Hello MonsterFishKeepers Community,
I'm becoming a pond builder in Maryland and I want to learn how to build the Ultimate Predator Pond.
I'm familiar with building a dedicated koi ponds but I want to expand into building ponds for the most bad-donkey fish on the planet. I was wondering what other things you have to keep in mind for this type of pond? This is going to be apart from my showcase ponds so I'm willing to do what's necessary.
Stocking
Thanks!
Miguel Rodriguez
Pond Pioneer
I'm becoming a pond builder in Maryland and I want to learn how to build the Ultimate Predator Pond.
I'm familiar with building a dedicated koi ponds but I want to expand into building ponds for the most bad-donkey fish on the planet. I was wondering what other things you have to keep in mind for this type of pond? This is going to be apart from my showcase ponds so I'm willing to do what's necessary.
Stocking
- What are the primary fish that need to be graduated to larger tanks or ponds? Redtail Catfish, Gar, Arapaima, Tarpon, etc? I want to build these ponds for the fish that need tanks so large that they become unrealistic for most hobbiest's tank setups.
- Basically I want to build ponds so that these amazing creatures can live their whole lives.
- What are fish that work well in community tanks while others are problem makers? The fewer problems at the beginning will make this venture a lot easier. I'm still expecting to have an emergency pond on the side just in case. And as a side question what's the best way to remove these beasts? Should I have an isolation tank if any are too aggressive or getting picked on?
- My approach to building this pond would be the approach of building a professional koi pond. Bottom drains, jets, drum filters, moving beds and trickle filters. To get a better understanding. How much protein percentage do you feed these fish? What's the protein percentage of frozen/live food?
- What is the minimum temperature for most of these fish? I plan to have everything insulated as well as heated during the winter. I just need to know the bare minimum.
- Any other specific water conditions, other than the difference between fresh/brackish/saltwater?
- I'm planning to put a window in, do I have to make it extra thick for any arapaima that would decide to headbutt it?
Thanks!
Miguel Rodriguez
Pond Pioneer