General

[n2extreme1]

Ok for all of you fish enthusiast I am finishing up my third pond. This is a 700 gallon pond that is going to be inside my lani. I was thinking about sharks and stingrays but that could be costly. I was also thinking about african cichlids as they get to be good size and have a nice color. I have a koi pond in the back yard so I want to go in a different direction with this one. I tried to find somewhere online where I could buy fish in bulk or wholesale but no luck. I didnt want to spend a fortune stocking this thing. Any suggestions?

[SlvrDragon50]

o.O

You can own sharks?

[Deus Machina]

Some breeds, especially the smaller ones that only eat stuff like shrimp. I don't think it's illegal to own any breed you want, as long as it's not endangered.

As for putting anything but koi outside, make sure the pond's heated or the fish can handle temperature swings. Even in Florida, water outside this time of year can get cold enough to be harsh on tropical fish, and it will vary much more than lakes or the ocean.

I don't know what temperatures cichlids can stand, but some of them do get territorial when they're bigger. Some stuff like some types of stingrays really want a sandy bottom to dig into, which means you wouldn't see them.

See, that's why koi are popular. peaceful, easy to feed, and hardy. And pretty from above, which is important for a pond.

[MedicDVG]

Originally Posted by Deus Machina

As for putting anything but koi outside, make sure the pond's heated or the fish can handle temperature swings. Even in Florida, water outside this time of year can get cold enough to be harsh on tropical fish, and it will vary much more than lakes or the ocean.

My koi pond freezes in winter. I just have a pump on the bottom that keeps one small area free of ice and they winter just fine. I have yet to loose any fish, in fact, they seem to breed like rabbits every spring after the thaw. The only thing is to NOT to feed them in the winter, or when the water temp gets below 60* F or they will get really sick as their digestive system doesn't do well at that temperature.

[Bob T Guy]

n2extreme1 where do you live? That would influence suggests a lot.

I think rays would be rather boring for a pond. Since they'll burrough into the sand and be almost invisible most of the time. I also seem to recall hearing that they can have a lot of health problems, but can't say for certain. Cichlids might be an option, depending on where you are. Some of them are exceptionally hardy and can take a relatively significant variance in temperature. They also have personality like koi, which is great for pondfish. You would have to make sure to provide them with lots of caves and other shelters though. Most cichlids, especially the larger varieties, don't like each other. Another type of fish to look into are gourami; particularly giant gourami (I think they would be one of your better bets for a non-koi/goldfish pondfish).

Edit: I remember seeing an online auction type site (kinda like a cross between ebay and craigslist) for fish and aquatic plants. I'll see if I can find it for you.

[stupiddogg]

Rainbow bass

[shadawg]

i second the bass pond.
You can get fingerling stock, and bait fish stock from Cabela's.

[Harbinger[TG]]

way too small for bass

[shadawg]

not if your only gonna go with a couple.

[n2extreme1]

Bob T- I Live in Fl. The pond will be indoors and stay at room temp. If you aere able to remember that site let me know.