We have a very large,long pond, about 175 feet with an upper circle and dam and a long end that curves around. We don't have a bottom drain but our's is an 'open system' in which we pump water from the creek that runs perpendicular into the circle where there is a fountain and the water runs back into the creek at the long end. Our's was a spring-fed boggy area we dug out. We lined it with used vinyl billboard signs overlapping but, we think as it has springs, we have air bubbles that come up and create pockets of liner that bubble up to the surface. We intend to use sand and river rocks to weight this down. Our pond was only begun last year so it is a work in progress but our comet goldfish thrive among the water lilies, parrots feather, etc. However, we also have blue gill bream in there that we did not put in ourselves and we have no idea how they got in there! As we are also near the creek, we have an abundance of water snakes, frogs, newts and crayfish as well.

I can see it ok from my home computer. I wonder how big the tank is. Looks about 10' long. The lookdown fish are cool.

Sounds to me like you want to go high tech if you are are talking about CO2 injection, and really once you get beyond the initial cost of everything you need, it is not that expensive to keep up with. With the lighting you have now (about one watt per gallon) there is a limit of the amount of plants you can grow. Mabey some swords, java ferns and moss. But if you are looking for stem plants and groundcovers like the fancy tanks you are talking about then you may need about 3 watts or more per gallon of water. So for a thirty gallon tank you probably need at least 90 watts of good plant lights. I have a 96 watt Coralife (GOOD Brand!!) strip light on mine, and I think I paid $115 for it. Now keep in mind that the quality of these lights reduces over time, and after about 6 months you will probably need to replace the bulbs. The bulbs are not as expensive as the cost of the "whole" light. Good light is way more important than CO2, but when you get into the bright light, your plants will be trying to grow, and won't be able to with out decent amount of Co2, and fertilizers. As far as your filter, you will probably need a different one, and no airstones or bubble curtains either! They defeat the purpose of CO2 injection. Canister filters are the best, or internal ones. As far as the hood, if you can take the one off that is on there, you could get one of the flat glass ones, and they are not very expensive. I think I paid $20 for one for my 40 gallon. Then set you light on top of it! EASY! Other than that It sounds like you have the other stuff you need. Like I said the initial cost of getting what you need (especially the lights!) is high but keeping up with it isn't that expensive. In the end better quality equipment tends to be more efficient, and lasts longer. For the Co2 you will need a regulator, probably a 5 lb cylinder bottle, carbon dioxide resistant tubing, check valve, bubble counter diffuser. I get my cylinder filled at the local oxygen supply place for about $15 and it lasts about 5 months. If you look on ebay sometimes they have good deals on all this stuff you need. I don't think you need a new setup, just some modifications, thats all. If you decide to go through with it im sure you will be happy with the results. Sometimes your plants grow so fast, that you can divide them and take your extras to the Local fish store and trade them for fish food, or a store credit. Plus you'll have happy plants and fish! Good luck! -Jessica

Yes, it is fun to put containers outside for the summer. Do not worry about a electricity or addint a pump...as long as the tank is very shallow. I recommend large plastic (undrained pots) or shallow plastic storage containers over a glass tank, which may braeak. Add a few small liverbearers (guppies, platies) or white clouds, or other small fish. You will be amazed how much they grow and reproduce over the summer. You don't have to feed them as much either as they will also be getting insects etc. that fly or fall into the water.