When to transfer fish to new pond?

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Hello,

New pond is just filled and wondering how long I need to wait to. Move my goldfish from their old, small pond to the new, nice, spacious one.

Also, do I need to add any bacteria or anything to the pond now that it’s new.


Thanks
 
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I'm going to suggest you wait on moving those fish, and while you're waiting read up on the nitrogen cycle.
 
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ditto.... read up on cycling a pond. Assuming all was going well in the older pond, you can "seed" your new pond and filter with bacteria from your old pond. Take some of the much from your old filter and put it in the new one.
 
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I understand that there is a nitrogen cycle, but how long do people suggest to wait before adding the fish.

My new pond is 8'x12' and over 3' deep at it deepest point (about 600 gallons). I can add my current filter material and the 55 gallons of water that are in their current pond to help "seed" the new pond. In addition, I know you can purchase bacteria to help speed the nitrogen cycle.

Thoughts?
 

addy1

water gardener / gold fish and shubunkins
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Don't buy bacteria, seed the new pond with some muck, current filter material and plants from your old pond. You could put some fish in but watch the water tests esp for ammonia. I would wait at least a week after seeding the water if not a bit longer.
 
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My new pond is 8'x12' and over 3' deep at it deepest point (about 600 gallons).

If those are correct measurements, your pond is at least twice that volume. It's important to know a close estimate in case you ever need to address a problem in the pond that requires dosing accurately.

If you understand the nitrogen cycle then you understand that you add fish once the pond shows signs that it has cycled. Some people jump start the cycle by adding a few fish; others use ammonia in measured amounts to avoid using live fish that may or may not survive the process. Your pond is safe for your fish once the cycle has been established.

Do you have a test kit to monitor the process?
 
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All great advice!
Seeding with water, muck from the old pond is a great way to jump start it. I agree with not buying bacteria. Dont waste your money. You have plenty in your old filter.
Good luck with your new and improved pond!
 
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If those are correct measurements, your pond is at least twice that volume. It's important to know a close estimate in case you ever need to address a problem in the pond that requires dosing accurately.

If you understand the nitrogen cycle then you understand that you add fish once the pond shows signs that it has cycled. Some people jump start the cycle by adding a few fish; others use ammonia in measured amounts to avoid using live fish that may or may not survive the process. Your pond is safe for your fish once the cycle has been established.

Do you have a test kit to monitor the process?

Those are the correct measurements, and I thought it would have been more gallons as well. I monitored my water meter when I filled it and it was just shy of 600 gallons.

Yes, I do have a test kit and will be monitoring levels.

I know some people wait 4 to 6 weeks to add fish to be safe, but was wondering what others estimates are.
 
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If those are correct measurements, your pond is at least twice that volume. It's important to know a close estimate in case you ever need to address a problem in the pond that requires dosing accurately.

If you understand the nitrogen cycle then you understand that you add fish once the pond shows signs that it has cycled. Some people jump start the cycle by adding a few fish; others use ammonia in measured amounts to avoid using live fish that may or may not survive the process. Your pond is safe for your fish once the cycle has been established.

Do you have a test kit to monitor the process?
 

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1 fish per 1 week is safe if your pond is 500 gallons or more assuming you have filtration running so the filter can pick up the bacteria.
 

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