We;re going to make a small, upground sotne pond on our patio soon. It'll be about 6 by 4 feet or so and a foot or two deep. It's going to be in the shade for the most part with a good filter. I'm wondering what kind of fish would thrive best in this environment?
2007-06-15 09:36:43 · 5 answers · asked by AyK 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Any type of regular or large goldfish.. and koi fish do excellently in a pond
2007-06-15 09:46:19 · answer #1 · answered by busymum 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. Your pond must be at least 18" deep for your fish to thrive. I use the plain cheap goldfish from Wal-Mart; mine are now 8 inches long.
2. I couldn't tell from your description (upground sotne pond?) if the pond is above or below ground. Below ground is best, or your water will freeze solid if you have cold winters; this can be hard on your fish. If you don't have freezing winters, don't worry about it!
3. You need to create a small ecosystem within your pond. Don't panic, it's easy! Fish, plants. That's it. If you get green murky water, there is a product called "Microbe Lift" available at most pond stores. It is a beneficial bacteria that helps prevent the kind of algae that makes water murky.
4. Part sun, part shade is good. You do need some sun for your water plants to thrive.
5. Water plants? Water lilies are easy to care for and relatively cheap. Water hyacinth is good, but is outlawed in some states (those with warmer winters) because it's invasive.
6. Aerate/oxygenate your water with a pump.
Good luck!
2007-06-15 17:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by july 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldfish would thrive in this pond and some will grow to 13 ".
Make sure if you are in an area where it freezes, the pond is deep enough.
Koi should have 1,000 gal
2007-06-15 19:07:59 · answer #3 · answered by Ron S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will not be successful with plants in the shade. Comets or fantails will live through winter, if freezing is a problem. If it's only 12" deep, you will have to run the pump continuously. If you won't be using plants koi will work, but you will still have to deal with the freezing.
2007-06-15 17:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by saaanen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 100 gal pond and I have 4 Koi's and 2, .10cent goldfish.
All are still living for the past 4yrs. Except for 3, see below.
Make sure you protect them by either a netting or something, because I can tell you, I had a few disappear from predators eating them.
Owls, hawks, and cats.
Had to build a cover for them. They were so frightened.
2007-06-15 17:16:35 · answer #5 · answered by Mom of 2 great boys 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋