goldfish - koi in 50 gal, container

Question
I am a beginner and need to know how many koi and/or goldfish I might have, what about proper ph, this is above ground on patio and live in northern TN, will I be able to winter fish in pond.  Have one plant in pond, shady, protected site..what advice can you give for me to grow large healthy fish. Thanks

Answer
Hi Deborah,
Thanx for your question.  One inch of fish for one gallon of water.  I never check the pH of my pond because I haven't had any problems.  Don't be too fussy about your pond.  Some people turn ponding into a giant affair and there is no need to do that.  In 13 years of ponding, I have never once felt the need to test for pH.  I love my pond and my fish, but, I'm not obsessed with it.  Sometimes we can make our hobbies more difficult than they should be.  So, don't worry about the pH just yet. You can winter over your pond as long as the surface is not allowed to freeze over.  If you allow the surface to freeze over, bring the fish indoors otherwise, they will suffocate because an iced-over top will prevent the exchange of gasses.  To raise healthy fish, just keep them fed well, keep the water clean and ensure that there is 6 or more hours of sunlight.  I hope this helps.
Tom