How are the pond fish doing?

[CACAdmin]

I know it's still the middle of winter so the last thing on people's minds is ponds (unless you overwinter the fish in the pond... then of course you might be out there breaking the ice).

For those of you who brought your fish indoors for the winter, it'd be great to hear an update on how they are doing and whether your original indoor setup worked or if you made additional changes.

I only had snails in mine, and brought in the ones I could find and put them in my fry tank.

[Namor]

My guys have done well, and with temps on the plus side, it certainly feels like spring.

I can't remember a January in which I was able to open all the windows and air the place out a little. It's refreshing.

I picked up a large inflatable pool last summer, which will temporarily house the koi and goldies while the pond is dug in.

(Still planning on a "mini chunnel").:yes:

[CACAdmin]

Glad to hear they're doing well. Spring is a long time off yet but that gives you lots of time to plan that 'mini chunnel'. :wink:

[Laura]

I've got WCMM and weather loaches - they're all fine. Surprisingly, my water hyacinth is still alive and doing great.

[CACAdmin]

I've never had success with my water hyacinthe. How have you kept it? Tub? Tank? How much light? Ferts?

[Laura]

I wasn't expecting any success at all - I've tried before and had dismal failures.
It's in a 33 with a double light strip. The water level is a few inches from the top and a glass top keeps in humidity.

They are so thick that the light has trouble getting through them. There are lots of small baby plants, although I find that nothing grows as big as they do in the pond.

I expect humidity levels is part of the success - some of the leaves dry out, but the majority are just fine. My brigs eat most of the dying plant matter, and I must admit I've been a bit lazy with water changes as I think the plants are helping keep the parameters in good shape.

[fishykisses]

i decided to winter the koi outside this year and so far so good - i put 2 large pvc pipes in the pond and they've been huddling in them and sleeping.

[CACAdmin]

They are so thick that the light has trouble getting through them. There are lots of small baby plants, although I find that nothing grows as big as they do in the pond.
That's great! At this rate, you'll have some to put up for auction (http://www.canadianaquariumauction.com)in the spring.

i decided to winter the koi outside this year and so far so good - i put 2 large pvc pipes in the pond and they've been huddling in them and sleeping.
That's great! It's a good winter to give it a try as we're finally back to a more normal winter after last year's deep-freeze.