Given the size koi and orfe can reach I agree with "far too many fish", a nearby garden centre has 2.5ft if not 3ft koi in their pond and their big orfe, in the same pond, are probably 2ft+.
Incidently if you went for ONLY goldfish, which include comets, then 100+ fish would be sustainable but start with 20 - 30 and let them grow and breed. Last time I had an good chance to count mine I am sure there were over 100 in 1400 UK gallon but my pond is heavily planted which helps filter it. Sarassa comets are almost as colourful as koi and then there are shubunkins? (also goldfish) but I dont have them.
Re quarantine, yes quarantine! That may seem odd but there is a nasty disease knocking about, KHV? and if what I remember of it is correct then its notifiable and might cost you the liner. I haven't bought fish in 2 years, besides I keep only goldfish, so I am not that bothered about reading, with much concentration, about introduced fish diseases of koi. Try a google for KHV or something based around those letters.
Re Q tanks, have a look at large paddling pools, the ones with the floatation collar around the top or those supported by frameworks. Tanks will need shade and heron protection
Re plants and koi, some koi eat plants others dont, you can but try.
I would start the filter before you get the fish and then let the fish grow in the pond. Small koi in the right numbers for their 'grwon up size' wouldnt over load a newish filter in that volume of water. You might also like to read up on "fishless cycling" which is, I think, an aquarium keepers trick, using pure ammonia added to the water.
Shade is regarded by some as fairly important, it at least gives the fish the choice of being in the sun or out of it, it also supposedly helps control blanket weed. If provided by plants in the pond it also gives the fish places top hide from Hagar the horrible heron, actually a rather beautiful bird (when not after your fish)
Posted on Jun 21, 2006, 12:03 PM from IP address 81.77.71.177