I got an itch to do something crazy.

[tknjk]

Ok so I have been pondering digging a small to medium size pond.
No reason inparticular, just bored, and need a project. I thought
it would be nice to have a little goldfish pond. I got to talking it
over with a buddy of mine, and decided that I would look into doing
an above ground pool pond. The purpose of the pond would be to
catch channel catfish, sunfish, and minnows, and other small
fishes, and stock it with those, and let the catfish grow, and eat
them. It's probably no more economical than just buying them, or
sitting on the bank all day, and fishing for them, but I like the idea
of doing projects that promote self sufficiency.

I don't have tons of room, but I think I found a pool that would
work, and for the price I am willing to spend. What I am looking
for is the pro's, and con's of doing something like this. I live fairly
close to a lake that I can go to, and cast net for shad, and sunfish
on a regular basis to feed the catfish, and fish pellets dont' cost that
much around here either. I don,t know how I would filter it, or wether
or not I would even need much filtration. I just need all the advice
on this project I can get..

Here is the pool in question.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10715079&findingMethod=rr

 

[tknjk]

18 views, and no advice.

 

[nitsua98]

Well, I have the 10' pool that you are looking at. I have had it set up since around October...Just recently got it running good enough to stock larger fish. It is a sturdy pool, but I am not sure about having a bunch of catfish swimming around in it? I doubt they would do anything, but who knows...
For filtration, you definitely want some kind...I have the pump that comes with it hooked up to a big barrel filled with lava rock and filter floss. It works pretty well, contrary to what most will claim on here. The pump, by itself, does absolutely nothing but move a small about of water around. It needs some kind of bio filtration added. I also have a large powerhead in to circulate the water better.
All in all, it is a great pool. If you can wait, after summer they go on sale for really cheap. I got mine for $50!

 

[tknjk]

I was thinking about putting sand in the bottom, and using plants. I guess I could make a big filter out of a barrel or something.
You think the catfish would poke through the sides or something?

 

[basslover34]

Alot of Catfish owners end up with one of these at one point in time and most end up taking them down PDQ as they are subject to leaking BUT they bring them down because they are keeping them inside their house and don't care for the water on the floor... if your using it outside then I don't see a problem using it for a longer term housing though.

Catfish arn't going to put any holes in these but if you are worried about it then you could always put a second liner inside of it. Personally I would rather just dig the hole and put a nice 45 ml liner in there... makes it MUCH more appealing to the eye and cost is going to be the same or less. JMO though

 

[Muske]

Pool should hold up. Since you already started digging, and would probally need a second liner in the pool. Keep digging and through the liner in and make a nice natural looking pond for the kitties.