Need input on a porch pond for large Goldfish

[Brainsponge]

I'm trying to get my inherited common goldfish(I think) into a bigger better habitat. There are three of them. Approx sizes are 5", 7", and 8". After some research and input on a previous post, I've decided to go with a 110gal above ground pond on the porch. I'll be using a black 110gal stock tank. Looking for some input on filtration, substrate, plants, lighting? As of now I plan on using two large sponge filters. Course pool filter sand for the substrate. I'm looking for any input on these choices or other options from anyone who has experience with anything like this. Thanks

[Zenzo]

On 11/29/2022 at 11:35 AM, Brainsponge said:

I'm trying to get my inherited common goldfish(I think) into a bigger better habitat. There are three of them. Approx sizes are 5", 7", and 8". After some research and input on a previous post, I've decided to go with a 110gal above ground pond on the porch. I'll be using a black 110gal stock tank. Looking for some input on filtration, substrate, plants, lighting? As of now I plan on using two large sponge filters. Course pool filter sand for the substrate. I'm looking for any input on these choices or other options from anyone who has experience with anything like this. Thanks

 

I have done this a couple of times. One system that I built was around 120 gallons, and more recently a porch pond that is around 500 gallons (you can see them on my channel). As far as lighting, you shouldn't need anything if it gets at least some sunlight during the daytime. If your porch is covered, you may need something for live plants that you may have in the system. Filtration options should be the same for any other tank. I use kind of a natural above pond sump with plants in it (where water is pumped up, trickles through the filter and plants, and pours back into the pond). You can even do something as simple as a sponge filter.

As far as substrate, I would think that bare bottom may be the way to go. Easier to clean, etc.

Plants - anything that can survive outdoor temps and won't get eaten. I have floating water lettuce and hornwort that my koi and goldfish leave alone. I have a big landscape-type bog plant in my filter. I have even done fruit, vegetables, and herb plants in the filter before. 

 

[Brainsponge]

Thanks for the input Zenzo. Watched your videos on it and I like the filter. I'll have to start with a couple of sponge filters but I'm going to take some time and plan out a scaled down version of the Aquaponic sump on my 110. Limited space on the front porch but I should be able to make a smaller one work. Already have a bunch of green onions on my back porch and some lava rocks. Thanks again

[PineSong]

Those goldies are chonkers! They are going to be lucky fish with the upgrade!

[Brainsponge]

On 11/29/2022 at 6:30 PM, PineSong said:

Those goldies are chonkers! They are going to be lucky fish with the upgrade!

They're definitely thick. All three together equal an extremely efficient defecation station. Hoping to put all that bio fuel to use with an aquaponic filter setup and grow some veggies. The upgrade should make them happier and just so happen to free up another tank. Win, win, win