Newbie to ponds

[essy]

So I found a good price on a pond on kijiji and I'm thinking of setting one up.

The problem is, I think I'm pretty much limited to only goldfish / koi. It would of been nice to have some tropical, but I don't think it's possible. (I live on Vancouver Island in Canada.)

My first question is, what if I can find a way to heat it over the winter (the summer gets 30+, so it's fine), is it possible to keep cichlids or characins outside in the winter if I can find a way to heat it?

What would be a way to heat it at that.

It's a 400gal pond, for the record.

 

[Muske]

What are the dimensions of the pond?

You could throw a greenhouse over it in the winter...

 

[essy]

After looking at the pond closely, I don't think buying this second hand is the best idea. I'll probably buy a preformed pond and just dig it into the ground.

I'm looking for at least a 300gal pond, would be ideal at least.

 

[Muske]

What's wrong w/it?

 

[calioutlaw1a]

After looking at the pond closely, I don't think buying this second hand is the best idea. I'll probably buy a preformed pond and just dig it into the ground.

I'm looking for at least a 300gal pond, would be ideal at least.

If you are going to be keeping koi, you WILL regret going with anything less than about 1,000 gallons. If you are new to ponds, and trying to get by with a small budget, then the best thing you can do right now is invest in your pond education. Plan! Plan! Plan!

Remember these words: The cheapest pond is one that doesn't need to be rebuilt.

 

[oldfish]

If you are going to be keeping koi, you WILL regret going with anything less than about 1,000 gallons. If you are new to ponds, and trying to get by with a small budget, then the best thing you can do right now is invest in your pond education. Plan! Plan! Plan!

Remember these words: The cheapest pond is one that doesn't need to be rebuilt.

I agree more size and planing is a must.Get in touch with your local koi club. http://www.canadakoiclub.ca/site/ In the long run it will save you a ton of money and aggravation.