Couple Of Pond Fish Questions

[CAC]

Someone I know has a large, circular, pond. Its not got a liner in it, its just clay. Its been going for a while and has got a big pump on it for water movement etc. There also an island in the middle. Basically, I was just wondering about whether channel cats, which are said to be ok in our british waters, are infact ok with it. Also, would that pond be suitable? Its huge, I mean an ovalish shape with a diameter of about 20-25 foot. Would they surrvive? Would they be of benifit and would you be able to see them (i.e do they come up at all)? Will most smallish fish be eaten by them? Would they need some specialish food? When theyre young are they best kept in warmer fish tanks? Any places to get them in the UK?
I have seen the fish profile but just kinda needed these things clearing up.

Cheers, Mike

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I'm not sure if channel cats would be able to cope with freezing temps;

http/planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=6

The most important thing is how deep this pond is? How much space does the island in the middle take up roughly?

 

[CAC]

The middle island is pretty small, 3x3 feet ish. Its a really really big pond...
I think its about chest height, so what, 4 feet or so.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

The middle island is pretty small, 3x3 feet ish. Its a really really big pond...
I think its about chest height, so what, 4 feet or so.

They could definately go in the pond then size-wise, but i would advise heating it during the winter time to prevent it from getting too cold, i would also advise making sure the pond has some really strong filtration, since these fish are predatory (and will eat any fish small enough to fit into their mouths) and produce a lot of waste/ammonia from their high protein diet, which in itself alone can mess up the water quality. It would probably be best to understock the pond too because of this, as regular water changes would not really be that practical on such a pond.

 

[CAC]

Yeah I dont think much happens on the tank as far as water changes are concerned....Ill have a word with him about it, I dont think he will want to heat it either...