how far below ground

[jacktheknife]

how far down so i make a pond. this is iowa- we are practically on the tundra!
i worry that the standard 3 feet will leave me with fishcicles

 

[bound_for_obx]

Just ask at the local plant nursery. I'm sure that they could tell you.

 

[scuba_steve]

yea and at 3 feet in the summer when ya try to do the swan dive into it ya might break your neck id go a bit deeper

 

[RogerMcAllen]

I think I would tend towards 4', but as stated earlier you should consult your nursery as to how deep the frost line is in your area.

 

[afilter]

Most people I know bring fish in for winter around here in WI. I think you would have to go 4'-6' to get below the frost line of a cold winter. I know ice on lakes can freeze to well over 3' feet thick.

How big of a pond are you planning and how many fish. My cousin who has a small pond with about 12 goldfish/koi keeps a 55 gal bare in his basement for winter.

Depending on the size of pond you are planning you might as well build a pool.

 

[jacktheknife]

lol-- swimming with the fishes

i really haven't planned much-- i would like to keep koi and depth is the most important dimension. after that is figured i will go from there. i am working on a veritable paradise in the backyard. i have planted grapes, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, asparagus, winter onions and am looking at some fruit tries.