100gal stock pond for goldfish - how can I keep it outlet free?

[cideon]

To explain, I have my eye on a Rubbermaid 100gal watering trough at the local animal feed store, which I want to use as a pond for my 3 comet goldfish (1 about 6 inches, the others about 5). Currently they're in a 40gal breeder just until I can move them out. I live in west Texas (desert region), so winter nights lowest about 30/40 and summer days around 100+. Is this going to be OK, or is it too drastic a temp change? I was planning to put the pond next to a shed, so that it would get morning sun and a little noon, but not much evening sun.

The other main concern I have is that I have NO outlets outside that work. What supplies (brands and products) could I get for a solar powered filter or whatnot? Could I counterbalance with plants alone? With any setups suggested, would I be able to add something like white clouds or guppies without overstocking?

Thanks much!

 

[joe jaskot]

As far as the temperature goes, you would be much better off burying the rubbermaid stock tank in the ground. It will keep the temperature more stable. The cooler temperatures are no problem for the goldfish. They can remain outdoors all winter as long as the surface of the stock tank does not freeze solid. It is the higher water temperatures that would cause problems. Having floating plants in the pond will keep the water temperature cooler. As far as no electrical outlets, that would be a problem with the goldfish. I wouldn't keep goldfish without a filter of some sort. Haven't heard of any solar powered filters that work 24/7. Unless the solar powered filter had a strong battery pack to work at night and on days when the sun doesn't shine, I don't see how it would be feasible to use a solar filter. The only solution I can think of is to get a powerful air pump made for ponds and run an airline from indoors to the pond and operate some air driven sponge filters. You can keep small fish in a rubbermaid stock tank without filtration as long as there are plenty of plants in the stock tank. This can only be done seasonally for tropical fish. Fish would have to be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

An addition thought: Have you considered the 150 or 300 gallon stock tanks (Bigger is Better).

 

[kenjivaj]

Wow your going to do all this for 3 goldfish. Anyway the rubbermaid can not stay in sunlight at all. The tank will be to hot for the fishes in the summer. You can buy a solar pump to run your setup. Build or buy an filter for it. For 3 goldfish you don't really need the pump working at night. You can buy the 100gallon stock rubbermaid tank at Cosco Store. It sells for $60 only. Some Cosco might not carry them. I see them at mine store.


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