Pond depth

[Oldsrolet]

My pond is 10’ x 15’ and is fed by a 15 foot long stream and waterfall I would like to know how deep a minimum depth I need for fish

 

[Stephen Noble]

Welcome to the forum! Nice pond. It depends where you live. If you are in So California or Florida the answer is different from Minot North Dakota.

 

[Oldsrolet]

Welcome to the forum! Nice pond. It depends where you live. If you are in So California or Florida the answer is different from Minot North Dakota.

I am located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

 

[Lisak1]

Welcome to the GPF!

Are you concerned about overwintering fish? Here in the Chicago area, many ponds are built 24 inches deep and fish stay out all winter with no issue. Our pond is 3 feet deep. You will read advice that says your pond needs to be "at least" 5 feet deep to overwinter fish, but in my experience and that of many, many zone 5 ponds that I have visited that is just not the case.

 

[j.w]

@Oldsrolet
If you get nervous about your pond in winter getting too much ice you could always put a cattle heater in there before you get ice and turn it on when needed. I don't have one and don't need it but others can steer you to a good kind to use.

 

[poconojoe]

I'm in Mount Pocono, PA, so our weather might be similar. I have no problem with my fish over the winter. I suggest 3 feet deep.

 

[Tula]

I suggest 3 foot depth.

 

[Oldsrolet]

Welcome to the GPF!

Are you concerned about overwintering fish? Here in the Chicago area, many ponds are built 24 inches deep and fish stay out all winter with no issue. Our pond is 3 feet deep. You will read advice that says your pond needs to be "at least" 5 feet deep to overwinter fish, but in my experience and that of many, many zone 5 ponds that I have visited that is just not the case.

Thanks

 

[Oldsrolet]

View attachment 124487@Oldsrolet
If you get nervous about your pond in winter getting too much ice you could always put a cattle heater in there before you get ice and turn it on when needed. I don't have one and don't need it but others can steer you to a good kind to use.

Thanks

 

[Oldsrolet]

I suggest 3 foot depth.

Thanks

 

[Oldsrolet]

Welcome to the GPF!

Are you concerned about overwintering fish? Here in the Chicago area, many ponds are built 24 inches deep and fish stay out all winter with no issue. Our pond is 3 feet deep. You will read advice that says your pond needs to be "at least" 5 feet deep to overwinter fish, but in my experience and that of many, many zone 5 ponds that I have visited that is just not the case.

Thanks

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our forum.

 

[Bluerooster]

Welcome to the forum. I'm in north GA. My pond is 24" at it's deepest point. My only worry, is too hot in summer. winter here is pretty mild, with only about 4" of ice on the pond at the max.

 

[CometKeith]

My pond is 10’ x 15’ and is fed by a 15 foot long stream and waterfall I would like to know how deep a minimum depth I need for fish

Hi and welcome. I would recommend anywhere from 3-4 ft is fine. I'm in Chicago and all but one tiny fish made it fine in my pond last winter despite temps to negative 27. I never have used any kind of heater but keep both an air pump and small water pump working all winter to provide proper gas exchange.