Just got first pond

PumaWard

PumaWard

In loving memory of Meeko
Jul 23, 2003
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I just got a 4ftX6ftX1.5ft garden pond setup from wally world and it's going to be my first pond. I have some, I think simple, questions.

If it were a rectangular tank, it would have about a 270 (or was it 260) gallon capacity.

I plan on fishless cycling it with also a bacteria boost from some of my established tanks as I assume this is the best corse of action. Is this correct?

I plan on having periphrial (blue-flag iris's and the like, probably potted) and floating plants (water lettuce maybe, some hornwart), is there a need for alot of substrate or can you go with little or none? What is the best if you go with some? Can I use leaves?

My next questions concern stocking. I plan on having guppies for mosquito control, but I was also hoping for some "larger" fish. I have always admired koi, but obviously the pond is too small. Are there any similiar species that stay smaller? How many could I go with and still be understocked?

Thanks for any input :D
Puma
 
Ok, well the measurements confused me a little. Please excuse my ignorance, but how deep is the pond? My instincts tell me its the 1.5 ft. measurement but I'm not sure.

Next, I would ask... are you planning to keep this outdoors and functional year round? If it is only 1.5 feet deep than that would freeze through, especially being that you live in Vermont. You would need a pond thats like 3.5 feet deep in order to over-winter the fish where you live.

The good news is that you got this pond in the right time of year. Being that you live in the North East, I'd say you couldn't have picked a better time of year to start. ;)
 
Yes it's 1.5' deep, sorry for the confusion :).

I probably will be outdoors year round, so I may skip larger fish all together and just keep smaller fish like guppies and florida flag fish so I can take them in.

As for the time placement, thank you :). I figured since the perennials are coming up(besides the lilies which were coming up when it was snowing out still) than it should be okay.
 
I would skip the substrate, it is not necessary and you will be able to keep it much cleaner without. Leaves would do a lot of decaying and could possibly block your pump intake if stirred up. Couple of comet goldfish would be the closest to koi. I use common plecos (one for this size pond) for algae control if needed once the water temp stays in the sixties. They will often get large by the end of the summer so check with your LFS to make sure they will take it off your hands if you don't want to keep it.
 
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I'm not sure she wants Goldfish in a pond which will be drained every year... they get 1 foot and larger and need a setup all of their own if she had to bring them indoors.

Puma, let us know what you decide to put in this pond. :D
 
I've made my decision :D.

Though I really want goldies or koi I have no space to keep them inside during the winter.. and to be honest, my parents have said that 8 fish tanks is ENOUGH, lol :D (they're no fun).

I've decided to keep Florida Flag fish and white cloud mountain minnows in my pond. If I can ever find them, Lucania goodei as well.

I might also keep my brother's endlers in it or his least killies.


I though I might also throw in that I am almost finnished setting up the pond (it's filling atm). So, hopefully all goes well :D.
 
Besides blue flag irises, can any of you guys recommend good marsh plants to do the edges of the pond with?

Thanks for your help so far :)
 
The plants you are referring to are called "marginals" or "bog plants". They prefer (need) acidic, wet soil. These plants, depending on which ones we're talking about, can be anywhere from 1/2 inch covered in water (at the base of the plant) to 2-3 feet covered in water.

Here is a link to a chart of Marginals, their names, what climate they prefer, setup they like, etc...

Marginal Plant Info
 
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