New to the game...

[Pondemonium!]

Hello, all.
40yo, avid aquarist, father of 2 looking to get into the pond game.
The Kids LOVE our aquariums so I'm looking to transition to the great outdoors and set up a tiny 40 gallon above ground "pond" in the backyard.
I will be converting an old tank to make the pond.
WISH ME LUCK!!!

 

[addy1]

Bigger is better, esp for an outside pond. Small ones can easily overheat dependent on where you have it.

And welcome to our group!

 

[Big Lou]

Welcome and I'll also suggest you go bigger. Small small ponds quickly get too hot and too over loaded. Lot's of help here on the forum.

 

[Pondemonium!]

Welcome and I'll also suggest you go bigger. Small small ponds quickly get too hot and too over loaded. Lot's of help here on the forum.

Thanks for the response Lou.
I plan on having the aquarium completely surrounded by brick, with only the top visible, with insulation between plexi and brick. The spot I'm putting it in gets about 5-6 hours of sun a day. I could build shade if need be... Thoughts?

 

[Tula]

Welcome to our friendly pond forum I agree, 40 gallons is too small, especially as it'll be above ground.

 

[Pondemonium!]

Welcome to our friendly pond forum I agree, 40 gallons is too small, especially as it'll be above ground.

Hi, Tula...
So smaller should go in ground?

 

[sissy]

Welcome and pond will depend on where you live and what you want in the pond.They can heat up fast and freeze solid and crack .

 

[Pondemonium!]

No chance of freezing here.
Heating up fast? YES!
I may be in over my head...
Thanks for the response.

 

[Pondemonium!]

Welcome and pond will depend on where you live and what you want in the pond.They can heat up fast and freeze solid and crack .

Oops...
Response below...er, above.
I'm a noober here... and forums in general.
Sorry

 

[sissy]

ok .Seems we all start up small and we go bigger and bigger .I also have stock tanks besides my pond .It still gets cold here enough to freeze and summers are hot

 

[Pondemonium!]

ok .Seems we all start up small and we go bigger and bigger .I also have stock tanks besides my pond .It still gets cold here enough to freeze and summers are hot

I've seen the term "stock tank" a few times now. Different meaning in pond terms as opposed to aquarium hobby?

 

[Big Lou]

A stock tank is a tank generally used to hold water for cattle.

Respectfully, I do not think anyone will recommend using a plexiglass tank for a pond. Plan for success. Have a look a the showcases here on the forum. There you will see a wide variety of ponds. Goggle garden ponds. Look, look, look. There are an endless number of pond possibilities. Now is the time for you to explore multitude factors. Consider the following.

• Determine the purpose for your pond - fish, nature, water feature
• The impact of your climate
• Your subsoil
• Pond site. Full sun, partial shade, full shade
• Near trees, under trees, away from trees
• Expected or desired level of maintenance
• Fish, no fish, little fish, big fish, how many fish
• Natural predators
• Budget
• DIY or contractor
• Long or short term commitment
• Maximum investment
• Ongoing maintenance budget
• Esthetics
• Available site
• Dimensions
• Fish to pond size ratio

 

[Pondemonium!]

A stock tank is a tank generally used to hold water for cattle.

Respectfully, I do not think anyone will recommend using a plexiglass tank for a pond. Plan for success. Have a look a the showcases here on the forum. There you will see a wide variety of ponds. Goggle garden ponds. Look, look, look. There are an endless number of pond possibilities. Now is the time for you to explore multitude factors. Consider the following.

• Determine the purpose for your pond - fish, nature, water feature
• The impact of your climate
• Your subsoil
• Pond site. Full sun, partial shade, full shade
• Near trees, under trees, away from trees
• Expected or desired level of maintenance
• Fish, no fish, little fish, big fish, how many fish
• Natural predators
• Budget
• DIY or contractor
• Long or short term commitment
• Maximum investment
• Ongoing maintenance budget
• Esthetics
• Available site
• Dimensions
• Fish to pond size ratio

YIKES!!!

 

[Big Lou]

Sorry for the shock. You can do it!

 

[Pondemonium!]

Sorry for the shock.

Yeah, Looks Like the tank will become a simple noise maker and I have A LOT of thinking/research to do...
Thanks.