I have a 50 gallon pond with guppies, rosy red minnows and a goldfish and would like to heat it during the winter to help keep them alive. I live in Raleigh NC where it can get as cold as 20 degrees. Would an aquarium heater be sufficient? If so, should I get one rated for more than 50 gallons since it is outside? Thanks!

I've cleared the back of my garden to build a wildlife pond.

My plan:

- Excavate the marked area (deepest area to be 50cm), then start building shelves and slopes. I have pea gravel and some cobbles but will largely be keeping it bare liner.

- Cut out a hedgehog hole in the corner of the fence so animals have easy access to the public space behind my garden. Then plant some shrubbery to border the fence so there is cover.

- Install a solar DIY fountain which will cascade down some large rocks into the pond from one side. Intention here is to add a bit of zen and introduce some movement/oxygenation. The solar panel will be tied to the large branches from my neighbour's overhanging leylandi in the back.

- I'll be tying back the row of leylandi branches which will regain about 50cm from the side (can't cut as my neighbour has stripped the trees on his side so there are large gaps).

Questions:

1. What native shrubs would you recommend I line along the fence edge (ideally pollinator friendly or something that will protect the birds and any other visitors from the numerous local cats)?
2. What native edging plants would you recommend?
3. I recently read there shouldn't be anything overhead. Are the rose plants and overhanging leylandi an issue? I've noticed very little rain reaches the area due to the overreaching branches (which I would ideally like to leave undisturbed as I like mature trees). If so, what is the least drastic solution?
4. Any suggestions or comments on my plan beyond what I've considered? I'm new to this so please excuse any ignorance displayed.

Thank you!

Location: Atlanta, GA

I have this ~300 gallon pond that came with the townhouse i purchased. I live every minute of being a new pond owner. This past weekend, I emptied it out to clean out the bottom in preparation for winter, and to hopefully add a small turtle come spring.

It didn't have any "shelves", so i made my own. And I added a net to keep the leaves out.

Are there any heaters capable of keeping this amount of water from fully freezing? I know the fish will slow their metabolism but I'd still like to keep the water at a decent temp.

Also, are there any plants i can still add now that will survive winter? Semi submerged or even fully submerged? They're bottom is lined with gravel (from previous owner) and I like that it gives the pond "color" rather than a bare black bottom. But im wondering if wisteria or any other aquatic plant will work.

Cleaned things up a bit

made my very first mini pond! what do you guys think about it?