Go for it! The advice for ponds is much like the advice for aquariums -
buy/build the biggest one you can afford. I started with an 800 gallon pond
and that lasted me for around five years until we moved and I built one
that's around 3,000 gallons. I've caught myself wishing I'd gone even
larger. There's a lot you can do with 500 gallons but you'd be limited if
you want to have Koi. Find a couple of other ponders and you'll never have
to buy fish or plants.

Helen Nash has some good books and of course the web has a lot of
information.

What kind of pond are you wanting - mostly plants and a few fish? Koi? (Koi
and plants don't mix really well but I have both.)

Ponds are actually less maintenance than an aquarium.

Good luck!


"B Daly" wrote in message
.net...
I am a complete novice thinking of installing a garden pond (about 500
gallons). I know this will be a biased answer on this news group. But,
is owning and maintaining a pond like the old boat owners saying - "the
two best days are the day it is bought and the day it is sold?" Or has
pond ownership been a satisfying experience? Thanks.

Also, in your opinion, what is the best resource for a beginner?