Hello all! I'm glad to be among so many experienced people in the area of water ponds and water gardens! I'd like some advice on a water pond I want to have. I will fill a very large plastic bucket/pot without holes in the bottom. I want some plants in there, but not ones that overspread, so not to completely hide the water feature. I am thinking of putting it in the shade of a tree, it will still be quite bright there. Can I put some Mosquito fish in? What would help not to get a ton of algae in the water?

Thanks in advance!

@Faridat.
What size container are you thinking of using? Gallons?
What kind of plants do you want to put in?
Why do you want Mosquito fish? How many?

Hello @Moonshadows! Around 27 to 30 gallons. I'm afraid I do not know which types of plants, I have no experience in this, just starting. The only thing I know is I want easy plants, not fussy for starters, and not ones that would cover much of the surface, just a part of it.
It will be kept in dappled shade.
About the Mosquito fish, a friend told me they would feed on the larvae of the mosquitos, and since we live in a mosquito problem area I found it logical. But I admit I know nothing about this subject either.
What worries me the most is the high temps we have in summer, would they survive in the zone I live? Must I provide some kind of extra protection? I was thinking of an umbrella, a rotating one that could perhaps help.

@Faridat 27 to 30 gallons is rather small, but doable. There is a lot of info out there about plants, and you'll find some for small water gardens. Yes, you are right about the Mosquito fish, but just about all fish eat mosquito larvae. You might want to think of 1 or 2 very small common goldfish. 27-30 gallons won't support more than that, and they will grow. Most common goldfish can do just fine in temps from below freezing to about 85F. A small pond will heat up much faster than a larger one. I actually built a canopy for my 425 gallon pond for the summer to help shade it. Aeration will be crucial in higher temps since hot water holds less oxygen. You can accomplish that with an air stone and air pump. Also, think about having a small filter...even one made for a 50 gallon aquarium or small pond. And, algae, it's part of pond life! If you watch your water, don't have it in the sun all the time, test it for levels, don't over feed, etc., you can keep it to a minimum. I don't know if it is OK to mention other forums here, but there is an excellent forum I belong to as a member that deals with only ponds. You might want to look at that forum in addition to this one. It is the Garden Pond Forum at gardenpondforum(dot)com.

Thank you very much for all the information! I will follow the advice given and hope to make it. I will post photos of the process and result! I had no idea this small of a pot pond could support goldfish! I will also check the forum, thank you for mentioning.

Hmm, if I may - those little Goldfish will grow to a foot or more and they will need a pump in your climate! Mosquito fish will be a much better choice or my personal choice, would be Paradise Fish/Macropodus opercularis. They are a very pretty Gourami and you won't need a bubbler/pump. And they can take temperatures in the nineties F and down to 40 F.

Oh, how great @Ursula! Thank you for suggesting that alternative! I just googled it, that's a sweet fish!

It is! They are a tough little fish, very cute! If you decide to get them, it is a good idea to get a few females to 1 male.
Btw I saw the small pond as you describe years ago all over Thailand, usually done in a nice large decorative pot.
Have fun!