What Fish Can I Add to My Water Pond, and When?

Q. I'm having a pre shaped pond installed this week and have some questions on adding fish to it. There is no filtration, just a pump delivering water to the top of a boulder that will flow down into the pond. I'm not sure of the size of the pond right now. Right now there are no plants either, but I plan on adding some as well.

1. If I will be filling it with tap water from a garden hose, do I need to do anything or wait 24-48 hours for the chlorine to dissipate before adding fish?
2. Can Koi and gold fish share the same pond? Also what other types of fish can be put in the pond?
3. Is there a rule of thumb as to how many fish can be sustained in a pond?

I came from a saltwater reef tank and we had a rule of thumb like 1-inch of fish per gallon of water.

A. If you kept a reef tank alive, I think you will have no trouble. Just don't throw in a damselfish to start the tank - use a goldfish or two instead.

1. Find out from your water supply comany if both chlorine and chloramines are added. The chlorine will dissipate, but you will need something to counteract the buildup of chloramines.

2. Koi and goldfish together, yes. You should have at least a 2 1/2 feet depth for koi. They get large, and larger ponds are the norm. Other fish: golden orfes, sunfish, minnows, and mosquito fish, to name a few.

3. The more aeration and filtration, the more fish can be added.

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