plus decor, plus fish) os odea; for a second floor deck....


All of those rubbermaid come with a sealable hole on the bottom, onto wich I installed a simple ball valve for easy water change....

wow, that is awesome! I soooooooo can't wait to get my own place!

Tell me about it!! I couldn't imagine it any other way...Of course, no restrictions from any landlord does not exactly help in the expansion of the fish addiction!

LOL I'm sure

I live with my boyfriend and his parents and granted there is tons of land to make a pond and plenty of room for a small indoor pond... they would have a heart attack lol. They really don't have the money and I think they would expell a gold brick if I tried to set up an indoor pond! I definitely like the rubbermaid idea, I'll have to check around and price things out, I know I could set one up once me and my b/f move in with my cousin lol.