Building a Self-Sustaining Goldfish Pond?

Question

I want to build a self-sustaining goldfish pond. I would like it to be about 10-14 feet around and a foot and a half deep. It can't be any deeper because of my younger siblings and cousins.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should go about doing it? What about brands you find work best in liners or other supplies? What should I stay away from?
What other things can I put in it? like snails or other fish. No koi, please.
What about algae/ammonia/nitrate ETC control?
Any idea on what it may cost?

Thanks!
Fish Whisperer.

Thanks for the tips. I do live in an area with a lot of racoons. But I was going to build a top anyway because of the little kids.

Answer 1

wow... this could be a long anwer as there are entire books written on the subject of self sustaining ponds. Here are some things to consider.

Food. If you don't feed them where will they get food?

Young. If they spawn, what will prevent overcrowding in the pond?

Invaders. Should the pond have a frog problem, what will control the frogs?

The first and biggest mistake people make when trying something like this is overstocking the pond. For a pond your size you will be talking about 2-3 common goldfish or 4-5 fancies. Plus maybe a small predator fish like a sunfish that would control frogs and baby goldfish. Obviously he would be added later as the goldfish age. Yes add a few snails, but be very, very careful to add the right snails. Nothing that will over crowd the pond and nothing that simply won't breed and would leave you without snails in a few years.

For a self sustaining approach, I would not recommend a liner at all. Nor a filter obviously as that requires maintainance.

Plants should be abundant, but not very fast growing. Only enough growth to help feed the fish, but plenty to help oxygenate the water.

Because of the lack of equipment needed, these type ponds are quite cheap to build, just research closely and really plan very carefully.

MM

Answer 2

You can get everything you will need at a larger pet store. Don't forget that if you live in an area that has any Raccoons you will also have to make a screen for the top. Otherwise all you will be doing is feeding the Raccoons...

Answer 3

if you go to ratemyfishtank.com it will give you great supplies and tell you what fish are compatible with eachother