Outdoor pond in south Louisiana...what can last through winter?

[andregurov]

Many Gymnogeophagus species will survive the winter, and look remarkable in the spring. I've kept G. labiatus and G. balzanii outside through winter before. The balzanii did great, while the labiatus looked a little stressed.

 

[mkman]

You could try and heat it or insulate it really well so you can keep other fish in it if thats an option

 

[badisbadis101]

Many Gymnogeophagus species will survive the winter, and look remarkable in the spring. I've kept G. labiatus and G. balzanii outside through winter before. The balzanii did great, while the labiatus looked a little stressed.

So you have has sucess with Gymnogeophagus in outdoor ponds through the winter? I live in houston and was considering adding some to my pond, but was unsure - i have a thread about it in the central/south american cichlid forum.

As for fish that survive, i have had white cloud mountain minnows survive houston winters, however, plecos do not. Just my 2 cents

 

[andregurov]

Yes, I've had success. I'm only limited by my tank space over the summer!

Paradise gouramis will also hold up outside over winter in south Louisiana, fwiw.

 

[Sasquatch Smash]

Good luck with that. I hope to one day have a fairly large pond, either outdoor or indoor, where I can stock locals and perhaps some CA/SA cichlids.

 

[NOLAGT]

Thanks yall...I will probably just keep to mostly gold fish and koi but might try one or two other things.

 

[NOLAGT]

Ok built my pond this weekend...well started. Its about 350 gal at almost 8'x almost 4' x about 22" of just water. Pond is taler so my turtles wont get out.

Question about insulating. Its made out of landscaping timbers...should I line the sides and ground with plywood to make the liner sit flat? Should I also add in a sheet of that hard insulating board? Will it make that much of a difference and do I really need it if I am just keeping turtles and koi/commets

 

[frasertheking]

if you wanting fish to survive you would be best digging about another 2 feet in to the ground , will add volume and soil is a good insulator. above ground ponds have a high chance of freezing solid .

 

[hamato_yoshii]

pics?

 

[WckedMidas]

natives dude. gar. bass. bluegill. flathead catfish. channle cats. bullhead catfish. pike pickrel. walley anything u can catch local