- Joined
- Jul 12, 2009
- Messages
- 3,990
- Reaction score
- 2,696
- Location
- Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
- Hardiness Zone
- 6a
I have not had very good luck with moving my fish. Some people here move them inside every winter.
I had to do a liner change once and lost a favorite koi. He was 14", beautiful salmon colored. I had garbage cans full of the pond water to house them temporarily. When I put this guy in he jumped out onto the ground. Even though I carefully picked him up immediately, he didn't survive. I guess the shock was too much. Out of about 25 fish, he was the only loss. Wish it were a cheapo feeder goldfish, I wouldn't have felt that bad.
I agree with not adding any chemicals. The only thing I add is dechlorinizer (Tetra Pond Aqua safe) since I'm on central water that is treated.
When it comes to pond chemistry, things don't happen overnight. Patience is important. It might take several days for readings to get back to where they should be. Partial water changes are needed sometimes. I'd rather do a partial water change than add chemicals. Too my horror stories from people adding chemicals that are supposed to be fish safe.
Once your pond is fully established, mother nature will keep it balanced. Too many fish can be bad too. I'm definitely guilty of that.
Lots of good filtration is needed. Bio material for a place where beneficial bacteria can reside and other means (filter pads, sponges) to filter out sediment. You can clean the filter pads, but never clean the bio material.
Don't be discouraged. Once it's all established, it's really not that much work. it pretty much runs itself. You can then sit down and enjoy feeding you little friends.
I had to do a liner change once and lost a favorite koi. He was 14", beautiful salmon colored. I had garbage cans full of the pond water to house them temporarily. When I put this guy in he jumped out onto the ground. Even though I carefully picked him up immediately, he didn't survive. I guess the shock was too much. Out of about 25 fish, he was the only loss. Wish it were a cheapo feeder goldfish, I wouldn't have felt that bad.
I agree with not adding any chemicals. The only thing I add is dechlorinizer (Tetra Pond Aqua safe) since I'm on central water that is treated.
When it comes to pond chemistry, things don't happen overnight. Patience is important. It might take several days for readings to get back to where they should be. Partial water changes are needed sometimes. I'd rather do a partial water change than add chemicals. Too my horror stories from people adding chemicals that are supposed to be fish safe.
Once your pond is fully established, mother nature will keep it balanced. Too many fish can be bad too. I'm definitely guilty of that.
Lots of good filtration is needed. Bio material for a place where beneficial bacteria can reside and other means (filter pads, sponges) to filter out sediment. You can clean the filter pads, but never clean the bio material.
Don't be discouraged. Once it's all established, it's really not that much work. it pretty much runs itself. You can then sit down and enjoy feeding you little friends.