600+ Gallon Cichlid Pond

[flyalaska]

In the process of changing my Goldfish pond into a Cichlid pond. It is roughly a 640 gallon above ground pond. Constructed of treated 4x4's and galvanized lag bolts. Floor is insulated with 1 inch Styrofoam panels. Not 100% set on a stock list yet. Thinking of

2 - Copper Oscars
2 - Tiger Oscars
1 - Managuense
1 - Convict
4 - Jack Dempseys
4 - Firemoths
4 - L144 Lemon Blue Eye Bristlenose Pleco

Filter - BOG Waterfall
Laguna Clear Flo 2000 (if needed, primary for winter)
Alpine 1400 Pump
2 - 1500 Titanium Heaters
Pond and river rock for the substrates. Rocks for caves
Main pond uses a 45mil EPDM pond liner. Bog was lined with about 10 coats of liquid rubber.

I live in Northern California, average winter is low 40's. I will seal the top of the pond with greenhouse paneling (polycarbonate sheets).

Original Goldfish Pond.



Gave the liner a long vinegar bath and a good scrub.



Waterfall/BOG is made out of 2x6 and lined with liquid rubber.


Filling the pond for testing out the waterfall for leaks. I had to tilt it forward to get the flow I wanted.



1 1/2 inch pipe foe the Waterfall/BOG

 

[jjohnwm]

The original set-up looks great; I hope the new renovation project turns out to be just as nice.

I grew up at a latitude that corresponds with the northern edge of California; if I had done this project, I would have needed to cover the pond (to conserve heat) for at least 7 months of the year. How does this compare with your expectations? I ask because a pond like the one shown in your first pic is a lovely ornamental addition to a patio or terrace...but a pond with a clear plastic cover often ends up looking like you are operating a baitshop out of your home.

Is the bog filter going to be planted with emergent plants that will act to consume nitrates? If so, will your plants die back during the winter, forcing the use of some other more traditional filtration as well? I've been anxious to try out a bog myself, looking forward to following along with yours. Good luck and please keep us posted!

 

[flyalaska]

Yes I will have plants in the BOG. I forgot to mention that.
Midnight Elephant Ear Dwarf - Colocasia esculenta
Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis
Monnieri
DWARF CATTAIL CAT TAIL Typha Minima
Variegated Sweet Flag
Water Poppy
All my plant are rated for my zone. Hopefully they will survive the winter. I will cover them if we get any frost warnings.
I live south of Sacramento, the realy cod months are December, January, and February.

 

[Hybridfish7]

1 convict?
Oscars might eat the plecos, jaguar might kill everything
If I were you I'd cut the firemouths, plecos and jag, and get more convicts + add a bunch of rocks

 

[flyalaska]

1 convict?
Oscars might eat the plecos, jaguar might kill everything
If I were you I'd cut the firemouths, plecos and jag, and get more convicts + add a bunch of rocks

I am adding the rocks and caves. I have a jag with Oscars and jacks in the past. Dont plan on getting a jag until the other fish have grown a little. Only want one convict because I don't want thousands of babies.
In your opinion whats wrong with the Firemouth?

 

[Hybridfish7]

I am adding the rocks and caves. I have a jag with Oscars and jacks in the past. Dont plan on getting a jag until the other fish have grown a little. Only want one convict because I don't want thousands of babies.
In your opinion whats wrong with the Firemouth?

I am not sure if it holds up with meeki/pasionis/the other one in that group that I don't remember the name of but thorichthys tend to need cooler water to thrive long term otherwise they age poorly
Cooler water than the other species you're keeping prefer

 

[flyalaska]

I am not sure if it holds up with meeki/pasionis/the other one in that group that I don't remember the name of but thorichthys tend to need cooler water to thrive long term otherwise they age poorly
Cooler water than the other species you're keeping prefer

Thank you for that info

 

[Hybridfish7]

Thank you for that info

Whoops my mistake, I was right in my slight assumption that the meeki group thorichthys would be different, after a bit of reading I found they are actually lacustrine and prefer warmer water. Feel free to get firemouths if you want.

 

[flyalaska]

Whoops my mistake, I was right in my slight assumption that the meeki group thorichthys would be different, after a bit of reading I found they are actually lacustrine and prefer warmer water. Feel free to get firemouths if you want.

I have since changed my mind on the stock.
3 - Tiger Oscars
3 - Red Oscars
6 - Convicts (Hopefully the fry will feed the other fish)
4 - Dempseys
Bottom Feeders
Clown Loaches
Honeycomb Bristlenose Plecos

 

[flyalaska]

A little update. I have added some rocks and caves. Added the water and got the BOG running.