Question about sustainible backyard goldfish pond?

Question

I want to build a goldfish pond in my backyard. Is it true that no filtration or pump system is needed, because the goldfish create their own sustainible ecosystem by eating and recycling algae? Or would it be the same as keeping a koi pond?

Answer 1

goldfish do keep their own ecosystem, but its not clean and it isnt nice to look at really.

but i think it is more safe to have a filter and stuff, they will stay alive longer. plus its cleaner

Answer 2

my friend has a nice goldfish pond. it is deep so they do not freeze in the winter.

on part of the top he has plants growing that make nice flowers. the flower roots are in baskets. the baskets are completely under the water but not all the way to the bottom.

the gold fish can feed themselves but i don't know if they can do it completely because they sure seem to like the little fish flakes they get fed.

if the top of the water is stagnant AND warm, it will grow a film of green over the top in addition to the moss that will grow inside. Easy to clean if u do like the way it looks; put a hose in and let it run for a while and the overflow will flow away the top layer.

fish like a few rocks at the bottom to hide in, especially when predators come around.

simple gold fish ponds:

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=simple+...