What can I do with this pond

[Ruturaj]

Moved in to a new house, it has this pond in backyard. Seems like motor was disconnected at some point. I live in west coast of WA state, so weather does get cold in Winter but it rarely snows.

Looking for ideas. I was thinking about building a filter and use original motor if it still works.

 

[danotaylor]

Looks like approx 100-150gal preformed.
Because of your location smaller species of cold water fish would be your best option.
If you want to see them, probably goldfish like comets or shebunkins would be ok

 

[Ruturaj]

Looks like approx 100-150gal preformed.
Because of your location smaller species of cold water fish would be your best option.
If you want to see them, probably goldfish like comets or shebunkins would be ok

Thank you. Comets are definitely my top choice.

 

[Ruturaj]

Currently these guys are living there

 

[phreeflow]

Currently these guys are living there

View attachment 1565055

Those are cooler than comets

 

[danotaylor]

Those are cooler than comets

Is that a newt or salamander? Or are they the same thing?
Cool species either way but very hard to observe in a black pond liner. Can they cohabitate w comets?

 

[Ruturaj]

I have no idea what they are besides being some kind of amphibians. I was cleaning the pond and they got caught in net, picked them up and put them back in.

 

[Cal Amari]

I'd probably go buy another tank to put inside and relocate those guys as indoor pets. hen put comets in the pond.

 

[cannedham]

I had a pond (similar gallons) in the last home I was in. Built a DIY Bog Filter, had a decent amount of plants (floating, submerged, and banks of the pond) and never had nitrates above 5ppm. Can't wait to get back in a house to build my own pond again. Good Luck!

 

[jjohnwm]

I'd definitely leave those newts in the pond; they look like some species of Taricha, which got there under their own steam and are doing well. Leave well enough alone.

The pond is kinda small for more than a couple of goldfish, but two alternatives you could consider depending upon your local weather are Rosy Reds and Medakas (Ricefish). Both of these would be easily visible (unlike most fish species) looking down into the pond. Rosy Reds are easily capable of living under ice in winter, like goldfish. Medakas are not quite as hardy, but still do well with seasonal dips down into the low 50F's or even 40F's. They're both extremely hardy and easy to care for, and both will reproduce freely with no help required from you.