Goldfish substrate

Question
Hi,
I have a 120 gallon garden fountain with a big pool at the bottom..it doesn't look like a fountain that most people would picture...I would like to put goldfish in it and I was wondering what kind of substrate if any would I put in the bottom fountain part...and I have outside cats,do you think the fish would be ok if I put lily pads on top of the water? or would the cats reach for them still?

Answer
Carl,

I do not have any substrate in my ponds. I have a few large rocks on the edges but the bottom is bare. You can put the pads in the water but I would also put some kind of small fencing around it if you are going to add fish. Make sure you do put some kind of hiding places for the fish so they are not in to open all the time. I have PVC pipes in the pond and the fish like to hide in them. Good luck with the fish.