Monster, but not to Monster

[Z Trip]

Hello everyone

I am interested in purchasing a large(2 foot MAX) fish to put in my pond for the summer. The thing is, I live in Canada and I will need to bring it in during the winter. But, I have that covered to, I plan on buying a large kiddy pool for my basement, not sure how big they are tho, I think its a 6 foot diameter, and just over a foot deep. The pond is a 220g plastic thing. Help me out here guys, I don't know much about the size of fish but do know how to take care of them.

Z

 

[M|L]

ummm... how about some koi fish? they get bigger than 2ft but it'll take a while.

 

[santoury]

Why bother limiting yourself to 2'? Most good pond fish get over, and that kiddie pool will hold 'em over.

Koi, Channel Cats...

 

[Z Trip]

I have decided to get a Fire Eel. Thanks guys.

 

[Atreyu]

A bir crazy but, you can consider purchasing a small redtailed catfish for your pond. When it gets bigger build a giant indoor pond for it . I hav 1 in my brothers indoor pond. friendliest fish you'll ever see lets me pet it and plays catch.

 

[portabuddy]

play catch?, i would pay to see that... can you get a video?

 

[PinkPanther]

Eels are jumpers

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I wouldn't advise a red tailed catfish unless you are planning on building a 20x10x10ft indoor pond, RTC can grow to 5ft+ long. Its best not to buy them unless you know you can house one properly, they will also eat any fish that they can fit into their mouth (which considering how large they can get, is most fish).

The problem about wintering the fish indoors is that you will need to have some very good filtration for the wintering pond, as no doubt you'll probably overstock it. You will also need to cycle it in advance as well, as otherwise you will experience bad water quality problems and end up putting the fish through a whole lot of stress and even risk their lives.
A 6ft diametre and 1ft deep pool will really limit your stocking choices though if you want to go for big fish.

Personally I would advise opting either for a permanent indoor pond of a decent size, or simply get fish which can live alll year round in an outdoor pond of good size in canada (like stergeons).