Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations converting an inground Spa into a pond

I am planning to convert an in-ground octagon concrete spa into a pond. Each side of the spa is about 3' and 3.5' at the deepest but it didn't go straight down. I figure about 800g or so. about 10 ft away from the spa is its mechanical in-ground chute. There are a gas water heater and 2 pumps, one for skimmer+bottom drain and the other pump for the jets.

I intent to use a bog plant filter as my primary filter, what do you guys think? That way, I can grow some vege and herb aquaponically.

As for fish, I think it's a bit small for koi so I am thinking of fancy goldfishes.

Any suggestions?

Look into Tilapia. They taste better than goldfish........

I don't know how it'd work with filtration, but with the heater you could grow Tilapia to table size relatively quickly.

so true about the taste but this is basically a ornamental pond the bog-filter/aquaponic stuff just a bonus. Tilapia taste better but aren't very good looking. If arowanas don't jump as much it would be a good choice but the pond is too small for 3' long fish.

It IS a bit small for koi, but couldn't you put them in as small fish, and sell/replace them once they got larger?