Keeping Koi Carp.

[cornish wood burner]

No point testing if you have no action to take. You already have the fish so you can't not introduce them. I run a pond like yours = small happy koi and wildlife. I also run a small pond with reverse osmosis water, heated, massive UV filter, pre filter and big bead filter = massive koi. Horse for courses.

Testing will tell you if you need to take action before you have a problem with your fish. A PH test might be worth while IMO. Don't throw chemicals at it though, there are other ways.

[woodyguy]

True that testing intially for pH maybe useful, provided he buys a 25kg sack of sodium bicarb incase he needs to raise the pH. I was referring to ammonia/nitrite where he has no ability to influence the levels except for not feeding which he's not doing anyway.

[cornish wood burner]

True that testing intially for pH maybe useful, provided he buys a 25kg sack of sodium bicarb incase he needs to raise the pH. I was referring to ammonia/nitrite where he has no ability to influence the levels except for not feeding which he's not doing anyway.

 

Ah crossed thoughts. I would hope that the clay and minerals keep the PH around 7 inspite of just rain water fed but test results would be interesting.

Depending on availability and composition a little spring water might be usefull if the PH is low. Just a thought going along the natural route. Comments?

 

Difflock I hope your roof is not galvanized.

Edited August 26, 2014 by cornish wood burner

[difflock]

Painted "tin", probably galv beneath the paint, but 10 to 15 years up so should be no issues.

well spotted btw, as I had not considered this source of heavy metal contamination.

ps

Wor daughter brought home MORE fish last night. "Sheebunkin" this time.

But still no PH meter.

PPS

I has a paddle/wade in the pond last night, only 1.2 m deep, should be 1.35 when filled, honestly thought it was deeper.

Trying to entice the dogs in for a swim, it being so hot.

cheers

all

[cornish wood burner]

Best get some plants in while there is still room by the sound of it. A word of warning,most of the strandy oxygenating plants do tend to take over and will need regular extraction. Fish love to sunbath in the middle of them though. If you ever see duckweed remove every bit, it grows too fast. Small twin leaves 3 mm dia with a trailing root

 

Unless you live in a very cold area 1.2 Metre should be ok. 1 M is fine in Cornwall.

[GlobalNewark]

I have a couple of koi, a sturgeon + approx 30 other assorted pond fish. I am moving house soon but have no pond where I'm going, any good ideas on how to move/ store fish until I can get something sorted out?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Arbtalk

[cornish wood burner]

I have a couple of koi, a sturgeon + approx 30 other assorted pond fish. I am moving house soon but have no pond where I'm going, any good ideas on how to move/ store fish until I can get something sorted out?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Arbtalk

 

I have used a kids paddling pool in the past. Needs a smooth base to put it on.

Loft water tank plus lid for moving? Koi exhibitors will have better ideas

Edited August 27, 2014 by cornish wood burner

[GlobalNewark]

I'd thought about a paddling pool as I don't want to waste loads of money as what ever I get probably won't get used again.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Arbtalk

[difflock]

Update:

Out in the gloaming on Sunday evening past, and paused for a reflective moment at the pond, with my back to the light.

Spotted a mini shoal of 3 smaller drab coloured fish and a very colourful larger Koi, which after a little hesitation and darting to hide among the weeds, decided to take some fish pellets.

Bingo, a result, after 3 weeks with no rain nor no pond aeration, some o them are still living.

PS

The bloody Scutch grass or Couch grass loves the pond margins, someone tell me it is a good oxygenerator?

cheers

marcus

[difflock]

And an even better result, tonight while pond watching with the Mrs as the Sun went down, spotted some activity, so flicked in a couple of feed pellets, at least 12 fish, some Koi, some Sheebunkin, though hard to count.

Do they prefer to feed after the Sun goes down btw?

Strangly fascinating watching them.

m