Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - Ponds & Water Gardens https://forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=308 plants that need shade https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2116313

Original post by Kambs — 2026-06-12 18:26:48 GMT

A reasonable definition of 'hardy' might be to specify it as those plants which one way or another have evolved to cope with freezing Winter conditions... By seed, tunneling roots, bulbs, corms that have evolved to cope reliably with prolonged dormancy due to freezing temperatures

It is fairly easy to adjust the depth of aquatic plants, using tubs or pots of appropriate depth, 10" could accomodate quite a range of deep or shallow growing varieties.

There are quite a few shade tolerant, shade loving plants suitable for ponds and water gardens, you may want to think twice about spatterdocks as they tend to be very large sprawly plants six feet wide. There are a couple of small forms of spatterdock (very nice plants) Cape Fear Spatterdock, and Nuphar Pumilla Minima, these are one of the few waterlily types that thrive in a lot of shade

In a hot Summer, hardy waterlilies can 'cope' and thrive surprisingly well, I've tried several of the prolific varieties with 'better' growing characteristics and seen them flower quite well in almost complete shade, they tend to put out bigger foliage and the blooms cope well in the worst heat of the day. A few tried include Indiana, Rose Arey, Pink Beauty, Splendida, Tomocik, Peaches and Cream, Joanne Pring....

Aquatic shade tolerant plants:

(prefer saturated soil conditions, water over their roots)...

Hardies: Alisma, Acorus calamus, Acorus calamus variegatus, Arrow arum, Arrowhead, Azolla, Bladderwort, Bog Arum- Calla palustris, Cotton grass, Cyperus longus, Eleocharis (spike rush), Equesetum hyemale, Frogbit, Golden club, Hornwort, Horsetail, Iris (shade may reduce their ability to flower some) Carex sedges, Lizards tail, Mares tail, Marsh marigold, Marsh pennywort, Marsilea, Nuphar pumilla minima, Parrots feather, Pennywort, Nymphiodes aquatica, Phalaris, Scirpus zebrinus, Typha (not the nasty latifolia, way too invasive) Water Hawthorn, Water Lettuce, Water Mint ....there are GAZILLIONS of shade loving aquatic and bog plants

Bog plants:

(Prefer moist but not saturated soil conditions)

Hardies: Acer, Aconitum, Alchemila, Alliums, Arum lilies, Aruncus, Arundinaria, Astilbe, Azalea, Berberis, Bergenia, Brunnera, Carex pendula, Chamaecyparis, Cimicifuga, Cinnamon fern, Creeping Jenny, Ferns (Many), Convallaria, Corylus, Cotton grass, Cornus, Cotula, Cyclamen, Danae, Dicentra, Epimedium, Euonymus, Filipendula, Fritillaria, Galium, Gentiana, Gunnera, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, Hemp agrimony, Hepatica, Heucherella, Hosta, Hydrangea, Ligularia, Liriope, Lisichiton, Lilium, Lonicera, Lupinus, Lychnis, Lythrum, Meconopsis, Mimulus, Miscanthus, Peltiphylum (Darmera) Phyllostachys, Polygonum, Primula, Ranunculus, Rhamnus, Rheum, Rhododendron, Rodgersia, Royal Fern, Rubus, Sasa veitchii, Saxifraga, Senecio, Sinarundinaria, Sium suave, Skullcap, Tellima, Viola, Weigela

Half hardy (need Wintering frost free): Cyperus Alternifolia, Cyperus Isocladus, Crinum Americanum, Gymnocoronum spilanthoides, Cyperus papyrus, Arum lilies (callas) Marselia, Taro, Salvinia, Umbrella grass

I list some full aquatics as well as bog plants. There are enough plants mentioned above to cram many a pool, bog, water margin... arrow arum alone likes to make an exotic foliage plant 3 foot high, and 3ft wide when it has conditions it likes... Many of them are 'specimen plants' ...in effect they are gobsmackers. Most of the plants listed here pop up on ebay now and then, so no need to be stuck with limited or pricey local sources, at all

Buying from 'cheap' sources is likely to be counter productive. You will likely end up with a titanic knot of invasive plants if you do not have the gumption to be selective at choosing plants which represent good long term value in terms of good growing characteristics and features. The cheap end of the market is pretty well loaded with more trouble than it's worth...

Ebay will probably present a better source and choice buying direct from the grower rather than the likes of Walmarts rather 'iffy' merchandise.

Reply by lalaser — 2026-06-12 18:28:50 GMT

That’s a really good rundown, especially the bit about not just going for the cheapest plants and thinking ahead a bit.

And yeah, spatterdock is one of those plants that looks great on paper but can easily get out of hand if you don’t give it space.

Loads of good choices there though, especially if you balance bigger statement plants with some smaller fillers.

With that many options listed, I’ve found it helps to double-check what you’re actually buying, especially from mixed or less specialized sellers. I’ve been using this occasionally when I’m not 100% sure on something you can always identify flowers by photo
https://botanapp.com/identifier/flowers

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

]]> 2026-06-12T18:28:50+00:00 Kambs plants that need shade https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2116310

Original post by Kambs — 2026-06-12 14:23:48 GMT

A reasonable definition of 'hardy' might be to specify it as those plants which one way or another have evolved to cope with freezing Winter conditions... By seed, tunneling roots, bulbs, corms that have evolved to cope reliably with prolonged dormancy due to freezing temperatures

It is fairly easy to adjust the depth of aquatic plants, using tubs or pots of appropriate depth, 10" could accomodate quite a range of deep or shallow growing varieties.

There are quite a few shade tolerant, shade loving plants suitable for ponds and water gardens, you may want to think twice about spatterdocks as they tend to be very large sprawly plants six feet wide. There are a couple of small forms of spatterdock (very nice plants) Cape Fear Spatterdock, and Nuphar Pumilla Minima, these are one of the few waterlily types that thrive in a lot of shade

In a hot Summer, hardy waterlilies can 'cope' and thrive surprisingly well, I've tried several of the prolific varieties with 'better' growing characteristics and seen them flower quite well in almost complete shade, they tend to put out bigger foliage and the blooms cope well in the worst heat of the day. A few tried include Indiana, Rose Arey, Pink Beauty, Splendida, Tomocik, Peaches and Cream, Joanne Pring....

Aquatic shade tolerant plants:

(prefer saturated soil conditions, water over their roots)...

Hardies: Alisma, Acorus calamus, Acorus calamus variegatus, Arrow arum, Arrowhead, Azolla, Bladderwort, Bog Arum- Calla palustris, Cotton grass, Cyperus longus, Eleocharis (spike rush), Equesetum hyemale, Frogbit, Golden club, Hornwort, Horsetail, Iris (shade may reduce their ability to flower some) Carex sedges, Lizards tail, Mares tail, Marsh marigold, Marsh pennywort, Marsilea, Nuphar pumilla minima, Parrots feather, Pennywort, Nymphiodes aquatica, Phalaris, Scirpus zebrinus, Typha (not the nasty latifolia, way too invasive) Water Hawthorn, Water Lettuce, Water Mint ....there are GAZILLIONS of shade loving aquatic and bog plants

Bog plants:

(Prefer moist but not saturated soil conditions)

Hardies: Acer, Aconitum, Alchemila, Alliums, Arum lilies, Aruncus, Arundinaria, Astilbe, Azalea, Berberis, Bergenia, Brunnera, Carex pendula, Chamaecyparis, Cimicifuga, Cinnamon fern, Creeping Jenny, Ferns (Many), Convallaria, Corylus, Cotton grass, Cornus, Cotula, Cyclamen, Danae, Dicentra, Epimedium, Euonymus, Filipendula, Fritillaria, Galium, Gentiana, Gunnera, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, Hemp agrimony, Hepatica, Heucherella, Hosta, Hydrangea, Ligularia, Liriope, Lisichiton, Lilium, Lonicera, Lupinus, Lychnis, Lythrum, Meconopsis, Mimulus, Miscanthus, Peltiphylum (Darmera) Phyllostachys, Polygonum, Primula, Ranunculus, Rhamnus, Rheum, Rhododendron, Rodgersia, Royal Fern, Rubus, Sasa veitchii, Saxifraga, Senecio, Sinarundinaria, Sium suave, Skullcap, Tellima, Viola, Weigela

Half hardy (need Wintering frost free): Cyperus Alternifolia, Cyperus Isocladus, Crinum Americanum, Gymnocoronum spilanthoides, Cyperus papyrus, Arum lilies (callas) Marselia, Taro, Salvinia, Umbrella grass

I list some full aquatics as well as bog plants. There are enough plants mentioned above to cram many a pool, bog, water margin... arrow arum alone likes to make an exotic foliage plant 3 foot high, and 3ft wide when it has conditions it likes... Many of them are 'specimen plants' ...in effect they are gobsmackers. Most of the plants listed here pop up on ebay now and then, so no need to be stuck with limited or pricey local sources, at all

Buying from 'cheap' sources is likely to be counter productive. You will likely end up with a titanic knot of invasive plants if you do not have the gumption to be selective at choosing plants which represent good long term value in terms of good growing characteristics and features. The cheap end of the market is pretty well loaded with more trouble than it's worth...

Ebay will probably present a better source and choice buying direct from the grower rather than the likes of Walmarts rather 'iffy' merchandise.

Reply by lalaser — 2026-06-12 14:38:52 GMT

That’s a really good rundown, especially the bit about not just going for the cheapest plants and thinking ahead a bit.

With that many options listed, I’ve found it helps to double-check what you’re actually buying, especially from mixed or less specialized sellers. I’ve been using this occasionally when I’m not 100% sure on something - link below

And yeah, spatterdock is one of those plants that looks great on paper but can easily get out of hand if you don’t give it space.

Loads of good choices there though, especially if you balance bigger statement plants with some smaller fillers.
https://botanapp.com/identifier/flowers

Reply by Kambs — 2026-06-12 14:30:34 GMT

That’s a really good rundown, especially the bit about not just going for the cheapest plants and thinking ahead a bit.

With that many options listed, I’ve found it helps to double-check what you’re actually buying, especially from mixed or less specialized sellers. I’ve been using this occasionally when I’m not 100% sure on something https://botanapp.com/identifier/flowers

And yeah, spatterdock is one of those plants that looks great on paper but can easily get out of hand if you don’t give it space.

Loads of good choices there though, especially if you balance bigger statement plants with some smaller fillers.
Link

View full thread on Kingsnake.com

]]> 2026-06-12T14:38:52+00:00 Kambs Safe Fish For Amphibians In A Pond? https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2115580

Original post by OldTime — 2020-04-08 19:28:32 GMT

Is there some type of fish I can stock in my pond in VT USA that won't eradicate the native amphibian population?

Reply by Noahharris — 2025-10-28 23:41:34 GMT

Small and harmless, though they may eat very small tadpoles.

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]]> 2025-10-28T23:41:34+00:00 OldTime Green Sediment in Water https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059029

Original post by Dirtypig — 2010-11-29 15:08:59 GMT

Hi Guys
Wondering if anyone could help with a system i designed myself but the result in not satisfactory at all

1.8m3 pond with concrete and waterproof lining (no gravel,stones,rocks) at the bottom
2.90mm outlet pipe at the bottom leading into 75mm pipe set 1m below water surface level
3.75mm pipe into filter flowing from bottom upwards 32mm flush at bottom of container to drain sludge that collects
4. filter media contains Large rocks, bio balls, gravel, foam all set in layers in that order.
5. This flows into another container and is then pumped into the pond.

The pond contains 8 swamp turtles as well as 3 1kg koi

The problem i am experiencing is that the water seems to contain a green sediment which i cannot get rid of and is slowly building up in the water causing it to be sludgier and sludgier. I think that the bio filter i have designed is not creating enough bacteria. I am also circulating - 3m3 of water an hour.

Any help ands suggestions would be great

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]]> 2010-11-29T15:08:59+00:00 Dirtypig New Member with a problem fish https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059026

Original post by sunflower853 — 2010-08-12 19:58:09 GMT

Greetings,

I am a new member. I have a small garden hobby pond with about 200 gallons in it. I keep comets mostly and the occasional koi fish. The pond is about 7 years old now and I enjoy it very much.

I have a question for the experienced folk out there. One of my comets, 5-6" and about 5 years old has something about the size of a walnut coming out of her distended and yellowed back end, vent, whatever it is. It appears to be transparent and it looks like she's trying to poop it out. I don't know what this is or if she's going to die. She appears to be behaving normally but she wouldn't eat just now and this thing wasn't there two days earlier. The rest of the fish seem to be fine. Has anyone had experience with this type of problem before??

Thanks for your help.

Reply by Koilady — 2010-10-02 23:30:52 GMT

I am a new member. I have a small garden hobby pond with about 200 gallons in it. I keep comets mostly and the occasional koi fish. The pond is about 7 years old now and I enjoy it very much.

I have a question for the experienced folk out there. One of my comets, 5-6" and about 5 years old has something about the size of a walnut coming out of her distended and yellowed back end, vent, whatever it is. It appears to be transparent and it looks like she's trying to poop it out. I don't know what this is or if she's going to die. She appears to be behaving normally but she wouldn't eat just now and this thing wasn't there two days earlier. The rest of the fish seem to be fine. Has anyone had experience with this type of problem before??

Hi Sunflower. I've been coming here for quite a while but I totally forgot about the forums. I've been in the hobby for 28 years and we used to have 14 ponds and we imported, bred and raised high quality Koi and Orandas. Let me ask you a few questions about your sick fish.

What size is your pond?
How many fish are in it?
Do you have a bio-filter?
If so, what size is it?
Do you make water changes from the bottom of the pond?
How often do you feed?

I'm from Canada where winter is almost upon us. Are you from a warmer climate?

It is possible that your fish has an internal bacterial infection or it could be a tumor. It's really difficult to tell. If water conditions become poor, the immune systems of fish can become weak and they are unable to fight any infection that may come there way.
Try making a one third water change from the bottom of your pond and replacing it with fresh water, using a conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from the water. Let me know if your fish seems to be doing any better.
There are medications on the market that might heal your fish but that will depend on how far along the infection or tumor is.

Yours Koily, Lorraine

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]]> 2010-10-02T23:30:52+00:00 sunflower853 New Koi Pond Questions https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059025

Original post by Bradchr — 2010-06-12 16:48:27 GMT

Photo:
http://yfrog.com/9dimg2119pondj

My new Koi pond is 24 ft long and 8 feet across at its widest point. It is 4 1/2 feet deep in the middle. The pond is natural (no liner). It was built two months ago and is spring fed. Roughly 200 gallons of water runs through the spill way each day. The bottom and sides are clay and I put six inches of limestone gravel on the bottom. At this point, I have no filters, pumps, or a water fall. I live in Northern Minnesota and have a decent size budget for this project. I have not decided whether to keep the pond open in the winter. I have several questions since I have no expertise.

The largest wall is 3 feet above the water level. How wide should the weir be at the top of the waterfall? Should it just plunge straight down? I have tons of natural rocks (see picture); should the face of the falls be natural rocks?
Filter/Skimmers - What should I have? I have read so much but am very confused. Should I buy a waterfall weir with a filter? What type of skimmer? Do I need a pressure filter? What about the bead filters? Should I have a UV filter?
Pump - Can whatever system I design be serviced by one large pump? What pump would you recommend?
System design - I realize I am asking for help designing a system...are there any DYI resources available?
One final question - if I decide not to keep the pond open in the winter (it gets below zero very often here) can it be designed so the take down in the fall wouldn't be much work?

I appreciate any feedback on my question.
Image

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]]> 2010-06-12T16:48:27+00:00 Bradchr Greetings and my native fish pond https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059022

Original post by Reefmonkey — 2010-05-16 17:31:21 GMT

Hello everyone, this is my first post, thought I'd say hi. I'm 34, been keeping fish since I was 10. Mostly fresh and brackish, but have tried saltwater. My two favorite fishtank setups are African Rift Valley (Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika) cichlids, and IndoPacific brackish (scats, monos, puffers, knight gobies and bumblebee gobies), both of which I have set up right now.

I started keeping a pond 4 years ago when I finally bought a house with a backyard. I've always hated koi and goldfish, thought they are totally artifical looking. Since I lived in nearly subtropical Gulf Coast Texas, I thought I could get away with tropical fish in the pond. I started out by keeping Central American and South American cichlids - severums, green terror, and jackdempseys. As I had problems the tropical cichlids, I tried Texas cichlids. My two biggest complaints about these fish were they aren't cold hardy, and they are really shy, so hard to see.

Ultimately I gave up on the cichlid pond, grabbed my cast net and bucket, and headed down to the nearby creeks and bayous. Since then, my pond has been filled with mostly sunfish, and they do great. They survive the heat of the summer, just survived the coldest, snowiest winter Houston has had in my lifetime, and they are very gregarious, come up to the top of the pond when I come by, waiting to be fed. Plus, if I lose one, due to predation by racoons or whatever, it didn't cost me anything and I can go catch another one. Right now my pond has 4 sunfish in it (I don't know the exact species of these 4, though a freshwater angler has told me they look like bluegills to him), 9 red shiners (all male, beautiful colors), and two crayfish, all wildcaught by me within a 5 mile radius of my house. Oh, there is still a lone jack dempsey, actually one of the fish I put in the pond the first month I put it in the ground. He winters in my African cichlid tank, spends March through mid November in the pond.

My pond is also a favorite breeding spot for Gulf Coast toads every year, and attracts dragonflies, both brilliant iridescent blue ones and brilliant iridescent red ones, as well as green anoles.

Reply by berrymilan — 2011-04-05 13:42:56 GMT

Nice thread Reefmonkey submitted here about ponds and its issues. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. I will visit your pond when I will get free time.

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]]> 2011-04-05T13:42:56+00:00 Reefmonkey pond construction https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059016

Original post by dafish — 2010-03-26 00:56:47 GMT

This looks like a good guide for most size ponds.
pond construction

-----
some of my favs - natural ponds & swimming ponds and pics of natural ponds & swimming ponds

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]]> 2010-03-26T00:56:47+00:00 dafish swimming ponds with fish https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059012

Original post by dafish — 2010-03-26 00:23:40 GMT

some think its bad, others say its ok. anyone have some experience?
-----
some of my favs - natural ponds & swimming ponds and pics of natural ponds & swimming ponds

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]]> 2010-03-26T00:23:40+00:00 dafish frogs in koi pond https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059004

Original post by pasue — 2009-11-09 15:12:05 GMT

In the process of cleaning out my koi pond for the winter I found three large frogs in the skimmer. Probably because it is black and the warmest place on a sunny day. Last spring I found several dead frogs in the pond from the winter. Am I doing these guys a favor by moving them to a green house that is about 65 degrees and has a water area or should I have left them in the pond to fend to themselves? What do I do to keep them alive in the green house? what do they need to eat? DId they need to hibernate? Should I put them in the creek or back in the pond? The skimmer will freeze this winter because we will not be running the pump. Also we will be draining the pond and redoing it in the spring. Thanks for any help

Reply by berrymilan — 2011-03-17 10:39:30 GMT

NO, I think it’s a good idea to keep them in a green house this temperature will be good for them, they also need to hibernate, any frog food will be good for them but be sure about the quantity, Best of luck.
Pond Leak

Reply by berrymilan — 2011-02-07 11:18:16 GMT

Why dont you put them in forest, that can be a good place for them. :D

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]]> 2011-03-17T10:39:30+00:00 pasue Mucky Pond https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059002

Original post by NeoReptiliac — 2009-11-01 19:45:12 GMT

Hi I have a gold fish pond. Ive had it for around a year. I started it last year with just water in it, then added plants, and later in the year I added fish and some snails. I have goldfish in it. Which was tiny when we got them but now they are huge. Like 4-5 inches long now. Anyways, my problem is. The water suddenly started getting mucky and having a horrible smell to it over the past month. All the leaves falling is what I think made it this way. Up till then the filter, plants, fish and snails was keeping it all nice and clean. But now its so icky you cant even see the fish till they come to the top to eat. And it smells horrid. What can I do about this?

Reply by Koilady — 2010-10-02 23:38:18 GMT

Hi I have a gold fish pond. Ive had it for around a year. I started it last year with just water in it, then added plants, and later in the year I added fish and some snails. I have goldfish in it. Which was tiny when we got them but now they are huge. Like 4-5 inches long now. Anyways, my problem is. The water suddenly started getting mucky and having a horrible smell to it over the past month. All the leaves falling is what I think made it this way. Up till then the filter, plants, fish and snails was keeping it all nice and clean. But now its so icky you cant even see the fish till they come to the top to eat. And it smells horrid. What can I do about this?

Hey Neo. You're right about the leaves, they can certainly pollute a pond very quickly. It is very important to make sure that there is no debris at the bottom of the pond because once it starts to rot, toxins are introduced to the water and can make your fish very sick and can make the water smell.
Here are a few questions for you

Do you make water changes?
If so, how often and how much?
What is the size of your pond?
How many fish are in it?
Do you have a bio-filter?
If so, can you tell me how many gallons it is?
Do you have gravel or rocks or stone at the bottom of the pond?
Have you noticed any difference in the health of your fish?
Do they still come to the top of the pond to eat?

I would make a one third water change from the bottom of the pond and if there is any debris at the bottom, remove as much as you can.
If you have to clean your bio-filter often, it means that you don't have a strong colony of good bacteria in it to remove ammonia and nitrites from the water. This can certainly account for the smell and colour.

Yours Koily, Lorraine

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]]> 2010-10-02T23:38:18+00:00 NeoReptiliac Help me work out the kinks in my design https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059001

Original post by Piscespeople — 2009-08-26 21:48:24 GMT

I plan on building a system between 2 sheds and using the bog in my pond as a filter and a visual "fence" to block out my neighbors. This would create a cubby with a seating area 2 pond's and 2 water falls. I need to know about how much lumber I should buy, how much liner, how much carpet (dumpster diving time!) to get to cushion the liner, how should I connect the lumber. What kind of lumber should I use. and what else should I make sure I have? Bolt's, washers? nuts?

Also what tools should we have?

The area this is going in is the size of an old ugly camero (that's what my husband has parked there right this moment thus I have no measurements).

the whole unit will be in 3 parts.

There is a link to a paint picture I tossed together to give you an idea of what I'm planning.
Link

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]]> 2009-08-26T21:48:24+00:00 Piscespeople Help https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2059000

Original post by herplover556 — 2009-08-07 21:26:04 GMT

I'd like to dig the ravine in my backyard deeper so i can stock it with bluegill, largemouth bass, etc. Is this OK? Will it work it I stick a fence underwater so I can fish in there and keep the fish in, lets say a 600 ft stretch?

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]]> 2009-08-07T21:26:04+00:00 herplover556 goldfish dying https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058998

Original post by Attolia — 2009-07-21 23:02:52 GMT

hi everyone. i just got new goldfish - four of them in a nice big aquarium with a filter. all died by morning.

then we got 9 more, we adjusted the temperature to 72 Fahrenheit - and we even let the filter run for around 6-8 hours before putting in the fish.

Already some are dying - just two hours since we bought them! I feel so guilty!! someone - please tell me what's wrong? Should i get an airstone?

Reply by Koilady — 2010-10-02 23:42:35 GMT

hi everyone. i just got new goldfish - four of them in a nice big aquarium with a filter. all died by morning.

then we got 9 more, we adjusted the temperature to 72 Fahrenheit - and we even let the filter run for around 6-8 hours before putting in the fish.

Already some are dying - just two hours since we bought them! I feel so guilty!! someone - please tell me what's wrong? Should i get an airstone?

Hi Attolia. Keeping Goldfish alive and healthy in an aquarium can be very difficult due to the fact that these fish require very good bioloical filtration to keep the ammonia and nitrites down. Water changes from the bottom of the tank every week is also very important if your filter isn't large enough. Out side filters can be turned into bio-filters very easily. If you would like to know how, just let me know and we can discuss it here.

Anyway, along with the water changes, make sure that you cut right back on feeding pelleted foods. Get some frozen bloodworm and/or brine shrimp to feed them so that there is less waste going into the water and so that it's easier on the bio-filter if you have one.

Yours Koily, Lorraine

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]]> 2010-10-02T23:42:35+00:00 Attolia Something ate my goldfish and Koi https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058996

Original post by dionsiufung — 2009-05-28 19:05:05 GMT

I have a little small pond in the Patio. I don't know if a bird or small animal have been eating my goldfish and Koi. Every time I bought some new fishes, few day later will be gone. I put a plastic owl by the pond, but would not work. Is there anything I can try? I found a gray bird feather in the pond one day not sure if its related. Every time its attacked, the fishes are very scare, hiding and would not come out to eat.

If you have some ideas, please let me know, thanks!

Dion

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]]> 2009-05-28T19:05:05+00:00 dionsiufung Found goldfish in a lake https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058995

Original post by momof3zs — 2009-05-26 01:47:27 GMT

My family found two goldfish in a lake swimming close to shore. We found this unusual and my kids caught them and we brought them home. The are about two inches long and keep very close to one another. My question is they didn''t eat any of the small pellet food we fed them. Do I keep trying or should I try flakes? The are swimming around and exploring, when should I worry? Any other hints would be greatly appreciated. We bought a 10 gallon tank with a filter for them to start out, does that sound ok??

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]]> 2009-05-26T01:47:27+00:00 momof3zs Brackish Water https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058994

Original post by david30 — 2009-04-22 09:47:13 GMT

I have a chance of taking over a number of brackish water fish farm, what type of fish can I stock?

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]]> 2009-04-22T09:47:13+00:00 david30 new to ponds https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058992

Original post by fishylover — 2009-03-13 04:38:50 GMT

Hello. I've been wanting to set up a pond for the last three years. The reason I haven't is I'm usually short on cash. Well I found a small 50 gallon preformed pond for 49 usd. I would really like to leave it free standing on the patio. Has anyone not buried a pond like this? I don't want to dig a hole if I don't have to. This pond will have lots of plants and maybe 2 small fish. Thanks for your help.

Reply by Koilady — 2010-10-02 23:44:43 GMT

Hello. I've been wanting to set up a pond for the last three years. The reason I haven't is I'm usually short on cash. Well I found a small 50 gallon preformed pond for 49 usd. I would really like to leave it free standing on the patio. Has anyone not buried a pond like this? I don't want to dig a hole if I don't have to. This pond will have lots of plants and maybe 2 small fish. Thanks for your help.

Hi Fishy. Yes, by all mean, put this pond on the patio and have your plants and just one or two small Goldfish or even some tropical fish if your climate is warm enough.
Just make sure that you don't over feed your fish and make sure that you make monthly water changes of one third from the bottom of the pond to remove excess toxins.

Yours Koily, Lorraine

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]]> 2010-10-02T23:44:43+00:00 fishylover Help: NEW POND LEAKS https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058991

Original post by orangele — 2009-02-21 15:08:40 GMT

I live in Corpus Christi, and there is no business that builds fish ponds in my area. I hired a concrete contractor (who I have worked with in the past) who said he built his own pond. The pond is about 4 feet deep and about 4 feet wide by 5 feet long. He told me that the bottom is about 6" deep of concrete and it has two wire mesh in it for strength. The Pond has a drain located opposite a waterfall in the bottom of the side wall (yes I know it would have been best in the bottom). It also has an additional 1 1/2" PVC pipe in the waterfall side wall near the bottom for wires to pass.

I filled the pond for the first time last night, and let it run overnight. In the morning today, it was half empty. I turned the pump off, and decided to see if it continues to leak since this would indicate a leak in the shell, around the PVC pipes entering the shell, or in the connection of the PVC pipes.

It will truely be a disaster if the leak is in the PVC pipe for the drain since this runs under the shell. I personally did the PVC joints for this however, and know that these joints are good.

Any suggestions on diagnosing or repairing this leak?

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]]> 2009-02-21T15:08:40+00:00 orangele deterrent https://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=2058990

Original post by silversmithjrt — 2009-02-04 23:56:47 GMT

in my area we have raccoons, fox, deer, owl, hawks...you name it. ive had really good luck with the scarecrow motion activated sprinkler that i got online. works very well. i'd recommend it to anyone. i got it at Aquatic Ponds.
Aquatic Ponds

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]]> 2009-02-04T23:56:47+00:00 silversmithjrt