Outside Fish Tank Idea

What do you do with no place for a pond, but a yearning for goldfish? Made due with what you got!
That's right- I bought a 10 gallon fish tank from Walmart last year for some fish. However, the tank got way too big for my tiny room, and I was forced to give the fish to a friend- all except four of my favorites. They are now in a little two gallon tank on my bookshelf. But, I just adore fish and I really have been thinking about how I could have more.
Well, during a cleaning of the garage last week, I found the long-lost fishtank and the air pump. I set it aside and thought to myself, "Okay, this is a good start!" Then, yesterday in the cleaning of my room, I found some extra plants and a ton of aquarium rocks that I'd saved from before. Anyway, with two dollars in my wallet, I got an idea!
I had cleaned out a shelf in my room that I didn't need anymore. I had no idea where to put it, and was just going to stash it away in storage. That's when the idea hit me- put the shelf under my window, put the fish tank on it, and have an out-of-ground "pond". So, I leveled the dirt, placed the shelf, cleaned the little rocks, planted the plants, and set the bubbler and air pump up. I ran down to the pet store and bought as many gold fish as I could with the $2.00 cash I had on me. After 20 minutes, the fish were ready to be released into the water. So, I let them go and oh, they are so happy! 15 little gold fish were adopted today, and are so happy in their new home!

Living in this part of California, I've learned that the weather is mild enough for anything to live outside all year round. I garden all year, so I know the fish will be so happy. Under the window is my garden area. I have all sorts of plants and flowers back there.
Anyway, I'm going to use the shelf for little knick-knacks I pick up, and potted plants.
So, if you feel like you are wanting fish outside, but don't have a place for a pond, get a shelf and make a spot for it outside, got a fish tank and set one up! 10 gallon fish tanks at Walmart are around $12. And goldfish, well, they are always cheap. Look at junk stores for aquarium supplies, aquarium rocks, etc. Fish are really an inexpensive pet to have, no matter if you buy your supplies new or secondhand.
To clean the tank, change out 2/3 of the water once a week. And, I'll be feeding these little guys regular gold fish food, but if mosquito's start to lay larva in the tank, I'm sure the little goldies will take care of them!
Fish are so whimsical and beautiful. They make me so happy and I can't get enough of them. I think when I graduate, I'd love to work for the Fish and Game right away, at a fish hatchery as a technician. Hands on, working with fish all day... I'd love it. :)
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you like the tank... do you have ideas of what other things to put on the shelves?
Slainte!
Blair.~