Question
   Hi, Tom.  My name is Pam, and my goldfish are Toshio, Taeko, and Shamu.  They are two commons and a shubunkin, all under 3 inches.  They have outgrown there home, and it's time for an upgrade.  But, I've been  thinking of, instead of a bigger tank, setting up an indoor pond for them, something around 50 gallons.  I know that people keep their goldfish or koi inside for the winter, but is it okay to keep them in indoor ponds permanantly?  Will they get enough light without the aqaurium lighting type of setup?  Will  plants be able to survive, too?  I imagine a pond would be more natural and comfortable for the fish, having the bigger suface area and vertical swimming space(am I right about that?), but, as you can see..I really don't know much about it. : P  My main questions are the lighting, filtration, and how to keep the fish from jumping out.  Are ponds much noisier than an aqaurium?
   Oh, and a question about my fish.  They're very skiddish.  They used to not even eat if I was there.  Now they will eat, but hide behind the plants if I even just turn my head.  Does this mean I'm not around them enough?  Or do they just need to get used to me?  I've had the first one for a little more than a month, and the others for about a week.
   I really appreciate your time and any advice you can give.  Thank you.  : )  ~Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,
Thanx for your question.  I don't think putting a pond indoors without suitable light will be good for you fish.  In fact, I am certain they will die.  Why not just put them in a 50 gallong aquarium.  You can still have some plants in the aquarium too.  If you do make a pond indoors, make sure it gets plenty of light.  Yes, some gold fish will jump out if there is no cover.  You will need to make sure you have a filtration system for your pond too.  Yes, it will be a little noisier as far as the bubbling will be louder and there may be some low humming.

Your fish are skittish because they are not used to you.  These are wild creatures who don't have the power of reason.  They react according to the danger levels they perceive in their surroundings.  Anything they don't understand they shun.  Eventually, they will get used to you and will even learn to come to the top of the pond when you feed them.  That's why I tell people not to feed their pond fish outdoors because the fish will not be able to tell the difference between a human, a cat or some other predator.  I never feed mine who live outdoors and they continue to grow and survive by living a feral life.  Yes, they try to hide from me when I approach but I can still see them.  I hope this answers your questions.
thx,
Tom