How to Set Up a Mini Outdoor Pond in Spring | Half-Barrel DIY with Live Plants & Medaka

Ready to create a beautiful backyard water feature this spring? In this video, I’ll show you step-by-step how to set up a mini outdoor pond in a half-barrel—perfect for patios, balconies, or gardens.

We’ll walk through using a soil and sand substrate, planting live aquatic plants, and even adding Medaka (Japanese rice fish)—a hardy, colorful fish ideal for outdoor setups.

Whether you’re building your first spring pond or looking to expand your water garden, this guide is all about creating a balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem that thrives all season long.

???? Pond plants included: hornwort, bacopa, ludwigia, and more
???? Fish spotlight: Medaka (Japanese rice fish)
???? Ideal for spring DIY projects and garden upgrades

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Who is Father Fish?

Louis Foxwell, known on YouTube as Father Fish, is an old-time fish keeper with 70 years of experience. His simple, easy, and guaranteed methods insure healthy, happy tropical fish in your aquarium.

Lou adopted the role of Father Fish many years ago when he opened a tropical fish store as a retirement business. Prior to this, he served as a missionary for 25 years, following in his father's footsteps by ministering to a congregation of deaf worshipers. Lou fondly recalls his grandmother in Berlin, Germany, who inspired his love for fish keeping as a child.

As a founder and original board member of the National Aquarium, Lou played a significant role in its development, serving as chair of the Community Relations Committee and participating in the Search Committees. With extensive experience across nearly every level of the fish industry, Father Fish offers a wealth of knowledge and products, including plants, soil supplements, and more, to enhance your aquarium experience.

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