DEPTH FOR ZONE 8?

[Mmathis]

Would 2' be OK, or should I try for 3'?

Our winters are fairly mild, with occas. freezes, but any freeze only lasts a few days at a time. Planning for only a few goldfish.

 

[DoDad]

The deeper the better.

 

[addy1]

I would go 3 if not more, my phoenix pond was 4 -5 feet to keep it cooler in the summer.

 

[sissy]

yep don't want cooked fish .Plus I think the deeper the water is when it is hot the cooler the pond is and the healthier the fish are .

 

[fishin4cars]

Go three at minimum. I'll tell you, mine is 32" at the deep end and I feel like it would be ok for goldfish but it is hard on the Koi and does get pretty darn warm in the summer. I have far more issues with heat than cold and I wouldn't go any less than 3' in any dig I do in the future. Your being further north and more chance of freeze over the deep hole going to a 4 foot depth would be more in the line of perfect for over-wintering fish in your area.

 

[koiguy1969]

being in zone 8 your likely to have more concerns with summer temps than winter. your likely to not have much trouble keeping a hole in the ice for winter, but higher water temps in the summer.in any zone a pond will get beneficial results from deeper waters... because deeper ponds usually mean higher water volumes / capacity....water temp and chemistry stabilty, and preditor protection to name the top few reasons.

 

[j.w]

Don't have the heat problem here in the summer, would be nice to have it now and then but I do have the cool temps in winter and so made mine 3&1/2 ft deep so fish can find some warmth then in the depths.

 

[Pondmaster]

I agree that deeper is better and I wish I had known that before I built my 2' deep pond. Having said that I have had no problems at all, but I do use a shade sail in the summer I'm in zone 6B.

 

[sissy]

I use a shade sail also and have a bridge so that helps keep the pond cooler

 

[Mmathis]

Thanks, all! Wasn't thinking about the summer heat issue, and since we set records this past summer, I see where that WOULD BE a serious concern. So, going deeper won't be a problem -- that's what teenaged sons are for, right?

 

[addy1]

Thanks, all! Wasn't thinking about the summer heat issue, and since we set records this past summer, I see where that WOULD BE a serious concern. So, going deeper won't be a problem -- that's what teenaged sons are for, right?

Get them digging! my az pond stayed around 85 mid summer, when we were hitting 115 and higher

 

[sissy]

Well you can tell them that will give them muscles and all the girls will be throwing themselves at them .

 

[Mmathis]

Ha, ha! My boy can be a good worker when he wants to be!

Actually, the area I'm going to use has been built up a little bit already. Have extra dirt & was thinking about raising the whole area a few more inches prior to digging the pond. Any advantages or disadvantages to this?

 

[sissy]

building the sides up keeps anything being washed into the pond like fertilizers or dirt or even blowing grass or leaves ,sorta blow over the top at least some of them do .I like the retaining wall on the one side of mine being higher so I can sit on it and watch the fish .Behind it is dirt and foam core insulation .Keeps it warmer in the winter.Your lucky to have your son digging as i dug my own and putting the liner in by myself was not easy either .I got stuck under it and had to find my way out ,heavy heavy .Make sure he is around and best tip is to lay the liner in the sun unfolded makes it easier to work with and more flexible .

 

[addy1]

I agree with Sissy raise you edge some, it will help with run off etc. and make your pond deeper.