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It's not exactly a pond, It's a 300+ gallon Cow water tank.
I have a few small problems..
first of all, I am in Missouri and the weather stinks here. So I'm not sure if I can keep fish in it. (besides goldfish... I don't want them)
second, I have no way to get any filtration in it so the oxygen level might not be enough for fish.. (I really want fish though!)
I was thinking of keeping lots of plants in it to act as the filtration. I want to keep platys/danios/white cloud minnows in it, and yes I am prepared to catch them and bring them inside every time the weather is bad.
So is this going to work out???
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on. 
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Hi Lily,
Are you planning for the tank to rest on the surface of your yard or are you going to dig a hole and drop it in?
In my experience with cattle stock tanks, I have found most leak around the drain plug. Enough so that it requires sealing or the insertion of a drain valve. In farm use, a little seepage is no big deal but it’s unacceptable when using the tank for fish.
In Missouri (the I-70, K.C. to St. Louis corridor), you will need a caged heater to enjoy an extended outdoor season from mid-April to around Halloween. Northern Missouri has a somewhat shorter season.
Why can’t you have a filter?
Your plants are going to love the outdoors. Many grow emerged and bloom. Your fish selection is good also consider American-Flag Fish. They are perfect for an outdoor pond.
Please don’t forget safety considerations with an outdoor pond. Good luck with your planning! SGN
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[quote]Stephen G. Noble (2/28/2011)
Hi Lily,
Are you planning for the tank to rest on the surface of your yard or are you going to dig a hole and drop it in?
In my experience with cattle stock tanks, I have found most leak around the drain plug. Enough so that it requires sealing or the insertion of a drain valve. In farm use, a little seepage is no big deal but it’s unacceptable when using the tank for fish.
In Missouri (the I-70, K.C. to St. Louis corridor), you will need a caged heater to enjoy an extended outdoor season from mid-April to around Halloween. Northern Missouri has a somewhat shorter season.
Why can’t you have a filter?
Your plants are going to love the outdoors. Many grow emerged and bloom. Your fish selection is good also consider American-Flag Fish. They are perfect for an outdoor pond.
Please don’t forget safety considerations with an outdoor pond. Good luck with your planning! SGN
[/quote]
It will be above ground that is level.
I have had this cow tank all my life and it doesn't leak. I can't get a filter because I am running very short on money.
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on.
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Is it galvanized steel or structural foam material (plastic like)?
Lots of people use cattle stock tanks as mini-ponds or water features. I have two and use them as holding tanks for all sorts of plants and critters. So yes, it will work. Your season will be limited without a heater. The tank will be a large container garden without filtration. Placing the tank on the surface will make maintenance much easier but the trade off is the extreme summer’s heat even if lots of floating plants are used. I would use non-tropical potted water lilies and perhaps floating water lettuce. The tank is pretty deep so consider elevating the pots. It sounds like a fun project and I hope you will let us know how it goes. Enjoy your fish! SGN
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Glad to see you had this great idea! Just a suggestion on the fish: Depending on what you have around your area, you may be able to collect native fish like mosquito fish. Mosquito fish are a kind of livebearer commonly found in streams and wetlands. They are often used for the great ability to effeciently keep mosquito populations down, as well as maintain any algae growing in the pond. They ive as far up as Illinois, so you could probably find some in some freshwater streams near your area. Good luck withthis neat project!
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Starting Member
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[quote]Stephen G. Noble (3/2/2011)
Is it galvanized steel or structural foam material (plastic like)?
Lots of people use cattle stock tanks as mini-ponds or water features. I have two and use them as holding tanks for all sorts of plants and critters. So yes, it will work. Your season will be limited without a heater. The tank will be a large container garden without filtration. Placing the tank on the surface will make maintenance much easier but the trade off is the extreme summer’s heat even if lots of floating plants are used. I would use non-tropical potted water lilies and perhaps floating water lettuce. The tank is pretty deep so consider elevating the pots. It sounds like a fun project and I hope you will let us know how it goes. Enjoy your fish! SGN
[/quote]
Thanks! maybe I could get my dad to buy me a heater.
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on.
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Starting Member
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A.M anabantoids (3/2/2011)
Glad to see you had this great idea! Just a suggestion on the fish: Depending on what you have around your area, you may be able to collect native fish like mosquito fish. Mosquito fish are a kind of livebearer commonly found in streams and wetlands. They are often used for the great ability to effeciently keep mosquito populations down, as well as maintain any algae growing in the pond. They ive as far up as Illinois, so you could probably find some in some freshwater streams near your area. Good luck withthis neat project!
I want something more colorful than mosquito fish, and the only thing that I could catch around here is slender madtoms.
Thanks for the tip though! 
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on.
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Starting Member
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The cow tank is some type of thick heavy duty plastic. my parents got it long before I was born.
I used to swim in it as a kid.
the tank is red in color. lol so its going to look real natural. 
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on.
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maybe some sunfish or rosy red minnows?
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nano reefs are fun
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Starting Member
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bettacrazy (3/4/2011)
maybe some sunfish or rosy red minnows?
those are awesome fish.
You can call me Lily. thats my nickname on every forum I have ever been on.
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