Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose new pond fish question

Welcome to PB!

Before you add lime, I'd get the soil tested to see if adding lime is really necessary. Usually, the pond water is close to the surrounding soil pH.

What are your goals for the pond? That will help determine what type of fish to stock, and also it will give us some direction on what we recommend. Before the pond is dug, I'd give some thought to where I want cover in the pond. Little fish use cover to hide in to escape predation, larger fish use it as "rest stops" when travelling from one part of the pond to another, and they also use the cover as a grocery store. What fish you put in the pond, will have some bearing on what type of cover you use, and where it's located.

How good are you at identifying fish? That will have some bearing on transferring fish from other BOW's. Be aware, that you can bring parasites, diseases and unwanted plants along with the fish. Most of the fish suppliers have larger sizes of fish, and you will avoid those problems.

How big will the pond be, how deep, how steep will the sides be? Where will the water for the pond come from? Are you planning on feeding the fish or aerating? Hang on, the ride just picked up speed!