New to fish ponds - not completely sure what to do

[Wycco]

One thing to note with some of the fancies is that they may not do so well in the winter when the pond freezes over unless they are brought in.

I can't remember which- but some fancies are susceptable to colder temps.

 

[PallasAthena]

One thing to note with some of the fancies is that they may not do so well in the winter when the pond freezes over unless they are brought in.

I can't remember which- but some fancies are susceptable to colder temps.

Not a problem as I live in California.

 

[Hebily]

You could still get snow... You're new to the house, but are you new to the area you're in?

 

[PallasAthena]

I don't think LA gets snow. Unless it's a really freak occurence. Plus, we're just a couple of miles from the beach, so the water will keep us pretty temperate. We're not tucked in a valley or anything. We get all the sea air.

That said, before getting any fish, I'm planning on doing plenty or research!

 

[Hebily]

cool... yeah, we only get snow at the higher altitudes. I saw it once at sea level in 20 years living in ca, and that was a really light dusting, not enough to freeze a pond... I would have a backup plan, for short term in house fish keeping, in case we have another super cold (36F for a couple days) winter.

 

[Wycco]

Why did I think you were in Wisconsin? Bit of a difference there! Yeah, I imagine you might be OK if it doesn't stay below freezing during the day ever.

Here in SC we get some days below freezing but not very often it stays below freezing long into the daylight hours... although sometimes it will.

I know back when I lived in England the rule was the pond should be 1 metre deep if you want fish to survive the winter... I imagine in either of our locations you might be able to get away with significantly less- although in both our cases summer highs would be more of a concern anyway... thus the need for deep water.

 

[PallasAthena]

Gotta say, though, the good soooo outweighs the bad when you go out in the morning to say hello to your fishy and see if any of your lilies are blooming yet...I have a teeny lily that is only supposed to have a 1' spread...It is still a baby, but something like that might fit in your pond and give Rambo more hiding places, too. Does the pond get any sunshine?

It gets a little. What kind of lillies do you have? Something like that might be really good for Rambo to hid in and help with the water quality.

 

[dixienut]

Also, we do have a furry menace running around the yard. A big, brown boxer. I caught her this morning kneeling and craning her neck to drink from the pond.

be very careful most water contditioners are toxic to animals, unless stated non toxic,.. i use:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...AA&s_kwcid=TC-2758-123750700521-S-11774969521

states non toxic to humans and livestock,.. i used to put in my horses water trough for my goldies in there,..

 

[PallasAthena]

Oh, wow. So non-toxic to fish doesn't mean non-toxic to other animals?

I'm considering getting a piece of wooden trellis anyway to lay over the top of the pond. Not super attractive, but it would keep the dog, and more importantly the toddler out of the water.

 

[dixienut]

just when your runs out or sell it,. and use this,.. it easier to feel safe,.