Glazed Pots as Ponds

Question
Do you see any issues with using a very large glazed pot for a fish pond? One that is 20" wide and 24" deep? I have a friend who has his fish in a set up like this with miniature cat tails and other living pond plants. They are near a window, but not in direct sunlight. There's no filter or pump and he says he never has to clean it, that it stays naturally clean. Only adds water when it lowers by evaporation. He has 8-10 goldfish it in. The idea is intriguing to me, but I'm concerned about whether this can really be done? Would it smell up the house?? I also have cats, so I wouldn't want them drinking out of it. Your expert opinion is appreciated.

Answer
Hi LLAH:   These container gardens do work much as you have described.  Because this is a surface pool and not an aquarium the system works just fine.  You can stock the tank with enough plants that they consume the waste from the goldfish and provide oxygen to the water.  The fish and plants live in a balanced system.  The cats... it is fine if the cats drink out of the water garden just so long as they do not go fishing.  dave