CHEAP DIY Pond Build for Outdoor Fish!

This cheap DIY pond project is SO easy to do and can be completed for less than $1 Dollar Per Gallon!! Enjoy!
Subscribe for more awesome Fish Keeping Videos: bit.ly/2DiCGae
Share this video with a friend:
[ • CHEAP DIY Pond Build f... ]
Check out SC Fish Keeping Merch: bit.ly/2UFLgal
Let’s connect:
Instagram - bit.ly/2L7G6jI
Song: MusicbyAden - Alive
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
Video Link: • MusicbyAden - Alive (V...

[@earsandtayls]

Didn't realise how big it was until he sat in it!!!

[@loveelise7599]

Finally a simple filtration system I can make! Thank you Sir!

[@mrtrix8581]

I really appreciate the edit of u telling ur self to turn on the water

[@michaelbur8776]

I built the same exact one last year for koi. They come inside for the winter. I added LED strip lights under the rim and a small fountain that has a foam filter head. As well as underwater lighting. I looks great at night.

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

I would love to see it

[@digsindirt4490]

I have that tank. It works really well. I've had it in above-ground use for 5 years now and I can say that it's just finally starting to give way (ie bend outward) to the water pressure. I'm in the Texas Gulf Coast where we are hot and humid and the pond is in full sun most of the day. We always planned to install rock wall around the tank to help support it/hide it, but we never did. We plunked it on the ground and never looked back. LOL

[@jamillefrancisco564]

Thanks I was considering getting this but I think I will go for galvanized steal for longevity.

[@eriickson5058]

If you get some bowing you can always buy another one and stack them for maximum support. Still worth the price. Also helps if you put it in the ground with the dirt or sand to help support it.

[@thomaslutz4528]

What fish do you have in it and how do you deal with algae growth? I've been running my setup here in NW Houston for approx. 4 months now. In full sun about 10 hours a day and its practically impossible to keep the water clear of algae. Also starting to worry about what I'm going to do with the fish come winter.

[@bigskiohio191]

My gold fish just freeze up over winter. Ohio. Then come back ta life in spring.

[@jdl728]

side note the best way to prewash rocks is to just make a small hole for the hose to fit in and just wash the rock still in the bag. You can move the bag around and poke small drainage holes.

[@lukeponting5379]

That's how I do it just because I'm lazy

[@pedromedina770]

Just seen your video, nice. My question is about koi fish. I have the basic tank you have, but I have a 50 gallon tank on top, bottom one filtering to top one, than back down to the bottom. I have 4 gold fish all 4", and 5 koi, 3- 9", 2-6". Is that to many on the bottom tank. Filter and pump are great.

[@ranger178]

@@pedromedina770 i have 5 koi and 1 goldfish in an outdoor shallow pond only about 500 gallons and they grow huge unless you never feed them, they are always looking for food would like to have one several times as large for koi. the koi are around 24 to 30 inches and goldfish is about 10 inches. they grew that big in about 5 years.

[@PatEubanks-s1w]

Goldfish

[@joshuawells8197]

This is going to be my summer 2022 project. I have chosen the largest basin that our Tractor Supply has, and in the meantime, I'll be viewing your video many many times before starting it. You make it look so easy and I hope it is.

[@DrPatriciaHudson-Henry]

Thanks for the tips...the best part of the video is the last few seconds...your girls are precious.

[@surpurr12]

I did the same but put a small table on the side and added a pump and filter water fall going back I to it. Easy. And I love the sound of a water fall. Better filter than sponge filters and you get your aeration. Love my fishes!

[@journey2sereniteastardustc434]

Its the babies at the end for me. SO cute. Thanks for all the great tips

[@lukealexander3639]

Thanks to your video i went to lowes and bought a 20 gallon pond liner, cleared a corner of my bedroom. Had two 8ft boards of hardwood plywood in the same room begging for a project...halfway done building a bottomless and topless box with oak top rails. For the substrate i got some gravel and river rocks from my backyard

[@61Slughi]

This is exactly what I was looking for. We already have the tank and I spent hours trying to do research on Amazon for a filter & pump. We have 8 goldfish in there that managed to survive the winter, avoid the raccoons and didn't launch themselves out of the tank.

[@omarmartinez7277]

I've watched a lot of fishkeepers over the years. But what's funny, is in this video you took my approach, literally, tractor supply and then Lowes.... Lol. But I will say I have the same air pump, and I have been running it for 6 months outside without issues. I have my golds and koi in the Rubbermaid 100 gal, oh along with my Cori cats. I love the outtro

[@Ryan-qo4os]

Put a school of creek chubs in it! They would be fun to keep, very energetic and easy to catch with any bait. Also you could catch a few crawfish from the creek while you are at it!

[@merriehenderson6094]

I'm loving this i have had Rubbermaid stock tank for years. Didn't know about the cheaper ones.

[@SusanforSLCAquatics]

Very nice video of DIY $ per gallon! Oh the girls were a BONUS! Lol ❤️❤️❤️

[@pnw_element9822]

I say fancy goldfish with some water Lilly’s etc would be hella awesome The girls will love it!

[@SCFishKeeping]

I'm definitely considering the Goldfish route! Surprisingly.... I've never had goldfish! 😂

[@joshsmith4402]

🙌🙌🙌

[@matthewsweet1715]

The men would like it too

[@fishwitch888]

Lilies need sun, this is on a porch...also water changes will be required weekly

[@davideckard5827]

@Mohammed Razvi_2240421 i think the hardest part would just be keeping the balance. so would need to be pretty big

[@trishjones6578]

I already have a fully stocked fresh water pond on my property. I want to build a fresh water pond seperate from my large pond for fresh water shrimp. The shrimp supplier does not recommend putting the shrimp in the same pond as my fish. Thank you for your videos. I love that they are simple and easy to understand.

[@leahcaldwell2480]

How is it coming with your shrimp. That's what I want it for

[@aurora_dawn123]

I'm setting up a pond in my backyard, the small diy filter video would help quite a bit.

[@GhostWar305]

that tub goes by a different brand called "Tuff Stuff" here in Texas. $59.99 on sale as well.

[@SCFishKeeping]

I've noticed that's what it's called on the website even! I was surprised to see the difference when I went to pick it up.

[@ridingwithray2061]

@@SCFishKeeping hey man loved the videos of the stock tank pond and set one of my own up and have been wondering what you would recommend for heating it mine is set up out side and i live in Illinois where winter can get harsh got any tips?

[@TrentJ202007]

@@ridingwithray2061for an outdoor pond, either a de-icer or an in-line water heater

[@MegaScotsman1]

Longear sunfish. Also have you thought about making a rectangle hole and adding clear plexiglass to one of your ponds

[@flw9633]

It is wonderful to have an assistant. 😊 Thanks for the video!

[@mongguppiesandendlers]

Last year i got the tuff stuff brand of stock tank from TSC for $84.99, 110 gallon. I like it better than the rubbermaid bc like the one you got, the sides on the inside and outside are smooth and it is way cheaper better bang for your buck. I had endlers in it and they did great, even in NW Indiana winter, but then the outlet the heater and filter were plugged in to fried at the end of winter (January) and i lost everything in it. Except some snails and plants. So now i have it in a different outlet on it's own breaker box and it's been running great ever since. I moved some mutt guppies in to it (6) and this summer i am setting up a few more of these stock tank ponds for different morphs of guppies and maybe even some severum in one bc i need a cull fish for the ones who are deformed and i don't have the heart of clove oil them.

[@DinsmoreOutdoors]

I was wondering when you where going to do a outdoor pond! I think more fish keepers by stock tanks than ranchers lol. As for fish I would like to see you put sunfish in it, they are hardy enough to take the weather changes for where you live and you could always put a heater in it during the winter. Keep it up Zac!

[@SCFishKeeping]

Haha I think I was just putting off an outdoor pond for no reason! I'm excited about this one man! I like the sunfish idea! Hardy, active and fun to feed!

[@adamrewolinski1789]

Might need to cover it for sunfish

[@SCFishKeeping]

@@adamrewolinski1789 Yessir! I have a plan for that as well! Don't need any patio sunfish!

[@Chris-bi3yx]

😆 I lost it when you threw the water filters in. My humor is very different today....

[@joepufferyt6771]

Now to convince my parents...Love the vids man!

[@brieplowman8568]

same

[@mickjenkins8882]

next time their gone just set it up lol

[@debradykstra8703]

You speak my language! Love it.

[@fredkibler]

lava rock piled around a pump that pushes water up to a planter basket filled with your choice of substrate and plants, with holes drilled on the opposite end to return water back to the tank. A light substrate over the rest of the tank bottom helps to see the fish easier (assuming the water is clear).

[@jeffroyer869]

Hello, thank you for your video. I made a filter out of the trashcan just like in the video and it is awesome but one thing I did I drilled in that pipe through the shop and then all the way through to the other side then capped it off It makes changing the filters so much easier

[@jbreawilliams4507]

Love the pond was thinking about making a live well for brim without breaking the bank this is perfect was wondering if I made it as a live well how many brim can I put in this at one time. Have you had any issues with it leaking cause I was gonna try to make a permanent Livewell thanks

[@kellymaisonet2039]

This is exactly what I wanted to see in a video. Ty!

[@gmacisbac7]

Kids are gorgeous and I love the pond idea.

[@bikergod69]

I literally last week set up the exact same set up for an outdoor pond here in Florida. Been running the same pump in my other pond for two years outside with no issues. In my 300 gallon pond. I love seeing someone else doing what I’ve been doing for a few years now! I’d love to know how to share some pictures with you of my ponds

[@SCFishKeeping]

Send me some pictures on my Instagram!! It would be cool to see your set up and get some ideas as I add to this pond!

[@bikergod69]

I will do that now!

[@jlbf0786]

Heck yeah dude. This would be a great bait tank for shiners orany small fish. I cant wait to see the filter setup you make

[@williamgraham3070]

I just bought the same tubs today one for my side neck pink bellies

[@joshuahenry4218]

Love the Clark W. Griswold power connect lol

[@audrisampson]

I like that idea on the set up. Probably will need some floating plants to help the filtration a bit. As far as fish lets go with some shiners, sculpins and smaller natives.

[@SCFishKeeping]

I'm going to do something better and bigger for the filter, but I'm definitely looking into floating plants!!

[@leomaurice]

I set up my first outdoor pond this year. 100g with a DIY planter box filter(for fun) and I put my white cloud minnows in and I have A LOT of fry already. so much fun seeing that happen. This build makes me want to buy another one and put my OSCAR outside for the summer to colour him up.

[@TomokoAbe_]

I have a similar plastic pond like yours that is over 20 years old and I never had any problems with it. I'm really into frogs. So with water lilies I have plenty of frogs in there. They breed tadpoles in there and eats all the mosquito larvae. I need another plastic one which is fixed near my other one because bullfrogs are so cool

[@STLsportsfan2002]

For sure gonna build something like this when I get my own place.

[@SCFishKeeping]

It's a fantastic way to build a good sized pond!!

[@earsandtayls]

Let's give a round of an applause to guest appearance. The water on man!

[@animallivesmatter2368]

I think some cute goldfish would be cool!! Your daughters would love them!

[@ranger178]

I am thinking of adding a second pond in my backyard hoping for something easier to maintain than the in-ground liner pond I already have with waterfall filters to constantly change and all in one fountain that have filter, UV light, and fountain pump all in one.

[@VoughtAmerican]

U can buy a 1500 gallon galvonized or plastic pond at orchlean for 350

[@jc2091]

Extremely easy to understand. I think I could totally pull this off. Thanks 👍

[@denise5556]

Just getting into this. Wanting to know if these ponds are appropriate for central Florida or will it be too hot. Really looking for food supply for our personal use when SHTF.

[@kentryan8088]

Very informative about the pond not sure what fish too put in there but something bright so you could watch them.

[@stepsimpson2815]

Making this was an success, thank u so much for the content however what’s the easiest way to clean this particular set-up once u have your fish in it

[@Klbsnoop]

Bro these are the best way to do it in my opinion💪💪💪, I’ve got a 300 gallon an 100 gallon in my basement

[@robertdtimmerman6507]

Zac..... you need a separate building for all your fish. Get a BIG shed and run power to it. Should be a sight to see.

[@antPPP17]

I am planning on doing this in my school garden. I’m a teacher and would love to put a goldfish pond in our garden. Just gotta figure out some shade and the mesh for the top so fish don’t jump out or birds don’t get in.

[@josepheirich4501]

I love your channel and everything you do for the community. This video along with the DIY filter video you used for this pond inspired me to make my pond. I was wondering if you could please do an update video for this pond? Thank you for your time.

[@tomrobinson6985]

It made me laugh in the beginning when he said" theres really one place you need to start" and I immediately new that he was talking about tractor supply! 😂

[@Gilbertmar123]

What would you recommend using to warm the water during winter for fish?

[@Letsgoexplore2468]

Awesome.. I still got that 120g tank that I think I'm going to have to get rid of. So if anyone is in Indiana and want a free tank she is yours.. be pretty neat to have a mini school of crappie in there.

[@FintasticFreaks]

Perhaps you could take the kids fishing and put what they catch into the pond. I'm always a fan of goldfish ponds otherwise. As for the rest of this video, this is actually something I've been starting to think about a pond and this has given me valuable insight as in how to do it. Looking forward to that DIY filter video too.

[@Mjones8383]

On wal mart website they have a pool kit for under 150 it comes with a filter and pump can that be used to filter properly?

[@BmgGunsAndStuff]

I was wondering the same thing

[@SCFishKeeping]

I have one of the Intex pools with the Intex filter pump. I use it for more of a circulations pump than my main filter. It just doesn't have much room for filter media! But it moves a lot of water! So it's nice to have

[@wingedbullets]

I live in indiana and only place i have is either outside with no covering or a small spot on my porch that can still get hit with rain. in the back i dont have a electrical outlet so yeah just checking if you have a video to address this issue. :)

[@joshzaharia8599]

You could put some yellow perch in the pond that would be perfect and they would really shine with the dark surroundings!

[@zoltan303stackin]

Great video...I'll be setting up a 175gal in a couple weeks

[@gd.ritter]

In an area that isn't warm year round, is there a way to do a pond tub like this and have it survive a snowy winter? Is it feasible to heat it in the winter or something? Is there a minimum size where the center won't freeze and certain fish that can tolerate that?

[@thewrittenmandy6635]

Can I have a pond with water hyacinth in weather that reaches in the hundreds during the summer? And do i need a filter to keep the plants happy?

[@bobpedrin2265]

I bought feeder goldfish from Petco for my 300 gal rubbermaid livestock pond tank. Most fish pet stores have feeder goldfish. When bought, they were around an inch and a half long. Most now are around 4 inches. Plus, I saved 20 goldfish from being fed to an Oscar or ?.

[@GreymsView-ix8yi]

Nice video my friend - I use stock tanks in the winter and bring my Koi indoors. I make my own filters ( Bog Filters ) enjoyed watching and I subscribed.

[@blindeyes9385]

I'm doing this my yard is all concrete and this is a way to make a pond I'ma do it slightly smaller and do mollies and guppies

[@Seahawksl1969]

I would and have built an indoor pond like that. I added a canister filter to mine. I used to breed African cichlids and Oscars by the thousands.

[@richardwaldhouse8067]

Looking into doing it myself! Whitecloud minnows!

[@joshortiz1576]

Get a bucket and drill a bunch of small holes through out the bottom up to about 2" up the side and that will help when cleaning the rock.

[@SCFishKeeping]

That's a good call!! I washed these rocks for like 40 minutes.... I swear... 😂

[@joshortiz1576]

@@SCFishKeeping yea the holes in the bucket will help let the dirt just run out so you dont have to keep emptying it =)

[@michiganmade297]

My go-to for cheap pond pumps is harbor freight.

[@UncleRandy73]

Good stuff. One more money saving trick.. Every Lowe’s has pallets of slightly “damaged” bags that are 50% off. You just have to find a loading employee and ask. Soil, Mulch, Gravel ect ..

[@adsanman12]

PUMPKINSEED! the cutest sunfish

[@rogerfrye5936]

I also have one of those 300 gallon Rubbermaid container how do you stop it from leaking

[@SCFishKeeping]

Is it leaking from the drain plug?

[@rogerfrye5936]

Yes I do know that it leaks from the drain my question is what do you buy to stop it from leaking plumbers putty or what do you use.. I have one I have never used it I have some koil I want to breed and put them in my garage..

[@timw.8225]

Always a great video !!

[@budgiebreeding]

fancy goldfish, in a black pond would look awesome!

[@charligentry9720]

I live near a lake so I buy bait goldfish cheap cheap! Also, outdoor ponds here tend to feed the wild raccoons and they LOVE the koi but they leave my cheap bait goldfish alone. lol

[@wetdreamsfishing6607]

I built this before I saw this video awesome idea I went no substrate

[@Tyler-y7r]

How did you keep your fish alive in the colder months? I have a 110g pond with goldfish and koi it's above ground with no insulation at all.

[@reflections4951]

Catch some native suckers and put them in the pond. That would be pretty cool

[@cannonsluxurydiy4617]

Do you add in a heater for the winter time? If there wasn't a roof over the pond, what would you do about rain and weather elements? Thank you!

[@MrRodrigo630]

Thank you, want to do something like this for a turtle and some goldfish

[@fishregulator]

definitely making a bait tank in my garage now

[@thatslife2769]

Good video mate..no bullshit straight to the point...keep it up!

[@FishinMichigan1]

Hi. Awesome Video! I really want to get this same setup with the 110 gallon pond thingy and I have the money to buy it but my parents are skeptical about it. Any advice to convince them?

[@josephbass3606]

Its research for the sake of science 😂

[@VinylUnboxings]

What are your parents specific concerns?

[@FishinMichigan1]

MC Grindah They said they just don’t want like 100 gallons of water in a “bath tub”

[@VinylUnboxings]

@@FishinMichigan1 If possible, try to dig a little deeper into the underlying underlying reason as to why they don't want 100 gallons of water in a "bath tub". Try to get more info on that before all else. Like surely the principle of water in tubs isn't the issue, you know what I mean? There has to be something else that worries them. Like maybe they don't want it to just sit there and be stagnant and contribute to mosquitoes? If that were a factor, we'd need to teach them that fish eat the larvae and the pump keeps the water moving. They might simply think making a pond is too complicated for them to be sure you'll do. If they were worried about it just looking ugly and they don't want the eye-sore of having to look at it, you'd have to show them how beautiful you could make it. Frankly, showing them this set up may not be ideal. They know they can't make you kill the fish after they agree, but they don't want to be stuck with an ugly plastic bucket on their porch for years and years. Try to approach it like this: Ask as if you just want to understand the reasoning why, so that you could know that if it's an idea to consider for when you're older, or if you should just give up on the idea. Parents never want to tell their kid to give up on something. If they're not being explicit with their answers, try asking leading questions like "i get that, but is it more like because you think it will look ugly, or are you just worried about the stress and cost of maintenance? Even if it's not exactly either of those two options you can probably start painting a more complete picture of why they don't like it, and therefore how you'd be able to best convince them. Frankly, showing them how pretty it could look is a good call regardless. Here's a potentially persuasive idea that's so direct it just might work: I recently completed a larger, in-ground pond with a liner that's about 700 gallons. I don't mean this to brag, but I added tons of rocks and tons of moss, and it looks very natural and the current amount of moss probably makes it look like it's been been there for 7+ years. Basically I just put a lot of thought into the looks and it's not like, need-a-farm big, so if you want you can say you found someone your age online who made this with his dad who will help you all along if needed, and I can send you pictures of mine to show them. Hopefully, they'll think "wow, that's actually really pretty... It'll just be like that but smaller?" and then that will accomplish 1) showing them how cool it'll look 2) it'll remove the anxiety of fearing you could mess up and waste money/kill fish since you have a guide and won't have to ask them anything, which would stress them out 3) show you're taking the process seriously, since older generations have a hard time accepting that watching KZbin videos on how to do something constitutes actually research. Let me know what you think, but I think if we can better understand the underlying psychology of their concern we'd better be able to persuade them. It's inexpensive and can look really cool, so it shouldn't be a super hard-sell to a parent if we play our cards right. Edit: I just noticed your channel and you're much younger than I guessed, so perhaps it'd be risky to lie about meeting a kid online that will help because that will make me sound hella creepy haha. I'm 23 (and not the character in my profile picture lol) , so maybe instead you could just say that you found a way to ask a more experienced hobbiest online so they at least wouldn't have to worry as much about feeling responsible for it. Even if it were your pond your parents still feel some responsibility, but knowing that you had an experienced guide to bounce questions off of may ease their worries a bit.

[@VinylUnboxings]

@@FishinMichigan1 we're gonna get you that pond homie ✊

[@ashleymartin6625]

Love this. Would love to see something with guppies & if possible something that would work with ducks as well 🙏🤙

[@4.23.21]

Can u use this as like a food source by adding tilapia or stock it with lake fish for food instead of a pet

[@7amesdepaepe574]

Koi fish all the way! I don’t know if it’s in your area, but if u can go to koi fish shows, u can find them cheap as hell!

[@brianbravo5606]

Do you have a video on how to set up the trashcan filter? If not could you make one? I'm looking to use the same type of filtration, I'm just a noob when it comes to the DIY aspect.

[@k9dragonfactory]

Maybe I missed something. How does an air pump and two sponges clean/filter the tank? It doesn't ... the clarity you were referring to was due to settling of the solids in the water. Or thats the way it appears?

[@christiancantu285]

How does the filtration work with just the air pump cause doesn’t it just pump the air in how does the sponges filter it just asking cause I’m fixing to build one just like it and wanna know cause I’m new to pond building

[@vickeygrabowski8681]

What kind of heater do you use for the rubber outside fish tanks?

[@kimshuler7272]

Lol!!! Love those babies! Beautiful!

[@radwigs]

I'd love a video on a DIY filter set up. I don't have a yard but I bet I can convince my brother to do a pond at his place.

[@Thomas-bm9kv]

Verry nice! Greatest from Vienna.

[@lawdawg_7983]

Thanks for sharing brother, it helps to have videos like this. Save that $$$

[@bobbiechavez2990]

Rainbow Trout would be really cool! 😎

[@borisbuliak3626]

Setting up a 75 gallon pond in my condo for guppies, have outgrown their 55 gallon tank. I started with just one sponge but as volume has increase will add a second one. Now I enjoy my tanks and pond perspective all at the same time, just my observation but I believe fish act more naturally in a pond than a fish tank, that’s just me.

[@circleblack96]

You sir, are in luck! It just so happens that I have become the sole owner of COD in my area. There was another guy, but he has since vanished. Don't ask how or why or any incriminating questions. What's important to keep in mind, is that I'm on top. Also, I recently acquired the rare Quatro Killfeedious. He'd be perfect for your new pond.

[@doghows]

Great pond for a great price....put some rock bass in there or some sort of bluegill or sunfish etc..or some shiner minnows and lets see how big they get before becoming fish food lol...would be a great minnow type pond for feeders

[@SCFishKeeping]

I've been toying if I wanted to make this a quarantine pond for feeders! But one that looks really nice because it'd be cool to have a big school of fish in there!!

[@staterock1245]

This is perfect as is, just make sure u do water changes(dont slack off) and put some plants in there. I made it work with perfect water conditions

[@reesysorganicworld1989]

This is a great idea! I absolutely want to do this.