This is beyond helpful, thank you!!
Ok, so the barrel will most likely be plastic. I love the look of a whiskey barrel, but it's easier (and cheaper) for me to get plastic. It would be about 25-30 gallons.
As for direct light, it would get direct light from 8:00 AM until about noon. My wife wants to get a yard umbrella, so that would block the sun completely. Summers here can be brutal.
Something I saw on YT was a barrel pond where someone had drilled a hole and covered the opening with mesh to prevent overflow. That might be something I do as well. We get tons of rain for about 6-8 months.
I've never owned Rice fish, but I've seen videos where Cory showed his outdoor tubs with them. They seem super hardy! I was hoping for a Guppy pond. Would the shade from the umbrella plus plants help keep the water temp below a dangerous level for Guppies?
Thank you so much for the plant breakdown. I had no idea that frogbit was considered invasive here. I have tons of it in my aquariums. I love Ludwigia repens, and I'm obsessed with Hydrocotyle! I'm so glad these are good options. As for the Amazon sword, would that spread if the tub had a cover (mesh or fencer wire)?
The Pickerelweed, Arrum, and Golden Canna look amazing! I'd love to see any of those growing out of the pond. There's so much to consider. I can't thank you enough @clownbaby🙂