pond life

[hobsonbear]

my new pond is 12 ft by 8 ft and 3 ft deepish.  we are installing a pump and filter soon.  what are the best plants (how many) and the best fish (how many) that we should put in it?

h

[pjm007]

Oxygenating plants are a must, water lilys make a nice addition to a pond especially where other wildlife is concerned. As for fish, I wouldn't put too many in as eventually they will breed. Goldfish, Golden Orfe, Koi Carp and shubunkins are the sorts of fish well suited to a pond.

[silly moo]

If you ae buying from a reputable shop they will be able to give very good advice.
if you hope to attract frogs etc you need to choose fish very carefully.
Goldfish and koi will eat ALL the tadpoles.
Goldfish are cheap , Koi cost more .
Both can be trained to come to you to be hand fed.

[Clanad]

Get local advice on the plants, but Koi fish are very attractive... however as silly moo states, they are pricey and will require special care during the winter months.  Additionally, depending on your location, keep an eye out for fish hunting birds.. they can decimate your fish population in a few minutes...

[kwd1954]

Another advisable piece of kit is a UV Filter if it doesn't come with the pump and filter pack. This is placed between the pump and normal filter and kills the algae. If you don't fit one, the water will eventually go "green" and despite what all the products say on them, nothing you add to the water will have any lasting effect.