Outdoor pond. NEED HELP!

[Mudslinger14]

If I wanted to build a 1200 gallon pond outside in Arizona...What would I need in the way of heaters, chillers, and insulation?


The max temperature gets to 115-120(f) in the summer...And the coldest it gets is around freezing (f) So, if I wanted to keep various monster catfish (Rtcs/tsn and maybe even an arowana....What would I need? Im completely new to ponds and outdoor fish altogether. So some newbie tips would be appreciated

 

[studd muffin]

I think you can keep the monster catfishes outside for the summer.

 

[Muske]

Chiller isn't necessary. Dig it deep (3' min., 4' is better) to help keep the temps. lower in the summer. Some shade in the form of a pergola, lillies, and other trees and landscape around the pond will help regulate summer temps.

In the winter, a temp. greenhouse would be a great start. It will trap heat in at night, and gain passive solar heating during the daytime. Again digging deep will help with winter temp. fluctuations. A secondary heater might be needed, but that can be determined later if the need be.

 

[Mudslinger14]

Ok. Guess I have some more stuff to price then!
Thanks!

 

[Muske]

If the pond is below ground, you won't need to worry about insulation....
Although the 1200 gal. number will probably double maybe triple or more if you go the 3-4' deep. Thus needing a larger pump, skimmer, liner, underlayment, etc.

If above ground, the greenhouse will be the best start (look on craigslist for used ones) then the insulation would then be a cost factor.

 

[Mudslinger14]

How warm do you think the temperature would stay if it was..lets say a 4000 gallon pond?
The air would be 32 degrees at the very coldest.