A pond is very involved, especially larger ones that are harder to filter, and keep clean. Winter can be a PITA too. I shut my dinky pond down in the fall. Easier to manage a tank through the winter for me at least.They're already more energetic! Lol I felt bad because it was very low and filter nasty, it was the longest I've left them in that condition, but I really did have so much stuff piled several feet in front of the table, boxes, clothes, a nightstand, etc., but I think that was partially an excuse, idk. Anyway, now it's all clean and I filled it up very high and they are VERY happy. I am planning on building them a pond soon though just because we've always wanted one.