Pond in the North East?

[Fishman0]

I live in southern New York where the temperature can fluctuate from 100+ to negative temps.

I was wondering if it was possible to have an inground pond that would not freeze solid so fish can stay outdoors through the winter.

how deep would it have to be to prevent this?

i was thinking something like 6' L x 4' W x 2.5' H which is roughly 450gal

 

[sirdavidofdiscus]

I'm doing an educated guess. But Here in Northeast OH building permits requires 36" deep footers to ensure your below the frost line so I'd assume you'd have to be at least that deep. Lake Erie freezes 2 ft thick at intake crib off Cleveland most years. And a body of water that big takes a long time to freeze.
In either case I'm thinking 4ft minumum for your area.

 

[Here Fishy Fishy]

I live on Long Island and I have a pond. Mine is 4 feet deep at its deepest. When I was researching the build I was told the recommended depth for a pond in this area was at least 3 feet. You do however need a way of keeping the ice from completely freezing over such as a bubbler, floating heater, or moving water. If the ice completely freezes over there will be no gas exchange and you run the possibility of the fish suffocating.

 

[Conner]

I live on Long Island and I have a pond. Mine is 4 feet deep at its deepest. When I was researching the build I was told the recommended depth for a pond in this area was at least 3 feet. You do however need a way of keeping the ice from completely freezing over such as a bubbler, floating heater, or moving water. If the ice completely freezes over there will be no gas exchange and you run the possibility of the fish suffocating.

Agree 100%. 36" depth MINIMUM and some way of keeping at least part of the surface free of ice. You will also need to keep species that are cold tolerant, unless you plan on keeping the pond well heated in the winter. That basically means natives.

 

[Fishman0]

the more i think about it the more i am reconsidering making an indoor pond...

I worked in the pool building field for years and have seen what happens to lines which where not dry and froze. or if the pool/spa was running and lost power for long enough everything froze and was destroyed.

maybe ill play it safe and design an indoor pond with a viewing glass so i have a few less things to worry about.

thanks for the help

 

[Muske]

If you just want goldfish, Koi, or natives go outdoors.

and go big.