500 Gallon Cold Water Pond

[skibler]

Hey guys, I am sort of new to ponds, but I am planning on getting the pond that was built a while ago set up. The pond freezes in the winter, but it is deep enough for fish to live in there. I have several questions,
What can I put in their? I want koi, but I also wanted other species. I know Koi get huge, so could I get one koi, and several other species? Or do koi get lonely? What are some other species that could survive in the mountains of NC?

 

[skibler]

How would 2 Channel catfish, and 2 koi do?

 

[kendragon]

That should work. I got 1 channel and a bunch of kois. Channel doesn't seem loney. Just one of the guys.

 

[treldib]

1,000 Gal. Minimum for adult Koi.

 

[koienterprise]

500 gallons is not much to heat even in NC which will open your options to species. Koi will grow and eventually will out grow 500 gallons however growing them can be a start

 

[skibler]

Thanks for the great answers. I defiantly want something that can live its entire life in this pond. So i guess that crosses out koi, and maybe catfish too? The pond does not freeze solid in the winter, but it defiantly gets a fine coat. The heater I am getting will help with that though.

Any other smaller species, that can live in cold/frozen waters? If not I guess before I buy any fish I will need to set up a winter tank.

 

[Muske]

All single tail goldfish will do.
Some fantails like Watonia and Wakins will also work.
Orfe and natives are an option.
Bullheads don't get as big as Channels.

 

[skibler]

What type of bullhead would be best for my pond? Thanks for the reply