The Pond~ An Adventure Into the Unknown!

[Cecile1]

So I've finally convinced my parents to set up a pond in the front garden area of my family homestead, and with that said, after 12 hours of work, all but the canister filter is up an running.

I am looking for advice on my layout and if my possible stocking of 2 fancy goldfish will be alright once cycled ( I will have media donated from a friends tank- will it suffice?).

The specs, 6x4x2ish, and was thinking of using an Fluval 303 canister filter. First off, will the canister do the job, its rated at 130 gal an hour, and after the pond has been cycled, would two goldfish be reasonable?

My folks plan on keeping the goldies in an tank as New England winters can be quite harsh, and the pond not that deep.

Anyway, Im looking in for some imput on any possible improvements in the scheme. Thanks all.

[Crispy]

most canisters are not good for ponds because they are made to sit well below the waterline. some are specially made for ponds and are not bad. most commercial pond canisters lack alot of media space though. fluvals are not made for ponds.personally I like getting a good pump and building a simple garbage pail filter. it's just a scaled up bucket filter. cheap, simple, and customizable to your needs. aeonflame posted a great thread on a bucket filter build. not sure how handy you may be, but it's worth a look. a real easy project that will rival the best canisters you can buy for a pond IMO.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=60394

and here is my scaled up version using a garbage pail. lots of room for media.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=91587

[Cecile1]

Thanks Crispy! I will look into the "bucket" filter, this maybe easier to run longterm!

[Crispy]

Thanks Crispy! I will look into the "bucket" filter, this maybe easier to run longterm!

it will definitely be easier. they are so simple to build and maintain.

[RainbowDragon28]

You can always just buy a submersible pump and make your own filter out of a large flower pot. It's what I've been using.

[Tiari]

+1 to DIY. My husband just finished making a filter for our pond out of a dollar store rubbermaid container, and pond pump!

[Cecile1]

I should post up a pic soon, its really turned out nice and the new arrivals seem to be doing well.

[DeadSulphurhead]

What did you end up using as a pump/filter? I strongly recommend against the use of indoor canisters.
+2 for DIY, just buy the pump, and use something like a pot or tub for the filter, being custom, it will be a lot easier to hide and work into your lay out. $20 instead of 200

[rmiller]

Your pond is nearly 360 gallons. You could have several goldies in there during the warm months. The down fall comes with over wintering, you'll have to make sure you have lots of free tank space.

Another tip. Be sure to have lots of floating plants and or a net to keep slower moving fancies protected.

[DeadSulphurhead]

I am a little disappointed that after 12 hours it's only 2 feet deep lol Really limit yourself with stocking. Even 3' makes overwintering much much easier.