Hi everyone. I stumbled upon this forum 3 months ago as I set out to build my first pond and I cannot thank you all enough for the help and inspiration you all unknowingly provided. I have checked this forum daily and benefitted tremendously.
A few basics about myself and my pond: I live in Valley Forge, PA, zone 6. My pond is 4800 gallons, waterfall, big bahama bio-filter 1900 5000 gph, watermaster clear pump 3960 gph, Aqua 40 watt UVC light.
The pond is fully functional since mid July, and I have had only a few minor issues.
I will definately be posting pictures of the pond, but in all candor, am slightly embarrased that i have not completed all of the rock exterior so it is not as asthetically pleasing as I would like at the moment. But...well, thats the fun part for me, because I have personally dug out, moved and placed every rock and plant! I think perhaps that I didn't want to finish as I know how much fun it will be again to work on it every day as the weather warms up next spring. (atleast thats the excuse I'm going with)
Anyway, I currently have a bunch of comets, shubunkins, one fancy tail goldfish, one oranda, and one Koi. I lost a few comets in the first 2 weeks and have not lost a fish since.
I am very nervous going into my pond's first winter but have done the best I can. My question is whether or not my shubunkins ( my daughter's favorites) can survive the winter in the pond. I have heard they are more susceptible to temperature extremes. I do have a de-icer prepared.
Thanks so much everyone! I apologize beforehand if it takes a bit to return posts as I do work during the day. ( history teacher.)
A few basics about myself and my pond: I live in Valley Forge, PA, zone 6. My pond is 4800 gallons, waterfall, big bahama bio-filter 1900 5000 gph, watermaster clear pump 3960 gph, Aqua 40 watt UVC light.
The pond is fully functional since mid July, and I have had only a few minor issues.
I will definately be posting pictures of the pond, but in all candor, am slightly embarrased that i have not completed all of the rock exterior so it is not as asthetically pleasing as I would like at the moment. But...well, thats the fun part for me, because I have personally dug out, moved and placed every rock and plant! I think perhaps that I didn't want to finish as I know how much fun it will be again to work on it every day as the weather warms up next spring. (atleast thats the excuse I'm going with)
Anyway, I currently have a bunch of comets, shubunkins, one fancy tail goldfish, one oranda, and one Koi. I lost a few comets in the first 2 weeks and have not lost a fish since.
I am very nervous going into my pond's first winter but have done the best I can. My question is whether or not my shubunkins ( my daughter's favorites) can survive the winter in the pond. I have heard they are more susceptible to temperature extremes. I do have a de-icer prepared.
Thanks so much everyone! I apologize beforehand if it takes a bit to return posts as I do work during the day. ( history teacher.)