We love fancy goldfish. They have those funny shapes and swim so awkwardly it’s hard to suppress a chuckle when you watch them. Although some fancy goldfish can live in outdoor ponds during the pleasant months, I resist leaving them outdoors during the winter. It’s possible that they can live through it but why take the chance?

Before I became a "ponder" I tried to keep an aquarium but lost every fish I put in and never had (or kept) clean water. I did not understand the biological process or how to set up an aquarium correctly. In fact, I didn’t even know I had to remove chlorine from the water. It took learning the pond to keep a successful aquarium. Now I have 2 aquariums set up in my home that are biologically balanced and stay so clear that I am amazed.

Some folks will tell you that an aquarium is a pain to maintain. Perhaps that is true with saltwater aquariums but not true with freshwater — not after the system has reached its biological balance. I spend less time maintaining both aquariums than I do putting on my shoes everyday. So why not enjoy an indoor aquatic garden complete with fish during the cold, winter months — and all year long!

Setting up an aquarium is easier than most people think. The basic needs are: an aquarium (At least 29 gallons - 10 gallons only tease you), an overhead light with hood, a pump and filter combination sized to the aquarium (preferably one that hangs on the outside of the glass), declorinator, water test kits (for ammonia, pH, nitrites and nitrates), a heater (if you want tropical fish) and fish. The rest is just for show. I used to think rocks on the bottom were necessary but a friend of mine showed me how pretty it can be without them.

Place the aquarium on a steady, sturdy surface, one that wouldn’t get damaged by moisture should you spill water on it. If you add rocks to the bottom, wash them thoroughly first. By-passing this important step will cause the water to be filled with sand and appear hazy. Arrange any decorative objects in the rocks and secure any plants you’re adding. A backdrop fastened to the outside of the back glass will help build a theme to the aquarium. Now, fill it with water — carefully so you don’t scatter the objects you have just placed. Tap water is fine but you’ll need to declorinate. You can use the same kind you use for your pond but in smaller quantities. Add your filter. We prefer an outside filter that hangs on the back of the glass. (It’s the biofilter of the aquarium and, like on a pond, one that is underwater isn’t as effective as one on the outside.)

Now, add your fish. We suggest adding only a few for the first couple of months until the bios in the aquarium get established. You could loose these first fish so you may want to wait before buying any expensive ones. Tropical freshwater fish require a constant temperature of about 78º and a heater is a must. Goldfish are considered coldwater fish and do not need a heater. When adding fish, don’t forget to float the bag for 15 minutes so the temperature will adjust. It’s never a good idea to mix water. Either hand-transfer your new fish or transfer with a net and discard the water in the bag.