Adding a new bubbler to a container pond

[Leslie]

I just moved into a new home and the previous owners left a small container water garden here that has two goldfish and some snails in it. The bubbler has stopped working and I want to put in a new one. How do I do this without killing the fish? I will have to drain the water. Should I transfer the water to another container and re-use the same water?

 

[morewater]

Just take the old airstone out and stick in a new one.

No need to removed the water. Why for you do dat?

 

[Leslie]

I don't know what you mean about air stone. This is an apparatus that has an electrical cord that runs through the bottom of the container. The thing doesn't work anymore. I believe I'll have to remove the entire thing and replace it, therefore the water would have to be drained and the opening where the cord fits through would have to be re-sealed.

 

[peter hillman]

??? we've not heard of such device. Doesn't sound safe tho.

 

[mrsclem]

Can you post a picture? It sounds like they installed the pump and ran the cord thru the container. You could cut the cord and remove the pump and then just put the new one in but not run the cord thru the bottom.

 

[Mmathis]

Can you post a picture? And what size is your pond: how deep, etc?

 

[Leslie]

I will post a picture tomorrow. Thank you.

 

[Leslie]

Ok, this is what I'm dealing with. The last picture is what I bought to replace the fountain that has stopped working. Thoughts please...

 

[sissy]

just watch that the plant cast offs do not plug the pump up

 

[Leslie]

just watch that the plant cast offs do not plug the pump up

???

 

[sissy]

The cage around the pump can get clogged from pieces of the plants .

 

[Leslie]

The cage around the pump can get clogged from pieces of the plants .

Oh, ok, I'm guessing that is what probably happened to the last one. Thank you

 

[sissy]

There should be a foam filter inside the cage .Not all have the foam but a lot of them do .It may need cleaned out once a week .

 

[Mmathis]

And be careful/watchful for things like changes in the wind, plant growth......anything that can change the direction of the water. Even water hitting a plant, the water can be deflected OUT of the pond [speaking from experience].

 

[moby]

There seems rather a lot of plant growth in the barrel leaving only small areas for the two fish to swim in...maybe lessen some of the growth to give them a bit more elbow room...?
I would think it gets pretty warm in that barrel given that you live in Texas? I know the fountain will partially help with aeration as warm water contains less oxygen than cold, but it's not ideal as the volume is small and heats up more.....is it situated in the sun or shade? I guess you could always use an umbrella for shade to keep them more comfortable...I'm not joking!