How many?

[friend of oscar]

I would have put this in the cold water forum but not much action there so I'll try hear. I have heard many differnt opinions on how many fish to keep in a pond. I've heard so many different things. I want to hear though how many koi and goldfish you recomend to keep in a pond or how many you have in your pond. Im trying to get alot of opinions so I can get like average answer. We're looking into a 2000-3000 gallon pond. I believe the pond would be 3ft deep in the deepest point. This is what I think would work for this size pond or what I would probley plan on putting in it. Also pond will have a large stream,waterfall and a big filter/skimmer system thingy and will have lots of plants. Here is what I think.

8-10 koi
8-10 goldfish
6 orfes
bunch of mosquito fish

[Sharyl C]

Volume wise a 2000-3000 gallon pond should be able to handle the fish you listed (I am not familiar with orfes though...)

What you will want to consider is the filtration system and make sure it is sufficient to handle that volume of water and that amount of fish. Also remember that these fish (koi&goldfish) grow quite large and are very messy. Typically its the mechanical filter (the part of the system that catches debris and particles from the water) that gets overloaded or is insufficient in these set ups. the pond center or landscaper that helps you with this project should be able to point in the right direction here.

hope this helps,

[GEV83]

I want a pond. Hey oscar dont you have a pleco??? How is it doing Im just wondering since I think it was identifying your fish was my first post on here. If it was you post a pic of your fish.

[friend of oscar]

Thanks for the reply. I thought those fish would be ok in that size pond. I remember you helping me with the pleco id. He is doing great. He's about 8 inches long now and eats like a horse. I put him in my cousin's 55 gallon for while and that made him shoot up in size. I'm gonna have to get rid of him soon though because I don't have the room now that I have him back in the 30 gallon. Thanx again for the reply.

[GEV83]

So what kind of pleco was it again??? I forgot just remebered your name.

[friend of oscar]

A leapard sailfin or might just be a real pretty, spotted sailfin.

[GEV83]

post a pic of it I know you have one.

[friend of oscar]

I have 1 pic of it but I have no digital camera or scanner but Im going to try and get my cousins for when we start building the pond so Ill try then.

[GEV83]

How did you post it last time???

[friend of oscar]

I didn't show a pic last time. I just described it and then went on Google and found one that looked alot like it and it was a leopard sailfin pleco.

[GEV83]

Oh ok. All this time I thought it was yours.