My mom says no pond in the backyard. (She also refused an aviary). She doesn't want me taking up plant space by digging a hole. Would it be possible to take a kiddi pool and set it up on the porch over the summer, throw some live plants in it and let my white clouds into it? I've been told they will breed in large open containers over the summer and I wanted some more of them (they are hard to find where I live) So would this work? What else would I need for it?
Temporary pond
- Thread starter bozco
- Start date
Should work ok. I have used plastic storage boxes and tubs when I live in an apartment. I have never used a kiddie pool myself but have heard different things about the safey for fish due to chemicals on the plastic, but I know some have used them, may be only a problem when brand new. Try it out with a few fish at first. I kept white clouds outside for the summer in a shallow storage container with emerse plants for the summer, they should do good.
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Occasionally it can get below freezing during the summer. We can get frost. Should I cover the pool somehow during the night. Or should I just keep my eye on the forecast and pull the fish if it looks like its going to freeze? And if it rains (yeah right) should I cover the pool so it doesn't over flow or something? Would I need a filter? And how often would I have to change the water? (If at all) They don't have a heater now, so I know I won't need one. Also, would the white clouds eat misquito larva? Chances are if I tried this idea I'd have misquitoes laying eggs in the still water.
I believe that White Clouds can take almost freezing temp., might check that. If they can take ok otherwise the cover would help minimize temp. swings. Pulling them in and out would be stressful IMO. Leave them there if within their capabilities.
If it rains alot then you do not have to water change. Filters are a good idea but not necessary if you do regular water changes and have an abundance of plants.
I think the WC are large enough to handle the mos. larvae, if not you will find out.
If it rains alot then you do not have to water change. Filters are a good idea but not necessary if you do regular water changes and have an abundance of plants.
I think the WC are large enough to handle the mos. larvae, if not you will find out.
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Well the only way to find out is to try! They have done just fine at 10 *C in my bedroom this winter. I think they should be able to handle the cool summer nights. If the misquies start to become to abundant I'll just screen the top of the pool and see if that works.
Thanks alot for the advice. I'll see if I can try it out.
Thanks alot for the advice. I'll see if I can try it out.
B
BigFishDude
Guest
I don't think that you white clods will have a problem with mosquito larvae. 
please let us know how it turns out! it sounds like it will be a cool setup
please let us know how it turns out! it sounds like it will be a cool setup
I was telling my dad about it today. He warned me abou birds. I never thought about it but the magpies might attempt to get the fish. I'll just need alot of plants I guess.
And another quick thought. While it does get pretty cold in the summer it can also get pretty hot too. So, to avoid having the water warm up too much should I try and keep the bin the in the shade near the house?
And another quick thought. While it does get pretty cold in the summer it can also get pretty hot too. So, to avoid having the water warm up too much should I try and keep the bin the in the shade near the house?
I have a small pond reach the nineties in summer with no pump and no problem,it is dug into the ground though so this helps moderate the temp swings.
Definitely think about partial shade-keeping it in the eighties at most would be best.
Not sure about the birds but you are right if there is cover the fish will use it.
The nice thing about your plan is that the fish are common if something did go wrong, not that you should not make all possible effort to make sure they do good, it would not be a major catastrophe. Unlike some folks with ponds of koi that have been ravaged by herons.
The greatest danger in my area to fish in shallow ponds are racoons. In this case, I build a bunker of some rocks with a large flat rock on top so the fish can swim under and the coon cannot reach them or move the rock. I have had coons come fishing many times with a setup like this with no losses of my goldfish.
Definitely think about partial shade-keeping it in the eighties at most would be best.
Not sure about the birds but you are right if there is cover the fish will use it.
The nice thing about your plan is that the fish are common if something did go wrong, not that you should not make all possible effort to make sure they do good, it would not be a major catastrophe. Unlike some folks with ponds of koi that have been ravaged by herons.
The greatest danger in my area to fish in shallow ponds are racoons. In this case, I build a bunker of some rocks with a large flat rock on top so the fish can swim under and the coon cannot reach them or move the rock. I have had coons come fishing many times with a setup like this with no losses of my goldfish.
Keep the pool in an area that gets sunlight for most of the day, the plants will need it. Keeping the water well circulated, and adding a lot of plants should prevent the pool from overheating. However, since we do live in this wonderful and unpredicable province, keep an eye out on temps in the pool.
You can go to a hardware store like Home Depot and buy window screening mesh. You can use that the cover the open spots of your pool.
Keep us updated on how it goes... maybe I'll try something like that up here in Edmonton =)
-Richer
You can go to a hardware store like Home Depot and buy window screening mesh. You can use that the cover the open spots of your pool.
Keep us updated on how it goes... maybe I'll try something like that up here in Edmonton =)
-Richer
My advice would be to keep it in a partially shaded area; the plants will still get enough sun to grow. Also, make sure the plants are there before the fish. If the magpies don't see the fish, they won't bother them. You should cover 60-70% of the surface. They will also help with shade and keep the pond temp down somewhat.