I want to start a small pond

[ceejayt2k]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to start a small pond in my backyard less than 50 gallons and I am new to this. I would prefer not to use any type of filtration, I would like to use plants and maybe a shrimp or maybe fish. I have several questions in regards to my project and wanted some advice before proceeding.

1. Mosquitoes are one of my biggest concern since the pond will be stagnant. Again, I don't want to use anytype of filtration in the backyard. What can I do to help prevent mosquitoes from thriving in the pond. Could I use some small mosquitoe eating fishes and where can I find them?

2. Since the pond is going to be small, should I be concerned at all in regards to the water warming up and killing the plants? If I should, what could I do to prevent it from occurring?

3. I live in a fairly cool climate temperatures range from 50 to 80 deg F throughout the year. Will my pond turn green and what can I do about it?

These are only a few a my questions and I am sure more questions will come up as I get closer to starting my project. I have never had a pond before and any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ceejay

 

[ceejayt2k]

Do I really need to have a filter or pump in the tank? Would a filtration system even be necessary?

 

[Bigg fish]

it really depends on wut fish u plan to keep in ure pond ive made and bought several im a firm believere in at least having a pump and some type of water flow for airation if no bubbler at least a water drop also the flow of water should keep mesquitos down but that is just wut i have done at this time i have no pond so trial and error have always been my companion!lol

 

[ceejayt2k]

it really depends on wut fish u plan to keep in ure pond ive made and bought several im a firm believere in at least having a pump and some type of water flow for airation if no bubbler at least a water drop also the flow of water should keep mesquitos down but that is just wut i have done at this time i have no pond so trial and error have always been my companion!lol

thanks for the response. I plan to use white cloud to help decrease the amount of mosquitoes. I also checked and my county pest control and has a pest contral program and they provide free fish for ponds. I started my pond and have a lot of frogbit and Water Hyacinth in the pond. I also used old water from my 300 gallon tank to fill up my small pond.

thanks again for the response. Any other ideas out there?

 

[Warborg]

Rosey Reds are also good for mosquitoes and stay small. Also be warned of predators in a pond that small, easy catching for them.

 

[ceejayt2k]

Rosey Reds are also good for mosquitoes and stay small. Also be warned of predators in a pond that small, easy catching for them.

Thanks Warborg for the information.. appreciate it.

 

[94Gt5.0]

I havent read everyones responses, but Ill put some of my .02 in. I would most definately go bigger than 50G's. One of the biggest problems with first time pond builders is they go too small, and end up going larger in the long run, which costs more, and is twice the work. Im not sure what your budget is, and if you stated it I could help out some more. I would suggest a filter heavily, and even if its a cheapie its better than nothing, especially if you are considering putting fish in it. In my opinion, do a 200G+ setup. You'll need liner(often people have left over liner from large projects), a small pump(which will agetate teh water and kepp the damn mosquites away!), a waterfall setup(easy to make), and an in line filter. Usually the bigger the pond is the easier the maint is on it.

Fwiw, Ive used Sunterra products for my 3000G pond, they are MUCH cheaper than the other companies, and have worked awesome so far.