Anyone have fish?

[Brahma Chicken5000]

They are genetically modified. They contain jelly fish DNA I believe. It's the start of Jurassic park.

Yes they do contain jellyfish DNA. They are also incredibly expensive. Glo fish zebra danios, black skirt tetras, & tiger barbs go for $7-$10 a piece.

I really wish I could get back into the aquarium hobby. I loved having fish. They were so calming and beautiful. I hope to have a couple fish tanks once I have my own house. Some in wall ones too.

 

[Better Than Rubies]

I have three tanks. My female Betta is the only one I haven't had for a year yet, but it will be a year on July 2nd, Lord be willing. The rest of my fish I've had over a year.
Here's a picture of my Green Bronze Cory cat:

 

[ShrekDawg]

What you are looking at is VERY inexpensive filtration that will only work on tiny ponds with light stocking levels. Most koi ponds will have filtration that runs in the thousands (even DYI will cost several hundred after plumbing fittings, pump, etc) - settling tanks, leaf traps, mechanical and biological filters, back flushing systems, UV, etc. This is a nice site to review - good articles and lots of quality equipment:
http://www.aquaart.com

One other thing to think about as far as stocking levels - think more in terms of pounds of fish rather than inches. A 20" koi needs a lot more space/filtration than 20 1" goldfish.

Thanks, I didn't realize it got so expensive. I figured the liners and stuff were expensive. I think I'm going to need to have a pond person out or something, there's someone down the street

 

[X_and_Z]

Thanks, I didn't realize it got so expensive. I figured the liners and stuff were expensive. I think I'm going to need to have a pond person out or something, there's someone down the street

You might want to figure out a max budget and priorities. For example, if a waterfall is really important, you might want to look into a pondless/fishless pond and focus on a high quality, high volume pump that can be turned off when you are not there to view the waterfall (lower energy costs + no/low filter costs). If fish are important, you can look at small/no waterfall setups where the pump is just big enough for filtration - still a decent flow, but unless you have a very large pond it will probably be lower than a waterfall specific setup. You may also really like water gardening which has another set of requirements.

Another place to look for info/pics of installations where real details are discussed:

http://www.koiphen.com/forums/index.php?s=950a84d58fe399524bea24101c7036cd

 

[ShrekDawg]

You might want to figure out a max budget and priorities. For example, if a waterfall is really important, you might want to look into a pondless/fishless pond and focus on a high quality, high volume pump that can be turned off when you are not there to view the waterfall (lower energy costs + no/low filter costs). If fish are important, you can look at small/no waterfall setups where the pump is just big enough for filtration - still a decent flow, but unless you have a very large pond it will probably be lower than a waterfall specific setup. You may also really like water gardening which has another set of requirements.

Another place to look for info/pics of installations where real details are discussed:

http://www.koiphen.com/forums/index.php?s=950a84d58fe399524bea24101c7036cd

Thanks again for all the help! It's tough because fish are really relaxing and I'd like to watch them but then waterfalls are relaxing too so I kind of want both but then if it's as expensive as you say then maybe I don't, idk. Do you think if I just went with a smaller pond and stuck with the 4 fish I have now then it might be cheaper? Like could I go with a cheaper filter?

 

[CarpCharacin]

You could build a Sand and Gravel filter. http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?68132-Birdman-s-Sand-Gravel-Filter
For a liner, I would recommend going with a Firestone 45 mil EPDM liner. You should still use a felt pond underlayment to keep the liner from getting punctured by rocks.

 

[ShrekDawg]

You could build a Sand and Gravel filter. http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?68132-Birdman-s-Sand-Gravel-Filter
For a liner, I would recommend going with a Firestone 45 mil EPDM liner. You should still use a felt pond underlayment to keep the liner from getting punctured by rocks.

Thanks, that filter looks cool and seems cheaper than other filters.

And thanks, I'll look for that liner.

Do you guys think a pond kit is a good way to go or are the filters usually not powerful enough?

 

[CarpCharacin]

Thanks, that filter looks cool and seems cheaper than other filters.

And thanks, I'll look for that liner.

Do you guys think a pond kit is a good way to go or are the filters usually not powerful enough?

The filters usually aren't powerful enough, and you want a bottom drain. Those ones that come with submersible pumps are no good. Get a good pump, but make sure you have a priming pot on it so debris doesn't get caught in the pump. This is the pump that I have: https://www.advantageman.com/product_p/es3500.htm

 

[X_and_Z]

Thanks again for all the help! It's tough because fish are really relaxing and I'd like to watch them but then waterfalls are relaxing too so I kind of want both but then if it's as expensive as you say then maybe I don't, idk. Do you think if I just went with a smaller pond and stuck with the 4 fish I have now then it might be cheaper? Like could I go with a cheaper filter?

You want to lower your bioload so as large a pond as possible with as small a fish load as you can limit yourself to to best reduce pump/filtration costs. Think about what you will do when the goldfish reproduce or get too big for your setup. It's much like figuring out what you are going to do with unwanted cockerels/roosters.

 

[X_and_Z]

Thanks, that filter looks cool and seems cheaper than other filters.

And thanks, I'll look for that liner.

Do you guys think a pond kit is a good way to go or are the filters usually not powerful enough?

Remember that is just the filter. You still need to factor in pump costs to drive that filter (typically $250+)