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?

Hi Brian, I'm glad you went with the bigger pump. That's what I have on my pond, and it's functional. The frogs will come, even in the midst of downtown LA. There are about a billion gajillion of them in the LA river. I live in the center of suburban Simi Valley, which has no natural streams, no ponds or lakes, and Pacific tree frogs mysteriously appear out of nowhere. I think this may be part of the origin of the raining frogs myth. It's strange. You can also collect Pacific Tree frog tadpoles within the next three months and add them to your pond once it gets going and you have some algae for them to eat. I once collected some from a truck rut filled with water at a local plant nursery. I suggest you go to a koi site to see how much of a committment they are. Goldfish are really spectacular, and they do not need great water quality. They will beg for food from you, swim across the pond to greet you, and follow along as you walk along the edge of your pond. They are great pets. You should not change the water in your pond if your filtration and circulation are adequate, at least not for a long time. When you get your first algae bloom this summer and the pond turns into pea soup RESIST the urge to change the water. The algae will use up all of the nutrients, then it will die, leaving your pond clear. If you change the water you have to start all over again. To start off, you can treat your water with de-chlorinator, after a few days add your plants, and wait a few more days to add your goldfish. You can buy cheap small fish; they grow fast. Finally, plant your hardy water lilies in a nice, large container so they can grow. Don't worry about the dirt in the bottom of the pond unless there's a really measurable amount, like 1/8 inch across the whole bottom. Here's a link explaining the Sunset Zones. Have fun with your new pond, and post photos when it's done! Renee Here is a link that might be useful: Sunset Garden Zones

I have a 14 x 12 x 3' deep pond that has river rocks in the bottom. We live in the woods and net the pond each August to keep most of the leaves out. Some still get in and get trapped between the rocks. My pond is full of bull frogs, I also have fish and my fish breed and those babies are tiny, I have given up on draining and cleaning that way. I purchased a product that breaks up the organic matter and either use my pond vac or just stir up the water so that the filter can do it's job. My pond vac has a mesh sock that you put over the nozzle to prevent gravel, baby fish, tadpoles or snails from being sucked up into it. Also a heavy plant load in the pond can really help with the excess nutrients that cause the algae blooms.

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.