1/2 Barrel - gravel and plants question

Thanks for all the replies.

I found some aquatic soil made by schultz and it is a clay granite, not
muddy stuff like I thought so I am going to use that, and then a layer
aquarium gravel over it. I am trying to keep the tank clean as
possible here, my liner is 20 gallon.


I found some 4" square black nursery pots, can I use these for now,
plants don't always need to be in a gallon pot, right? Since it would
take up a lot of space in a 26" round barrel, the 4" pot and some 6"
round pint pots I found should be ok.

Aquatic soil says shade cloth can be used to line the pots, which is a
plastic material and I have some so that is what I am going to do.

About the goldfish do I have to feed them? I am planning a 10 day
vacation next month. To create a better eco system (if we could call
it that) should I add a piece of river rock or aqurium rock for algae
and beneficial bacteria to grow?