So, I was thinking of getting a pond... what do I need to do?

[1oooop]

Well, I've always wanted a pond, so what do I have to do to get one?
I'm planning to have a small one at the middle of my yard, about 30 gallons.:grinyes: so exactly what do I need?

[finsNfur]

That won't give you a lot of room for bigger fish, but if you live in a warmer area you will have more choices for smaller fish. Did you want the pond above ground, or below? How cold does it get in your area, does it drop below freezing? Will the pond be in a sunny location?

[1oooop]

Well, I live in california... currently it is both cold and warm...
the pond should be below ground and in a sunny location

I have RCS in my 10g, can I have them in my pond?

[J double R]

probably not, esp with the winter coming.

[SchizotypalVamp]

You live in Socal, right? First of all, it is illegal to collect native species within the state-this statement just for reference purposes. I would suggest getting a stock tank or a pre-molded pond from green arrow, home depot, lowes, etc(a gardening center). Tubs ponds are extremely easy to set up.

Here is a link to some places you can order native fish from:
http://www.jonahsaquarium.com/JonahSite/fishlist.htm
http://forum.nanfa.org/index.php?showforum=126
http://www.aquaculturestore.com/
(from Noto)

White clouds and guppies will also work. Make sure the fish you get are tough, as small outdoor ponds will naturally undergo much wider temperature variations.

[Notophthalmus]

Remember, no one ever says, "I wish I'd gotten a smaller pond!" Get a pond that is appropriate for the space in which it will be. A 30 gallon in the middle of a yard will look tiny. Also, just like tanks, smaller ponds are subject to more rapid fluctuation in water quality, with the added issue, as Schizo addressed, that they are also subject to rapid fluctuation in temperature.

You may have to save up a bit longer and plan a bit more, but the end result will be worth it.

Your filtration needs depend on your stock. If you have your pond lightly stocked with hardy species, you may need no filtration at all. If you want to keep fancy goldfish, etc., you will need some kind of filter. Which one you get depends on your pond design and your budget. A fountain or waterfall feature can be used as a filter.

Every pond should have plants, in my opinion. They provide food and cover for the fish, stabilize water temperatures, reduce algal growth, remove nitrogenous wastes, and help oxygenate the water. Pond plants come in five basic classes:

Submersed- elodea, hornwort, parrot's feather, etc. These plants usually stay beneath the water's surface. They provide lots of cover and help oxygenate the water.

Floaters- duckweed, water lettuce, water hyacinth, azolla, salvinia, frogbit, etc. These plants float freely on the water's surface. They provide shade and cover.

Floating leaved- water lilies, lotus, floating heart, etc. These plants are somewhat like floaters except they are rooted in the soil. They provide shade and cover.

Emergent- sweetflag, iris, taro, cattail, rushes, sedges, many others. These plants have their roots in the water and their leaves in the air. They are mainly used for decorative value, but they can provide shade and some cover as well.

Marginal- includes most emergents, as well as low-growing moisture lovers like creeping jenny and marsh marigold. This category includes plants that just like their roots wet, but don't like to be as deep in the water as emergents. Can be used right at the edge of the pond and in overflow/ bog garden areas.

Be sure to check your state regulations before ordering any of these- many plants are pests and may be banned in your state. This applies to all plants, but especially to floaters.

[1oooop]

well, if I do get a pond, I will be the first in my neighborhood... :eek:
my yard is small, how will a 30 gallon pond look small?

[Mgamer20o0]

a pool of water...... i have a 300 gal bin and its like nothing.....

[bluerat]

a pond that small in your area come summer time will not take long to get too warm you may end up , i hate to say this but dead critters. if you really want sound advice go to your lfs and ask questions they will give you sound advice for a decent sized pond for your yard

[finsNfur]

Yes, just picture a 30 gallon aquarium buried in your yard. It really isn't that big at all.

[captaincaveman9]

a 30 or even a 55 gallon pond is more of a tripping hazard than a good starter size for a pond. IMO

[Captain Kitty]

If you're really interested but don't want to break the bank, check craigslist in your area for a used (crack free) pre-formed pond. They can be picked up for almost a song. Sometimes you can find pondliners on sale too, just make sure they're UV resistant and MADE for ponds. If your yard is small, a 100 gallon pond only covers about 3x5 feet and is JUST deep enough to keep a couple of fish in. If you go the pond liner route, you can make it deep, with a slightly smaller footprint, but 100 gallons is really the best starting point if you plan to keep fish. Usually, the craigslist people will include the pumps you'll need for water circulation and building a DIY filter is about as easy as DIY's go (5 gallon bucket, pump, filter media, drill for the lines... done). Post pics on what you decide!

[jackiomy]

I have three ponds in SoCal right now. We just had a major crisis in one of them this week. They are all between 30 gal and 100 gal. And to tell you up front I wish I had started with just one larger one. The larger ones do winter better and my fish thrive all year long. (except last week) You have to pay attention to how accessable the pond will be to cats, raccoons and waterbirds. I know some beginner Koi owners who lost all their stock to herons one summer. I have dogs so I haven't had any problems in the 4 years my ponds have been up. And remember you have to have some way to change the water as goldfish especially have large bioloads. I have a small electric pump that I use to get the muck out of the bottom. But it is so rewarding when you see your first dragonfly or hear your first frogs and realize that everything is going as it should in your special little part of nature.