Filtration + Pump Setup for 50 Gallon 'Pond'

[LedCorduroy]

I am hoping folks can point me in the right direction for a filtration + pump setup for a small pre-formed 'pond' I just installed.

It's a tiny pond, only 50 gallons, and sits pretty much in full afternoon and evening sun. At its deepest, it is 18" and has a shallower "ledge" on one end.

I was going to add just a few plants and a few small fish to eat bugs and larvae. I don't plan on a waterfall, but wanted something to just kind of bubble at the surface to create a bit of splashing noise and to prevent the water from being completely stagnant.

Obviously, there are tons of options for filtration and pump setups. I feel like most of what I've come across feels like overkill for a 50 gallon setup, while less expensive options seem to present longevity concerns. I had looked into some of the 'all in one' systems, but I worry those might be too large for my pond and take up most of the space.

I was hoping to spend somewhere around $150 for a filter and pump system, but am open to higher price points, especially if I would be getting added convenience and ease of use.

I also would like to avoid DIY options right now; I just don't have the time, unfortunately, to invest in that kind of system (from what I've seen online, anyway).

Thanks!

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome!

 

[j.w]

Not sure what to put for filtration in such a small pond. I like the Laguna brand for pumps but not sure they make anything that small.
Anyways

@LedCorduroy

 

[IPA]

What zone do you live in? Do you have to worry about freezing?
I have had, and have a small preform pond, in addition to a little larger bog pond. Currently I am using a filter box and a very small pump, attached to a short piece of tubing so water breaks the surface (important). I’ve used a SmartPond pond aerator, overkill, but the aerator part kept pond from freezing. I purchased that at Lowe’s in a panic one winter. They also sell an all in one that sits in the pond with UV for just a little more.
Tetra, Danner/Pond Master, and Laguna all have pumps with filter boxes.
Personally on such a small pond I get the smallest all-in-one with UV that sits in the pond as it will be difficult to add enough plants to fight the algae.

 

[LedCorduroy]

I live in Columbus, OH and we're zone 6.

I don't spending a bit. I just don't really know what to spend it on. There are some affordable all-in-ones that have UV that I've seen. I've also seen folks kind of bash them, but maybe not necessarily in a 50-gallon pond context (if that makes sense).

 

[Mayank]

It's funny. We just redid our little 50 gallon pond. I'll post pics of the old setup first.

 

[Mayank]

Now the redo that we did on that preform container. We moved the lily to our bigger (1800 gallon) pond on our back patio and were going to close/decomission the front pond but decided to move it closer to the house and change the style a bit.