My two tosakins, oranda, ranchu, and one ryukin have been alive for 7 years so far.

I think proper breeding makes a huge difference.
I get my goldfish from a guy who picks then up from breeders in Japan.

That's a cute little pond. I wish we had the climate for cyms around ours.

Quality breeding definitely makes a big difference.

I only said that because of what I've heard and out of personal experience. I have some plain goldfish that are at least 15-20 years old. Our fancy ones with bubbly eyes lived 10 years.

It's very good advice. My friend ryukin had already completely lost control over its swim bladder due to bad breeding. So being selective is very important.

My mother has quite a few fancies that just reached 23 years. Also from the same guy.
These are indoor tank goldfish though.
Those tosakins cost me $800... not sticking them outside lol. The others weren't very cheap as well.
He does always get in a large batch of well bred but normal looking goldfish along with the prized ones.

I'm at a loss fish wise.
I'm either going with fancy goldfish of varying kinds. Or with a shubunkin, wakin combo.

I just realised I never uploaded an actual picture of the pond.

Isn't that it, next to the cyms? Great cyms for $10 by the way. We can't get that here.

I meant the whole thing.
Lol... it's pretty crude but we worked with the small available space we had.

They were on super sale for some reason..
Normally I see cyms for $35...
Because they are all in bloom right now the cyms are averaging $20...
I want one more but have no where to put it.. I got alot of cyms now in a tiny space.

LOL, but 10 more wouldn't hurt a thing!!!

Yes, I'd love to see a pic of the whole pond and set up. Crude, shmode... LOL, we are always our own worse critics. I think it's fabulous you've been so creative!

Here it is..
Still in the beginning stages so be nice...
My plan is to cover all the flaws with plants lol. Specifically orchids. The cymbidiums are a lovely winter show but I really want to get in some orchids that will bloom multiple times a year.

Oops. Pictures.