New pond - what to put in it?

confusion

AC Members
Jun 3, 2006
152
0
0
52
I had a pond built in my backyard and it's almost complete. The pond is between 2000 and 2200G, with a stream and waterfall that probably add another 300G of water volume. The average depth of the pond is 38" (36" min and 40" max)

I'm in Atlanta, GA, and don't have to worry about the pond water freezing.
Here is a pic:
DSC_0062.JPG


There are some different angles here:http://aquariu.ms/images/v/pond/?g2_page=3

I'm looking for suggestions on what to put in the pond. I'd like to go with some koi for sure, but I'm looking for other recommendations.

Thanks!
 
That stream is awesome. Love the pond.
 
My neighbors like it too (thank goodness!)

The lower part of the stream is quite large - probably 100G or so. I'm thinking about putting some WCMMs in that part - my fear is that they'll end up in the main pond and get eaten by the koi.

My landscaper suggested putting in a goldfish or two into that area. That's not a bad idea. I might do that to get the pond cycled. I suspect if I have 1 or 2 fish in that much water, they won't be impacted by the cycle.
 
I'm thinking about getting some water lillies, to be sure. I've read, though, that koi can be pretty hard on lillies, and that lotus are a better way to go, so I've been looking for some water lotus too.

There are two solutions to protecting water lillies from Koi.

1) Plant water celery - which Koi like to eat. See:
http://www.koivet.com/plants/tropical.html
I'd be curious if others can recommend any other plants that Koi like to eat so they stay away from the lillies.

2) A floating fish net. Here is an example, but others sell similar products:
http://www.pondbiz.com/home/pb1/page_1506_304/floating_plant_protector.html
 
AquariaCentral.com