I completed construction of this small (140 gal) patio pond a couple of weeks ago. I simply allowed the water to circulate until yesterday - then added in a couple of Goldies (along with Bio-Spira - I believe in that product !). They seem so much happier now than they were in the tanks. I can't see them as well but they see me just fine - swimming up to the surface just to say "Hi" and then disappearing again into the recesses of the pool beneath the waterfall. I will have to add a heater for our upcoming winter - but here in South Louisiana we don't have much of a winter . There are, currently, two large Oranda, a Lionhead, and a small Oranda in the pond. That is all, for now. Later . . . . we'll see.

The "pond" is designed to be a free-standing water trough for livestock. It is water-safe according to the manufacturer and the fish seem to have suffered no ill-effect from the relocation.

I am running a Fishmate filter off of a 450 gph submerged pump (thanks for advice from Ash & Andrea) - which also runs the small fountain. I also have a separate 300 gph pump running the turtle spitter and the waterfall. I also have a single submergeable light that gives the pond a really "cool" look at night.

And, if you look carefully, you will notice an "extra" HOB filter at the front of the pool. This is normally on my small quarrantine tank but since nothing is in that tank (thankfully) I wanted to assist the bio-cycle to get going quicker on the pond so I borrowed this filter for a short-term boost. I have a Pl*co in my small Q-tank normally just to keep the bio-filter going. He is living in the larger Q-tank for now. I will monitor the water and relocate the HOB filter back to its normal place in another week, or so.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of quick pics - still have more aesthetic work to do and I have not added in any plants, yet. I have a water hyacinth and a water lily in their own quarrantine tank right now - should be able to add them this weekend. I have already treated the plants once with PP, will probably do another treatment before introduction into the "pond".

Thanks again for all the advice I got from here during this project.

Another photo.

That looks incredible. Is that one of the rubbermaid stock tanks you used too build it that they sell at the tractor stores? The rock work also looks great. I hope you enjoy it.

Your pond is beautiful. I use the 100 gallon livestock troughs (I have 2 plus a 30 gallon) for my fish to winter in my basement. Enjoy!

Yes, this is made by Tuff Stuff (or something like that) but Rubbermaid makes basically the same thing. We live in a really small town and the selection at our local Feed & Seed store on this type of product is quite limited. We chose this one over the Rubbermaid one only because it was shallower than the Rubbermaid. This one is only about 22" tall and we run the wate a few inches below the rim.

Ahhh, that came out really beautiful. Now I'm jealous that I don't have a patio....wait, I have one outside of my salon....hmmm, wonder if that would be considered a business expense

I really like the way that came out. It has to be so nice having the pond above ground like that so you can just walk right up to it and watch the fish.

I'm glad it all came together for you!

Wow, Larry, you did an incredible job with the pond! It looks really neat with the decorative stones all around.....
Those tubs look just like the ones I usually get from Aquatic ecosystems. Its around $92 for a 160 gl....With the fountain and the waterfall, it looks so peaceful.
I think I march myself to HD tomorrow and get a waterfall, too...
Now, see what you made me do!

Your pond is very nice! You guys just keep giving me ideas for next year. Keep em coming!

Jed, you have so much space, you dont need a tub, you can start digging a hole! Right under your lion fountain! Look at Jedmans pond, and imagine how many fish you can get from Rick to fit int hat one!

This pond will be great for fancy goldfish
likea oranda or telescope