koi pond help

qclabrat

qclabrat

Well-Known Member
I have an opportunity to get a pond from a friend who is moving at the end of the year. The fish stay out all year but I'm not sure setting up a pond in December is a good idea. My initial thought was to keep them inside in a 40G tank which has not been setup either. Some issues with that plan is that the pond comes with about 12 fish, with the largest at 9 inches. So they will be extremely crowded. I don't plan on getting a larger tank so going bigger isn't an option.

Putting them directly outside has some benefits as well as I won't have to setup a tank inside and not need to climate them back to warmer temps. Any pond owners out there can lend some suggestions? the pond comes with a large filter, waterfall, rocks and deicer
 
I'm far from an expert. My sister and BIL have koi pond and they started it when relocating from his parent's house. Apparently the key is to transfer the fish from similar temp to similar temp (within 5 degrees or so). So, if your friend lives near you (similar temps), then I would think the key might be to get your pond filled and let it adapt to outside temps for a couple days, then move the fish.
 
What's your address again?

kakaotalk_20141228_205351180.jpg
 
Good friend of mine had a pond. It was awesome to have but a TREMENDOUS amount of work. He dumped a lot of money into it but it was definitly a labor of love. Sadly he lost all his fish when we had the last floods in Wayne. They all swam away!

FWIW - the owner of the local fish pond store became his new best friend because he was there so much getting pump parts, chemicals, food, plants, $$$$$$$$
 
now is not the best time to relocate.
Its not just temperature you need to worry about but also the water chemistry.
Also some townships put different chemicals in the water supply for the winter which are not the best for fish, especially in their weakened "cold" state.
The 40 gallon tank idea is not a good idea either.
IF you HAVE to move them now then the only option is to set up the place they are going to, introduce as much water as you can from the current place, let the filter run a few days then transfer over, but do it like you do a new fish to an aquarium, dont just throw them in, using a bucket, slowly add the new place water to let them adjust.

ponds dont necessarily cost a lot once set up, its the initial investment or any "upgrades" that can be costly.
but yes they are A LOT of work, because it isnt really a pond. Its an outdoor aquarium, that unlike an indoor one, gets contaminated by all sorts of things like bird droppings, leaves, dirt, dust, worms, etc and needs constant maintenance to keep your fish healthy and the water clear.

By the way, barley straw bales really do help with algea control.
 
Arwen's Mom said:
now is not the best time to relocate.
Its not just temperature you need to worry about but also the water chemistry.
Also some townships put different chemicals in the water supply for the winter which are not the best for fish, especially in their weakened "cold" state.
The 40 gallon tank idea is not a good idea either.
IF you HAVE to move them now then the only option is to set up the place they are going to, introduce as much water as you can from the current place, let the filter run a few days then transfer over, but do it like you do a new fish to an aquarium, dont just throw them in, using a bucket, slowly add the new place water to let them adjust.

ponds dont necessarily cost a lot once set up, its the initial investment or any "upgrades" that can be costly.
but yes they are A LOT of work, because it isnt really a pond. Its an outdoor aquarium, that unlike an indoor one, gets contaminated by all sorts of things like bird droppings, leaves, dirt, dust, worms, etc and needs constant maintenance to keep your fish healthy and the water clear.

By the way, barley straw bales really do help with algea control.
Click to expand...
my friend is moving in mid January to Florida and can't take the fish. it's either now or never, she has no other options and as already mentioned, release to the wild is not a good idea
 
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