How to Make an Outside Fish Aquarium in a Large Pot

Turning a humble pot into a pond to house fish is easy and fun. The pot can be ceramic, plastic, metal or porcelain. The size of the pot determines the size of the outdoor fish aquarium. Consider the space available in the location you choose, then select a pot large enough to house a couple of aquatic plants as well as fish. An outdoor fish aquarium using a large pot is ideal if you living in an apartment with a deck or balcony.

Things You'll Need

  • Watertight pot
  • Aquatic plants
  • Bricks or flat rocks
  • 2 small goldfish
  • Terracotta pot
  • Pea gravel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a location to keep your pot aquarium. An area that gets the morning sun or is partially shaded is best, recommends Jill Slater, a garden writer and floral designer.

    • 2

      Choose the pot that is a minimum of 19 inches deep, 23 inches wide and can hold at least 5 gallons of water. Such a pot can house a couple of small goldfish easily. Place the pot in the desired location; once you fill it with water, it will be too heavy to move or shift.

    • 3

      Place bricks or flat rocks at the bottom of the pot to hold the potted aquatic plants. These rocks and bricks also give the fish a place to hide in case they are threatened by predators such as cats and raccoons.

    • 4

      Fill the pot with water, and allow it to stand for about two days to reach the ambient temperature and get rid of the chlorine in the water.

    • 5

      Introduce aquatic plants in the pot. Have floating plants such as water hyacinths and water lettuce, which do not need to be potted; oxygenating grass to maintain the oxygen levels and pH of the water; and dwarf umbrella palm. A mix of tall and short plants in the pot pond gives it a more interesting and visually appealing look. However, do not overcrowd the pot pond. If using potted aquatic plants, place some pea gravel on the soil to keep it from washing off. Ensure that stem and leaves of the potted plants are above the surface of the water.

    • 6

      Place the goldfish into the pot aquarium by floating the plastic bag in which they come. This prevents them from getting shocked by the sudden change in water temperature. Float the bag for around 15 minutes before releasing the fish into the water.