Koi Ponds

[Merlin the Elder]

Raccoons can be dealt with using proper pond design, but the birds are a lot more difficult to deal with. There are devices that turn on with proximity switches to chase off predators. I never lost a fish to raccoons, and there are lots of them in my neighborhood. The cats used to like to sit and watch the fish swim back and forth.

I had my pond for 4-5 years I guess. If it were enclosed, I'd still have one.

[Mairte]

Yeah, I know the cost of enclosing the pond will be more but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
I have been looking at everyone elses ponds on the different forums and have a bad case of envy,lol.
Talked with my dad this evening about the project. LOL, his biggest worry about it being 6 to 8 feet deep is that I might fall in.  Parents dont change....I told him I would go no shallower than four or five feet. I suppose if its enclosed and climate controlled maybe it wouldnt have to be as deep? Though that will remain to be seen.

[Merlin the Elder]

In a climate controlled setting, it certainly would not have to be that deep. The biggest concern would be if you lost power, is how long you could keep the temperature around the pound from dropping sub-zero. In your climate, how long would it take for the pond to completely freeze?  Only experienced fish keepers in your area could answer those questions. I'm sure it can be done, but you need some locals to give you the correct information.

Your main concern is not the temperature of the water, it's the thickness of the ice! Even during winter periods of minimal respiration, there are still gases that would build up if there were no venting. Even in Arkansas—way south of where you are—the pond would freeze over.

Koi don't need more than 30" depth. That's about what mine was. An interesting thing about fish is that they have a tendency to adjust to their environment. If it starts getting crowded, they stop procreating. They'll even stop growing if they need to.

[Mairte]

Thanks Merlin.
Right now I am thinking about having a smaller goldfish pond for the next couple of years. I HOPE not to make any mistakes but would rather make newbie mistakes on less expensive fish....
I am STILL researching and planning for a koi pond but that will be at least two years out.
Goldfish....I plan on putting a liner in and submerging an old metal tub. Thinking about what kind of filters, pumps, pred protection (nets?) I would need. I think in a tub, four or five goldfish? I dont want to overstock.
As said, I figure this will be part of my learning experience.
Oh and I dont plan on overwintering them outside. They will be moved to a large aquarium in the colder months since the depth of the tub really wouldnt allow for overwintering unless I put some sort of de-icing equipment in it....even then, I guess I would consider it too shallow.
I would rather be safe than sorry.
Looking at goldfish...I really like the orandas.

[Rowan MacD]

  I'm thinking the enclosure idea will prevent a whole lot of problems.  Regarding fishing birds: My uncle in Blackpool, UK. finally stretched a fine net over his pond to keep the birds out.  He says in addition to the herons and egrets, he has cormorants of all things.   No fish is safe from diving birds. 
  Preventing access to the pond from above as well as the sides will help keep the bugs down too.  In case you are wanting to allow the Koi to breed....Did you know that dragonfly larva (nymphs) are carnivorous?  They prey on the newly hatched fry of fish as well as tadpoles.   

[Mairte]

Koi pond, defnitely enclosed. Small goldfish pond...I thought not to but in rethinking it, I am going to put a greenhouse over it.
I will probably allow both goldfish and koi to breed, if they will.
I had a nice surprise today. Someone offered me their 100 gallon pond (not big but it would be okay for a couple of goldfish and some plants!) for free but I have to clean the water and debris out of it. It will probably be a gross job but I am going to do it.