Since it is just a small trash can, I just reach in with a bucket or watering can and fill it up. I'm just careful not to catch the fish in the bucket. Usually, they swim to the bottom of the can so that's not really a problem.
If you bury a trash can like that about halfway in the ground, the lower part should stay cool enough so the fish can go down there when it gets hot. And it's easier to dip out of too. I guess you wouldn't have freezing issues like we do up north- the goldfish hibernate here. Be sure to feed them until they become established, and be prepared to lose about half of them. But theyll bounce back. I keep lilies in my ponds for shade (and as they decompose, more fertilizer).
great input i'm glad i found this thred!! this is exactly the thing i want to do for the back of my house!! i just might put another one on the side gutter too.
