When I lived in Florida, I had a number of tanks stocked from local canals, but that was 30+ years ago.
What I am asking for are suggestions to help balance an indoor pond with fish, invertebrates and plants, based on the description of what I have posted below...
What I have now is an indoor, above-ground pond that has been up and running for over 15 years. it holds approximately 100 gallons. I had assorted livebearers in it for a while, goldfish another time, but most recently it's just been sitting empty with my live plants taking it over.
I had the plans in shallow litter pans, but when I cleaned it out recently I took the pans/gravel out and only planted a large enough pan to hold all the plants I saved. Anubias sp & java moss primarily. I also have a variety of driftwood pieces that have been taken out to dry for now, until I decide if they're needed again.
What I'm wanting to do is replant it (in pans, again, if you think that might be an ok idea?) and stock it with native fishes that will get along just fine and reproduce on their own without much interference. Filtration is minimal but enough circulation to keep the surface clear. I have just a small pump/filter on it that does maybe 25 gph. I could enlarge the filter if needed. During the summer live foods are also plentiful since my door stays open a large part of the time (mosquito larva especially).
We have a well but the water is a bit hard. not extremely so, but nowhere near what you'd have with a water filter/softener.
One species in particular I'm interested in is Heterandria formosa. that was one of my favorites for years, the second would be the Bluefin killi. beyond those two, I'd like to add maybe 2 or 3 other species that would get along and balance out the pond for me.
So basically I'm looking for suggestions of what species I could put with the two mentioned, possible live foods that will also live in the pond, and any plants/invertebrates that might help balance it out. I'm in SW Virginia, so anyone with the species suggested, would you also be willing to share them to get me going? or point out a reasonably priced source.
Edited by ki4got, 23 July 2017 - 04:48 PM.