I'm not new to pond keeping,(15 years+ at pond keeping and 30+years at keeping fish. Presently have multiple ponds including the largest 2500 gallon water garden with Koi. I recently visited a fellow members pond (Magoo) that raises water lilies only. After Our visit I have been considering building a lily pond with no or very limited filtration. the wife is agreeing with this build!
Here are the questions I have.
1- What would water lily experts say is the optimal depth for a water lily pond? (I'm thinking 18"-24") Information that may be helpful, I do live in Zone9 South Louisiana, water temps can reach close to or over 90 degrees F in the summer, May get light ice in the winter but never solid freeze. Primary interest is Night blooming and day blooming tropicals.
2- Liner color - I will be swapping out my swimming pool liner in the near future. Does anyone see any issues with using a light colored liner over a dark/black liner? I don't care if the algae shows on the liner. I'm more concerned with exsessive algae growth that may harm the lily's and if the light color will increase water Temps. or other issues I may not be aware of. also curious if cleaned well does anyone see a problem with prior chemical use on the pond liner for this type of Lily pond?
3- o(Fish choices for mosquito control. I DO NOT want to use Gambusia/mosquito fish.
I have a HATERED for this fish and do not want them in my yard at all again! I would rather not use Goldfish either as we have issues with Herons and Owls attacking the pond and I would like not to have to keep a wire net on this pond. I would like something that can stay year round, has enough color to be noticeable but not so much as it attracts predator birds, (ideas I have used or do use, sailfin Mollies, Rosy barbs, and am thinking about trying bluefin killie fish or elders guppies) I would like to hear other suggestions on fish choices that would benefit in mosquito control but would not harm the lily's.
4- stocking level for fish Any suggestions on this?
5- water circulation- I saw there was complete still water in the pond I visited. Would a airstone benefit the pond or would it best be kept still water.
6-Input on the pond, should it be all above ground, partially above partially in ground? I do NOT want to move the lily's out to winter over but can make a deep spot in the pond to drop them down in if it is felt necessary.
7-Does anyone say any harm in top offs with pond water from my existing Koi pond during water changes? Or should I top off with city water?
I do not know how large this pond will be at this point. My thinking is minimal 4' wide, aprox. 12'-16' long and going as wide as 8' in the center area.
The pond will end up somewhat triangular in shape with the points cut off so that minimal size would be at least 4" for the lily leaves to spread out. Probably in the area of 1200-1600 gallons if made 2' deep.
I would make this square but I'm trying to leave enough room to be able to make a pass with the lawn mower between this pond and a 5 year old pomegranate tree that I do not wish to move.
I appreciate any input or ideas, at this point just a consideration. LOL You know how it is, once you have one pond you keep wanting to add to it!