Goldfish pool/pond

Hey all, I've been interested in getting goldfish for quite some time, but it can get quite pricey with normal tanks/stand/tank dimensions, etc. So it popped into my head about a potential indoor pool or pond that would be good. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for something like this. Would a simple blow up pool work? Something thats long but quite shallow? Was looking for something hopefully under $100. Just seems like too with the pool or pond route, you would be able to fit more fish in as well and really get some good colors going. Thanks you!

 

I wouldn’t use anything blow up for a pond but I’ve seen lots of goldfish builds using the “rubbermaid stock tanks” for indoor/outdoor uses. It wont be see through but they come in different shapes and sizes depending on the gallons of water. Farm and fleet online has 100gal for about $90

 

You have a few options to look at here and what would be best for you depends on a few things like availability in your area, what kind of goldfish you watch, how many, etc.

Stock Tank
Usually sold as troughs for farm animals food and water. Can be found in sizes from 40 gallons up to over 300. Come in plastic and galvanized steel. The plastic ones over 100 gallons typically have a plug in the bottom side wall to drain and fill them with that you could easily attach a filter intake to. Generally very sturdy and is made to stand on its own.

Preformed Pond
The plastic or fiberglass shells made to put into the ground. Come in cool shapes with variation in depth. Come in many different volumes, the largest I've seen personally was 250 gallons. Will not be able to stand on its own long term, will need to be reinforced with a wooden frame or it will bow and eventually could crack.

Steel Frame Pool
Fairly popular among goldfish keepers. Cheapest option is 4ft x 4ft x 1ft and holds 96 gallons. Quick and easy set up. Generally more available than other options, often can be found second hand at the end of summer. Fairly easy to get your hands on repair supplies if the need arises. Light coloured liner can be prone to algae and isn't always the most aesthetically pleasing.

DIY Pond
Most labor intensive option obviously. Frame is built with wooden planks then sheets are attached to the inner area to provide smooth surface for the pond. Most expensive option unless you already have a lot of wood laying around. I have also seen people use bricks and cinderblocks instead of wood. Either pond lining or epoxy is used to cover the entirety of the inner portion. Insulation foam can be placed in gaps of frame. Exterior can be painted or stained however you see fit.

General Tips
Always make sure your floor can actually handle the weight before attempting to put a pond in. Basements are generally the best bet.
Consider making a lid of some sort to keep evaporation and humidity down. Placing a fan or dehumidifier near the pond will also help but can be noisy. Opting not to do anything can result in a very damp room prone to mildew and mold.
Seal any and all wood before putting water into the pond.
Consider putting a sheet of insulation foam under the pond to help keep the temperature consistent.
Judge the size of your pond off the full grown adult size of the fish you plan to keep.
Consider putting live plants into the pond the help with filtration as running such a powerful pump all the time can get very expensive.


I currently have a preformed pond holding 3 goldfish in my basement. It's technically my dads and was meant to be temporary so we didn't build a whole frame for it. We are currently looking to replace it with a more permanent stock tank of similar size as it is bowing quite a bit.

 

SolidGoldAquatics uses these and they're pretty cheap $20

Intex 57173EP 4ft x 4ft x 12in Miniature Outdoor Frame Beginner Teaching Above Ground Square Kiddie Swimming Pool for Ages 3 and Up, Blue

skip to the 4:00 minute mark.

 

Thank you all! Quite helpful tips!