My 1st pond ever. lots of questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Gravel lined ponds provide plenty of surface area. More oxygen in the water allows different forms of BB to break down organic matter such as leaves and debris. Thus, cleaner pond w/less nuisance algae. Less nuisance algae makes for happier pond owners. The same is true for reef tanks. Huge turn over, bare to almost bare bottoms, and a lot of rock provides ideal habitat.
 
88GT;2099395; said:
I have natives in a tank now, but Im moving them to an outdoor pond soon. Sometimes we get below 30 in winter.
*Will I need to heat the pond at all? It will be about 400 gallons total.
*Also, how much aireation (air) will I need? Will a waterfall that turns it over almost every hour be enough aireation? I should have a few plants if they stay alive.
*Looking into making my own filter as well. How much (n cubic feet) will I need in bio media? How much flow is too much and not enough for the bio media?
*Can I use pool filter sand as a particle filter? Will water gravity flow through it fast enough? Thanks
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The fish should be fine if they have enough body fat to sleep over the winter they really dont move at all you just have make there is oxygen coming in and gases coming out. I recomed this for the winter it keeps a hole in the pond in case it freezes up http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+7660+8557&pcatid=8557. I will also recommend to get a UV light if you are using a bio filter and to connect it after the bio filter. and for the pool filter i never tryed it before but you can try it out see how it works. contact me if you need anymore help
 
Right now goldfish are being feed 2-3 times a day of there regular pellet diet. In a few weeks I will start to throw in extra protein in the form of wax worms and night crawler pieces. Those really bulk them up for the winter. The main thing for winter is gas exchange, not food. There will be plenty for the fish to eat if they need to in the form of algae and micro-inverts and the such.
 
How hard is it to monitor fish health in a pond? I just put down a bass, but I could see better in a tank than in a pond. Do most people just pull out fish as they die?
 
Gas exchange only applies to the northern climate. If they pond completely freezes over, Carbon Dioxide builds up and results in fish kill. A hole in the ice, any size, bigger is better, will allow CO2 to excape and not build up. A good fall clean-up of leaves and debris removal prior to freezing temps., will help reduce CO2. As leaves break down, they release CO2 and use O2. That is why gas exchange is so important. I run my pond 24/7/365 and don't worry about CO2 build up.
 
tedcb5600;2100552; said:
They actually go hunting with me and retrieve birds. It's the craziest thing.
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As you know they dig non stop if catch scent below ground they were bred for it.

I love the small hunting breeds though don't hunt and don't have dogs lol but know folk's who have dachsunds and terrier dog's.

Glad you take them hunting as lot's of the smaller hunting breed's need real excercise .
 
Muske;2123582; said:
Gas exchange only applies to the northern climate. If they pond completely freezes over, Carbon Dioxide builds up and results in fish kill. A hole in the ice, any size, bigger is better, will allow CO2 to excape and not build up. A good fall clean-up of leaves and debris removal prior to freezing temps., will help reduce CO2. As leaves break down, they release CO2 and use O2. That is why gas exchange is so important. I run my pond 24/7/365 and don't worry about CO2 build up.
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Thanks. Mine will also run 24-7-365. I dont anticipate a complete freeze, but I will be prepared.
2 more questions. Is 2 water lillys and a waterfall plus over flow from a say 1000 gph pump enough for sufficient oxygen? Is a bio filter needed in addition to a good size mechanical pump filter?
 
Bio is always a good thing. The pumps you have now sound like they will provide plenty of areation. The lillies won't release much oxygen in the water. You can use oxygenators like Hornwort or Anacharis in the pond to aid in additional O2 in the water. If you are really worried, try a large air stone and pump when water temps. get really warm in the summer.
 
Thanks. I experimented with a 350 gph pump and it wasnt nearly enough for the water fall so I want something at least 1000 gph. That should give me 2X turn over per hour
 
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