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I am building a large pond approx. 20' L x 12' W depths ranging from 12" to 40" in Santa Rosa, CA. North of San Francisco. We have average tempratures ranging from 35 to 85 F and records of 20 to 110 F. I guess I have 2 questions. 1. Can I put tropicals like Pacu's and Oscars in the pond?
> 2. What are a few good sources for construction of this pond? I intended on using a pool liner from a high grade soft side pool its very strong material I originaly got it so that my large dogs could get in the pool.
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> Thanks For any help you can provide
> Ron

35 to 85 F and records of 20 to 110 F.

pretty close to my weather, you'd either have to heat it in the winter or take the fish inside.

What are a few good sources for construction of this pond?

don't know of any sites or anything for ponds but if you've got questions post them here and people may be able to help you out.

Ouch, 35 or 20F for poor oscars! Might as well stick'em in the freezer Like stillearnin said, you'll definitely need heaters in winter, you should probably be shopping for several 500 or 1000W heaters

If you are dead set on this. I would suggest a green house over the pond. If you don't its going to end up costing a small fortune to heat that pond in cool weather. A green house would eng up being the heater so you wouldn't have to heat it as much.

Good Luck
Renzema

hey that's not a bad idea, should definitely help lower the heating costs in winter.

I can't take all the credit, a lot of ppl that like to do large saltwater tanks, for coral propogation, do this so they can keep larger tanks and save money on the heating, and it works quite well.

isnt there a cheap way to make a greenhouse out of PVC pipes and plastic sheets.....looks pretty nice too

Ya you can build it out of PVC and clear plastic but you have to have a way to expell some of the heat so you don't over heat the pond.