Teach me about backyard ponds....

[Zippy69]

With regards to winter as long as the pond is at least 24 inches deep an aerator will be fine to keep surface tension broken with warmer water to prevent freeze over and allow for gas exchange. Remember....cold water = more dissolved oxygen and fish at low temps are in a stasis. I have 2 ponds with about 5000 gal capacity. One holds koi and flows imto the other which is one giant bio- filter/ refugium. I have enjoyed my ponds for the past 5 years now, they are very fun but watch out for heron birds. They will eat everything!

 

[kschweer]

In regards to temp in the winter I'm not positive. I do however know that goldfish and koi will both fare fine over the winter in a pond that is 22" deep or more as long as there is a deicer or a waterfall running to keep a hole in the ice for gas exchange.

 

[adesimone1]

We have a drop in heater that runs all winter long. That is why we are able to keep the pond running the same all year long

 

[adesimone1]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone. I was planning on doing Goldfish, I dont think Ill have the room to do a Koi pond, although it would be nice. Ill take a few pictures of where Im planning on putting it to give everyone a better idea. I definitely want a waterfall, love the sound of running water. Costs are already adding up to a reef tank status, but of course you cant cheap out. How long does it take to set up and cycle? How warm is the water in winter?
Adesimone did you just search billboard on craigslist? And did you put a liner over the bilboard, using the billboard as more of a form?

I just searched pond liner and it came up in that search. There is a couple of places online that sell these. We just use the billboard nothing else.