That depends on your pond. Most refuges are large enough for several fish at a time. Those are mostly overhangs in 12 to 20 inches of water. Sections of 4 to 6 inch flexible pipe works. It should be at least 18 inches long. Ceramic pipe works and cracked pieces are available at less cost. Large slabs of rock laid on top of cement block are good. Fish can hide in the most amazing places. You would never believe how many can crowd into a section of pipe. Large pots with a hole in them or placed on their side work. Plastic pots need a brick in them to make them stay in place. I don't recommend plastic crates. I have lost fish who get stuck and injured on sharp edges. They don't seem to realize they have grown too large or they forget in their panic or excitement. There are lots of different ways to make a hiding place. I'm sure other posters have much better suggestions. I'm not feeling too sharp today. Why don't you start a new thread on the subject?

This is just an example so you won't worry so much. I do not advocate this as a way to raise precious fish. I set up a 500 gallon stocktank last March. I had no electricity available so there is no moving water or filtration. I added a few goldie babies I had wintered over in an aquarium in the house and some extra water lilies that were destined to the compost heap. I have thrown out several inches of ice several times so far this winter. I go to work at 6:30 each morning so I don't open a hole most days. It is still 3 months til spring here so I don't know if they will make it the whole winter. I would never do this with my precious goldfish that are 6 years old now but the few fish in there all summer multiplied and are alive today. I did water changes weekly all summer and replace water when I remove the ice this winter. There are some elm leaves still in there from the fall.

Jacquie, I never do anything to my plants before planting them and putting in my ponds. I even dig up plants from the wild and put them in my ponds. I have ponding for more than 20 years and have never had any problems. Newbees usually worry about this, but I don't think it is really as big a problems as a lot of people think?

I just set up a small pond/water garden in a xl pot that holds about 45 gal. I am using the Pondmaster 190 and so far (2 months) I really like it. The filters are easy to clean and keeps the water nice and clear. You could leave off the top piece if you don't want the bell tower effect.