Ponds and Platys  4/21/07
Hi,
<Claire>
I sent up a small garden pond in July last year, approx. 2m x 2m and about 1m deep, no filtration just plants and some good bacteria from a swamp down the road. It took about 6 months for the pond to settle and become clear.
<Okay>
I put in 2 platys and 2 goldfish, I now have about 500 platies!!!!!
<Neat!>
There are also about 1000 toad tadpoles, it's teeming with life!!. I have been giving a lot of platys away but can't keep up, so last week I decided I needed predators. I was hoping the kingfishers would take a few. Also had a visiting helmeted terrapin who are supposed to be carnivorous but all he did was eat the fairy moss and then left.
So now I have 2 Oscars, do you think that they will eat some fry and tadpoles?
<Are tropical species... will likely perish if your water is cold...>
Also there has been some changes in colour of some new platys, they are grey with no red/orange pigment, could this be the inbreeding?
<Of a sort, yes... and "natural selection"... the colorful ones are likely "standing out" against the background... getting eaten selectively>
Just in case you are wondering I live in Tanzania.
Many thanks
Claire
<Ahh! Then rather than a neotropical (South American in the case of the Oscar), I might try a "native" cichlid species here... Bob Fenner>

Fishy <I'll say!>... Over bio-loaded pond... stop-gap measures   4/19/07
Dear Bob & crew
<Big D>
Last night, for no apparent reason, my white tip reef shark bit the fluke of my bottlenose dolphin
I bet you wish you had a nickel from every time you've heard THAT, right?
(ahem - just kidding)
<Heeeee!>
Finally, my son's marine aquarium is stable, thanks in great part to your wonderful site and expert advice.
Things are nice and quiet.
Yep.  You guessed it.
Too quiet.
Nature abhors me having a nice, relaxing day.
<And a vacuum!>
So a woman I know called and told me she just bought a house with a Koi pond and asked if I could come take a look.   So I get there and it's a nice house and a nice pond.   There are six 22+ inch Koi and two 8 inch Koi in a 650 gallon pond with a 800 GPH submersible pump emptying into a 30 gallon filter.
<Yikes... too much life, too little water, filter...>
  OK, it was a nice pond when there were 8 fingerlings in it.   So I whip out my test kit and get exactly what I expected:  1.0+ Ammonia, 5.0 Nitrite & 8.1 PH.    So I ask her:  Are you sure they're not dead and it's just the current blowing them around?
<Good one>
Well, no I didn't ask exactly that ...  but now I'm under more stress than the Koi.
Changing close to 650 gallons of water over 36 hours improved things dramatically, but I swear, even as I'm doing this ... a couple of the Koi would nose to me, head almost out of water and then turn and shoot poop out as if to say "we've evolved, we LIKE ammonia!"
<Doubtful>
Anyway ... a bigger pond and less fish is the answer and we're working the logistics on that ... but in the near term, what would you think about 4 litres each of Purigen and Phos-Guard in the filter as an artificial assistant while I dig the other hole, pour the other cement and beg the homeowner for the funds to do all this?
<This and more or less constant water changing, very limited feeding... Bob Fenner>

Pond Compatibility - 06/14/2006
Ok we have a pond.
<Ok.>
We would like to put catfish in it. Can we also put tilapia with the catfish in the pond?
<Uhh, depends on the climate, the catfish species you intend, the size of the pond, maybe more....>
I couldn't find any info on which fish could live together believe it or not. If you have any idea would you please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated!
<Do please keep reading, researching....  There are more variables at play than I/we know about your pond at this point.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

New Pond Idea... New Show on Discovery - "Monster Pond"!  11/11/05
Wet Web Crew,
<ZT>
I've come up with this awesome idea of creating a giant outdoor pond. It started when I came up with the idea of trying to put some tropical fish in a giant pond outside in my backyard. People told me that it would not be possible because of the extremely harsh winters (I live in New York), and that it would take an industrial sized heater and a too much $$$ to make it possible. I wanted to put my 2 Red Bellied Pacu along with a couple other monster fish in there so I would no longer have to worry about tank upgrades for life!
Well I decided that I should just wait until I get enough money to get a 300-400 gallon tank for my basement and put in the RB Pacu along with a few other nice sized fish.  ANYWAY, now I have this awesome idea of stocking a pond in my backyard with monster pond fish. I am thinking the pond can be anywhere between 500-5,000 gallon depending on the $ and space. I want to stock it with some monster fish.  Keep in mind I live in NY, so I have some tough winters, but some of the fish that I had in mind where possibly: Bass, Northern Pike or some other pike species, paddlefish (*if the pond is large enough*), perhaps sturgeon, trout, carp or other giants. I don't have a good idea of pond fish because I’m more of a tropical fish guy so maybe a couple of ideas. Please help!  What other fish should I put in this pond???
<Help with? Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/Pond%20Sub%20Web.htm.  This is the Index to our Pond Subweb... the articles, FAQs files are arranged in series... from design, construction, stocking, maintenance... Bob Fenner>

Re: New Pond Idea... more of a notion  11/12/2005
I just wanted to know if the stocking plan can be done? Could these fish fit in this pond? What other should I add?
<... what plan? The list is not compatible... take a read on WWM re the species, their compatibility, systems... BobF> 

Re: New Pond Idea  11/12/2005
There is no compatibility list on the site. In the pond section there are only fish species of Koi, Invertebrates, and Goldfish. There is nothing on Sturgeons, Paddlefish or any of the fish I mentioned. Which fish aren't compatible?
<Ahh... the last two families... too large, non-competitive to live with these others... Need VERY large systems, mostly by themselves, to thrive. Bob Fenner> 

Koi & bass, stocking a pond in NH
I have a manmade freshwater pond that has many frogs and tiny fish.  It is about 1/2 acre and 5 feet deep at the deepest.  We're in NH so it maybe
freezes through in the winter?
<Maybe... you can find out from a few sources... neighbors, the local farm groups associations with government... Hopefully not all the way to the bottom (freezing, not the Gov>
It is spring fed and has runoff from a nearby road.
We'd like to stock it with koi and bass.  Is that a good idea?  Any other suggestions?
Thanks for your help!
Candace Chopra
<Have seen this done. You may want to make a census of what is there, chat with local "fish and game" re what they allow... Have seen koi (carp, Cyprinus carpio) and Bass of various species (mainly Micropterus salmoides here in CA) in the same basins... but one needs to be concerned with outflow... the fish getting loose... as well as issues of overall dynamics in the system. It may well be that other sunfish (the family the bass belongs to), like Bluegill, Green Ear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed... would be a better mix. Bob Fenner>

 

Fish for pond
OK, guys, I've sent this three times now. I don't know if there is a bad connection or you haven't had the time so here it is!
<I would chalk it up to internet gremlins.  We have had a few emails never make it to their destinations for no apparent reason.  Sorry for the inconvenience, it doesn't happen frequently, but when it does it is a bother.>
Hey crew!
Gage, thanks for your quick response last night; i already read over all of the articles. I saw the biological filters page and the DIY suggestions. Could i buy one already made?
<There are many hobbyists that make these as side jobs and sell them to other people.  You might want to check in local hobby groups in your area, or even on eBay. I have found many of the more unique DIY items already made and ready to go there for a lot less than I could build them for.>
I plan to settle my pond in sand tomorrow, on Sunday. I don't have a ton of free time to make a filter, let alone find all the supplies. I would like to have the pond running in maybe two months.
<That seems like a decent amount of time to get things situated and ready to go.>
I don't want to do a in-pond filter, but then again my pond is 175 gallons. There is a ledge level which concerns me. The top level is roughly (in feet) 6X3 1/2X 1. The bottom level is 4X3X1. This is about, oops, 200 gallons. Not extremely large but i got it for free which beats spending several, several grand.
<yeah, can't beat that price!  I did like having a filter on my pond, gave me a bit of comfort knowing that it was helping the water.  Though it did get messy pretty quickly, and cleaning took a while.  But, I still think that it helped in the health of the pond and fish.>
Another question: i live in North Carolina with the woods in my back yard. Would raccoons, foxes, easily get my fish?
<Yes, they would.  Raccoons love to get fish out of ponds like that.  But the real problem with out door ponds is Herons!  These birds will settle on your pond and not leave it until all the fish are gone.  My aunt lost about 5000 dollars worth of koi from a single bird in one year from her pond!  That bird quickly became public enemy #1.>
If so, what if it was saltwater?
<The salt might deter many would be snackers, but not for long.  I doubt a heron would really care as long as it could get it's beak on tasty fish.>
And how much more would it cost to make it saltwater as opposed to freshwater?
<The cost of salt is the first major price increase.  Not to mention that you would need a filtration system, and possibly live rock if you to keep the water looking nice.  Salt water also evaporates quite quickly and leaves a salty residue everywhere, so that might not be something you want.  I have never attempted an outdoor saltwater pond.  And it might be something you should ask about at ReefCentral.com.  I always seem to find people trying some zany things on that forum.  You can also check out WetWebMedia's forum and ask people there.  It's sure to spark a good conversation!>
If i could make it salt water, Could i put a lid on it, like a plastic cover?
<You could, though it would hinder gas exchange at the surface of the water. Thus effecting the health of the fish. Also, I'm not sure what sort of Lid you would use for it.  That might be another question to ask on the forum.  My personal belief is not to put a lid on it.  Adding a lid will take away from gas exchange, and run the risk of causing temperatures to rise and harm the fish.>
Also, you suggested an indoor cichlids pond. Could i just buy a good heater for the pond outside and make it a cichlid pond? And since it is an in ground pond, could you even see the cichlids that well? Thanks for listening to me.
<Many ponds in Florida have cichlids in them.  Some have totally cichlid ponds, other use a cichlid in their koi ponds to help reduce unwanted pest fish and insects.  The trouble with outdoor ponds is that they can become dark and murky, nothing like the indoor aquarium.  And unless you get some of the brighter colored cichlids then it will be hard to see them.>
Thanks in advance, Ryan
<Good luck. -Magnus>

Fish for pond
OK, guys, I've sent this three times now. I don't know if there is a bad connection or you haven't had the time so here it is!
Hey crew!
Gage, thanks for your quick response last night; i already read over all of the articles. I saw the biological filters page and the DIY suggestions. Could i buy one already made?
<Check aquatic ecosystems in Florida. They handle lots of equipment and filters for almost any aquatic need. They supply the fish farmers in Florida so they should have what you need at a reasonable price. Check it out then compare them to what you could build yourself>
I plan to settle my pond in sand tomorrow, on Sunday. I don't have a ton of free time to make a filter, let alone find all the supplies. I would like to have the pond running in maybe two months.  I don't want to do a in-pond filter, but then again my pond is 175 gallons. There is a ledge level which concerns me. The top level is roughly (in feet) 6X3 1/2X 1. The bottom level is 4X3X1. This is about, oops, 200 gallons. Not extremely large but i got it for free which beats spending several, several grand.
Another question: i live in North Carolina with the woods in my back yard. Would raccoons, foxes, easily get my fish?
< Wild animals can be a major problem with ponds, especially if you live away from the city. Ponds seem to attract every known animal within  a 5 mile radius. Raccoons sure, foxes maybe, add water snakes, frogs and birds such as herons to the list too.>
If so, what if it was saltwater?
< While saltwater would be a deterrent to frogs and maybe snakes, the other predators especially the bird would not be stopped at all.>
And how much more would it cost to make it saltwater as opposed to freshwater?
< salt water fish usually have a much narrower temperature tolerance than freshwater fish. In you area the temperature can get quite high and you might need a chiller too.>
If i could make it salt water, Could i put a lid on it, like a plastic cover?
< A lid would keep some predators out. Snakes probably still find a way in. A solid plastic lid would retain heat like being in a car with the windows rolled up and could get very hot. Probably too hot.>
Also, you suggested an indoor cichlids pond. Could i just buy a good heater for the pond outside and make it a cichlid pond?
< During the summer months you may not need a heater at all, but during the winter a heater would be needed. Do you really want to pay a high electric bill for fish you probably won't be watching?>
And since it is an in ground pond, could you even see the cichlids that well?
< Some cichlids show up very well in ponds. In Lake Malawi in Africa there is a fish collector whose house is right on the lake and keeps many cichlids in his pond. They are mostly red zebras and looked very nice. But overall if it were me, I would set the pond up outside where it looks good and is convenient to watch. Add some pond plants to make it look nice and natural. Then I would add a few cheap goldfish and watch them for a while and see how they do over a year during the different seasons. If the fish are doing well and are growing and thriving then I would add the filtration to the pond with an attractive waterfall or fountain. I suspect the water will turn green with algae and it would be difficult to see anything. Fish that are bright and attractive to your eye will also look the same to a predator too. The indoor pond thing would work but I think you would enjoy the fish in an aquarium better.-Chuck>
Thanks for listening to me.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Pond Fun
Dear Bob:
<Sabrina here today, hoping to help with your pond questions!>
My wife and I dug out a small pond in our yard last month - January.  It's vinyl lined, and has approx 25 sq ft area, and ranges 18" to 24" deep.  We lined the edges with various type rocks we have collected over the years: quartz from New England, coral from the Keys, granite and marble from Texas Hill Country, volcanic from Mexico, and local sandstone from East Texas.
<The only thing here that really concern me is the coral - this will affect your pH and hardness, please test regularly, remove the coral from the pond if necessary.>
All in all it looks pretty nice, and there are numerous caves and channels between the rocks and pond edge.  The bottom is also rock and pebbles, but much smaller.
<Sounds fun!>
We planted some edge plants for shading, and are now collecting local lilies and hyacinth for pond growth.  
<Great fun, indeed!  I love local collecting.... er, when/where I can do so legally.>
We waited until late January to introduce some fish, and then added about 25-30 minnows from a bayou near our house.
<Any idea what kind of fish specifically?>
At this time the pond had taken on a greenish glow indicating some algae growth which we felt was good.  
<Well, good?  Yeah, kinda, but it will continue to grow to nuisance proportions, ultimately making your pond a tasty-looking "pea-soup" color.  It would definitely be of benefit to add more plants to help outcompete the algae.  With so much great local stuff, this should be a lot of fun.>
The minnows seem to like the pond, and we have some mosquito larvae that we dump in from our bird bath.  
<Yum!>
We live near Houston, TX, the water temp at present is around 55F, and we have a small 200 GPM pump that feeds a waterfall that aerates the pond.
<Very good.>
We are looking for other fish to add, and this week, I bought 8 each Rosies because they seemed to be a pretty hardy fish, and add a little color.  They are doing well, and I feed them fish flakes.  
<Although these are quite hardy little fish, it is a real gamble whether you can get 'em healthy; they are sold as feeders, and quite often kept in less than adequate conditions, and tend to contract illness, which they could bring home and spread to your other fishes.  I would recommend implementing a quarantine system to use prior to adding such fish in the future, if possible.>
Today is overcast and only 50F - all the fish seem to be laying low; i.e., hidden in the rock crevices. Yesterday was a bit sunny, and closer to 60F, and they were more active in the open water.  Is this normal?  
<Yes, absolutely.>
Also, during the cooler nights, I cover the pond with a bubble wrap liner - keeps in warmth, also keeps out leaves which are still falling.
<Excellent.>
When it gets a bit warmer, I want to add some more Rosies
<For reasons above, I would skip the Rosies.  It is also best to have lower stocking densities, to prevent organic waste buildup which would lead to health and algae issues.>
and maybe 5 or 6 goldfish.  
<These will probably absolutely love your pond, and then some.>
Probably in March - March 1st is frost free day here.  We want low maintenance fish - are we thinking correctly, or should we take another direction.
<Sounds good, to me - just do please be wary of adding too many fish; "less is more", so to speak.  As above, I would skip the additional Rosies.  The goldfish will be a much more colorful, substantial addition, anyway.>
Thanks for any advice you can pass on.  I found your website yesterday, and
it's something we'll use for our reference - thanks for keeping it up.  Marty Husti
<And thank you for the kind words!  We're glad you're enjoying it, and glad to be of service.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Rosy Red Minnows & Northern Redbelly Dace
Hello,
<Hi there>
I apologize for bothering you guys so much, but I'm still on the hunt for diversifying the fish in my pond. There isn't that much information for ponds other than goldfish and koi. Also, since it's too cold to do much with the pond right now I have to get my fish fix online.
<No worries at all.>
I have been reading a lot lately in search of new fish to add. I've come across the Rosy Red Minnow, and wanted to confirm their usefulness in ponds. Apparently they are more tolerant of temperature extremes than common goldfish, even swimming below the ice in winter. Second is the Northern Redbelly Dace, I know of someone in Maryland who has the Southern variety in her pond, and continually survive winters. The Northern Redbelly can be found in waters much farther north than here (southern Ontario). Again just wanted to confirm their compatibility.
<These should both work out just fine. I’m not familiar with them myself but the webpages I was able to find said they are compatible with goldfish and Koi. I found a lot of info on the Rosy Reds at http://userpages.umbc.edu/~rrhudy1/rosies.htm This site also has a little info on the Redbellies.>
Also, I have three Koi I'm about to add to my pond (my first). I have two concerns, are Koi normally "high strung"? These don't let you sit and watch them, they dart around for about a minute and then hide and won't come out. They are also a lot faster than the goldfish, especially the two fantails I have in the pond. Will they get picked on by the Koi?
<Give them some time to adapt to their surroundings and you should see them more often.>
I apologize again for the questions, I can't sit outside and watch the pond because of the cold, and the Koi keep hiding from me. You should watch out for me next weekend it's supposed to be cold again.
<It’s been chilly here too (NW Montana) but probably not quite as cold as there!>
Thanks again, Mike
<You're welcome! Ronni>

Re: Rosy Red Minnows & Northern Redbelly Dace
Hey Ronni,
<Hi Mike>
That's kind of funny, the page you mentioned is the person I was referencing. I've been using her page for information for over a year now, and that's where I got the idea to get those fish. Now I just have to find them. Hopefully some bait shop or LFS just happens to have them.
<That page had some good info. They did say that those fish could be hard to find but one of the plusses was that the Rosy Red are easy breeders so if you get some you may end up being able to fully stock with just a few breeders.>
Also funny, I'm actually further south than Montana, and it should be a lot warmer here, we just got hit with a cold snap.
<Can you tell that geography has always been a killer for me? *G* Oh well, hopefully the cold spell won’t move this way, it’s cool enough here right now!>
Oh ya, I've been checking on the Koi and they do seem more relaxed, but still don't stay out for more than a minute.
<That’s good. I think they’ll eventually come out more. Their whole world changed when you put them in there and they don’t know what’s around that would consider them prey.>
Thanks for the help. Mike
<You're welcome! Ronni>