jconnon

I am going to enlarge a small 200gal pond that I have right now.
I live in eastern MA, does anyone know how deep it should be to let the fish stay in over the winter. Right now I bring them in and put them in a 300gal stock tank in my cellar. I just do not think this method is the best and the fish are out growing this tank.

Right now i was thinking of making it 8x10.

platy ben

i have a large out door pond, don't know how many Gallon, its about 1ft deep in the shallow end and around 3-4ft deep in the deep end and my fish easily suvive through the winter

angelfish220

It has to be dug below the frost line with enough room for all the fish to live below the frost line. It really depends on your area, Here in PA our pond is 2feet deep and that is deep enough.

Dino

3 feet should give you plenty of wiggle room.
I know the freeze line here in the Smokeys is 18 inches.

dking271

My parents had a pond installed in eastern MA(North Attleboro), and it was 24 inches deep. That left a minimum of 6" of water in the coldest of winter. They had no trouble keeping the fish through the winter, and would have many babies in the spring. They did have trouble with Blue Herrons. One Herron could wipe out the pond in a day (12' x 12').

margate

Pond Depth
Ideally koi, ghost carp, and other large fish need a depth of at least 91 cm (3 feet) in the deepest part of the pond to allow these fish, which can grow to over 61 cm (2 feet) in length, to over winter successfully. Smaller fish such as goldfish, shubunkins and sarasa comets can be housed in smaller ponds, with a minimum depth of 46 cm (18 inches).

It is helpful in maintaining a healthy and balanced pond to have at least 40% of the pond area at the maximum desired depth. This will reduce the likelihood of temperature fluctuations which can encourage algae growth and be harmful to fish health.
Tips on depth
9I cm (3 feet) or more for larger fish.

46cm (18in) or more for smaller fish.

At least 40% of the area at maximum depth.

The deeper the pond – the better for pond balance.
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Margate