Ooo Ooo, finally I get to use all that pond knowledge I gleaned from the speaker at my LIAS meeting last night!
Okay, hmm...
First thing is, you don't have to take the fish in for the winter so long as you keep the pump running and water moving. Moving water does not freeze. You may get a little rim ice, but that's nothing to be concerned over. Definately -DO NOT- heat your pond in the winter.
Second one, about the fish. You could probably get two or three decent sized koi in there. But if you don't want koi, you could probably get two or three decent sized comet goldfish, aka "feeder" goldfish. I know many people use those to stock their ponds as well without ill effect.
Other types of local water fish you could use are sunfish, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, pumpkinseeds, bluegills, perch, and a variety of other lake based North American fish. No trout though, unless you have really well moving water. You will not find these local types of fish sold at most LFS.
Do not place large fantail varieties of goldfish in your pond.
To prevent predators from eating your fish, you may wish to lay 4" diameter PVC pipe on the bottom. That way the fish can swim into the pipe, and birds or 'coons can't get them.
As far as tips, I don't know what exactly the type of questions you're asking. I would call your local pond installer, it should be a big help.
~~Colesea
