"What is a mini-pond", you may ask "and why would I want one?". Mini-ponds are a 
a mini-ecosystem and you only need a container that holds at least four gallons of water. It is a good start to water gardening without a major committment and the expense. A large permanent pond can easily cost over $10,000.
For a container try a salvaged claw-foot bathtub, a galvanized horse trough or an old whisky barrel. Water plants are available at larger garden centers along with some electrical accessories. Fish can be inexpensive gold fish, one male betta ( not 2) or you could splurge on a few koi.
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Kathleen: What a cool idea you have shared with us. I have never heard of this before. It sounds like you really need to know what you are doing to make this work, though. I would be quite lost at this... LOL. Thanks for sharing.
By the way... I am not sure... but I don't think I remember seeing your current picture as it is... so, if it is new ? It looks great. Actually... that sounded silly. If it is new, or if it is old... it looks great both ways... LOL.
Kathleen ~ This is a great idea, especially for those who want to decorate smaller patios.
I have several of these mini ponds. Throw in one goldfish and it's a whole new ball game.
Karen Ann - Hello there - haven't heard from you for a while - the picture is fairly current - I keep switching the photos out to confuse people.
These container water gardens are simple, when you add fish a little more complicated but goldfish are pretty simple to keep alive. This would work in Texas and goldfish can take a little cold ( but not MN cold!!!!!).
William - If only you could fish in these - I didn't know goldfish could play ball - yours must be very intelligent!
Kathy - these are great for city balconies, with only room for a bistro set and a mini-pond. Water features are great but there is something special about live plants.