red cap pond?

Question

ok here it is im setting up a 100 gallon pond in texas the temp in the pool goes from 95 in summer to (dont remember) maybe 26. the pond will be covered from the sun via tarp or pergala it will have 2 waterfalls and a 1000gph( or lower) pump what is a good filter what species of goldfish can be kept year round ( the top of the pond might freeze over the top for maybe (2) 1 day periods ) hoping for 2 red caps

Answer 1

How deep will your pond be? It should be at least 18" deep so that the entire pond does not freeze entirely.
If you keep your waterfall running year round, you really shouldn't have to worry about the pond freezing over. There are trough heaters that some people use to keep a section of the pond open so that gas exchange can occur.
Biological filters is what I like to use in my pond. It helps to get good bacteria built up. I use lava rock as the medium for mine. It has worked very well for me over the years.
Red cap orandas (I believe that was your preference) are beautiful to watch. They are somewhat sensitive to the elements. I have had some weather the winter (I live in PA), but some of them are just too fragile. It is a judgement call on your part. I keep butterfly koi and shubunkins in my pond. If you want to have live plants in your pond, the koi can be hard on them......they do "jump" out of the pond as well if you don't have a stone edge/or screening to deter them.
An inexpensive way to fill your pond are simple comets used as feeder fish that you can buy at a pet store. When they get larger, many of them have beautiful long tails.

Answer 2

I've always preferred shubunkins for ponds because they look like minature koi. The biggest disadvantage to using fancies is their swimming ability. Waterfalls and filters create some current, and their round bodies and double tails don't make them the best of swimmers. This is particularly important when predators are concerned - a 100 gallon doesn't give them much area to get away, so I would say to make sure you have a wire or net cover to keep your fish safe.

Biological filters are a good choice - also a separate "bog" through which your water can flow if your pond is in-ground.