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I just want to get some info to starting off a pond. We are thinking of putting one in our backyard but I would like to research everything before we make a decision. I am looking for basic information for equipment needed, maintainance, setup, winter related issues, feeding, types of fish, etc. Any good links would also be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Eric

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/ponds/ is a great site about everything having to do with ponds.

I ve been doing a bit of researching and have a few questions. How deep should it be dug if I plan to keep the fish there in the winter? Winters here probably go down to -10C/ 14F. And what would be a good size pond to keep goldfish in?

not to sure about ponds, but for goldfish

section1: is koi
section2: single tailed goldfish. like comets and common
section3: twin tailed. red caps etc.
section4: fancy. like bubble eyes, etc.

i think the general rule is that goldfish/kois shouldn't mix sections, because of aggression. not biteing, by swiming agression. for example koi are powerful swimers, and shouldn't be mixed with section 4 fancy goldfish. i also think that sections 3,4 are inside-winter goldfish, and that 1,2 can live out side all year round, given the right conditions. there are pond heaters eric, so the pond wont freeze over.

from what i know about koi, 1000+ gallons is best for 2-3 koi. 200-300 gallons is good for a few fancy goldfish.

koi keepers knows much more than i know, so contact her.

Thanks for the info on the classes. I dont think it will be that big of a pond maybe 500g+ so I am maybe going to stick to maybe commets and some commons since they will be out there in the winter. I will probably use a heater/de-icer and have circulation so the pond wont completely freeze over.

I know this may be a little late but you will want at least 2.5' depth to winter fish depending on where you are in Canada, make sure you check local by-laws to see if at that depth it needs to be fenced in. A good rule of thumb too is to spend half of what you intend to spend on the liner/underlay and the other on the filtration/pump/sterilizer systems.

No, its not too late as the pond isnt even in the planning stage yet. The pond will be at least 3 feet deep and probably more towards 4 feet or 5 in the centre. Any other info would be of great help.

yes, shop at larger stores come september, many will sell pond stuff off rather than store it! so plan now and select your pumps/filtration and scope out some deals. And as our hydro bills go up make sure you look at wattage ratings on pumps. If you pay a bit more now you will save a lot later, Laguna pumps by Hagen ususally have a low wattage but shop around! Where are you in Canada anyway?

Thanks for the tips. I am in Southern Ontario in the Eastern side. I live in St Catharines which is in the Niagara region if you know where that is. Its about an hour or so from Toronto.

yeah, I was born there... I know you have a Super Pet there so check them at the start of september just in case of any sales...

Yeah we also have a petsmart too so I will start shopping soon as soon as I research a bit more...

And on a side note... If you dont mind me asking... where do you live now?

Now I am in Belleville.

Let me give you spme advice of what i know
1. make the pond on the top of a slop to make sure soil does not drain into the pond
2. it is simplest to buy a fiber glass pond rather the liner
3.Don't try to paint it
4. make sure the suface has good cover with pants
5. Comman gold fish can live in water 1C as long as there is a small hole for air in the ice
6. besure to put caves with rocks so they can hide from cats
7.best use flooting food
8. do partial water changes often (use the dirty water for plants) to avoid needing a filter
9. don't put too many in so thet have plenty of room to grow
10. until you get more used to it avoid koi