new to forum - 450 gallon pond comments

[Kayadad]

The pond is 6 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot high (water level) - above ground 2x4 framed and lined with a pond liner. It is run off a koi pond filter with uv. It is insulated and heated (900 watts); we are in Northern California in a valley (mild winter). It is only viewable from the top. A medium plastic plant, some cinder blocks and block pieces, some larger gravel, and pvc frame cinder block basking platform make up the current decorations and habitat upgrades. It has been running about 8 months now.

The main inhabitant is Leo a 12-inch Red Ear Slider. She is joined by about 10 swordtails, 4 platys, 6 comets, 1 green tiger barb, a couple of small cory cats, and possibly a pleco or two (all fish are small).

I have lost a few fish (3-4 swordtails, 2-3 cory cats, 1 green tiger barb, and again possibly the plecos which we put 2 in) most likely due to predation. Leo will generally only attack fish on the first night, if the make it through that, they usually last (per our experience).

We are looking to add more fish, encourage breeding (more plants??), and algae consumption. The fish should be inexpensive, and non-aggressive, and be able to handle the lower temps 68-76. looking for advice and or comments here.

Any decoration or habit upgrades should be inexpensive and or easy diy. The basking dock cannot go. looking for advice and or comments here.

This ponds main focus is Leo, who quickly outgrew all decent sized aquariums. We are relocating to the Sierra Mtns (near Truckee) and the pond will be in a heated greenhouse.

I am new to this forum and just looking for ideas, opinions, and comments. I just found this forum, and have not yet had a chance to check it out. Definately will when I have a few minutes. I have been keeping fish on and off for the last 16 years, but have not really done fresh since I was 18 (I am just about 30 now).

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Apocalypse]

IMHO I would rid of the most obvious predator. If you don't you will continue to lose fish.
Good luckQ!!!!

 

[Kayadad]

IMHO I would rid of the most obvious predator. If you don't you will continue to lose fish.
Good luckQ!!!!

Apocalypse - thanks for the response. Yes getting rid of Leo would be the easist solution. Lucky for her, she is the reason we have the tank/pond (I feel calling it a pond people think it is only for Koi).

I am not concerned about losing a few fish due to predation. Either Leo losses interest quickly or the fish are intelligent enough to know how to avoid her. the ones that go, go within the first day or two. She likes getting the new guys on the first night. She goes for the ones that hang out on the top. 2 of the platys and 2 of the swords have been with her for over 4 months. The comets have been with her for 5 years.

I guess what i would really like is to promote breeding with the fish i have in there already and also add a few more. Through my reading it sounds like the fry can survive with enough plant cover. I will add some more plastic plants (live ones get torn to shreds).

I also would like some algae eaters and or clean-up crews.

I will post some pics hopefully today.


Michael

 

[Kayadad]

Oh yeah, As red ear sliders age, then tend to become mostly herbivores. Leo is now about 8 years old.

 

[nc_nutcase]

Sounds like a very interesting environment you've created. I'm in mid construction of a 550 Gal indoor Oscar Pond. I also don't like calling it a pond as it's a wooden box with a liner (6' x 6' @ 2.5' deep). The plan is in effect to have the in water decor to be very pond like but it will still be in a box (a pretty box but still a box).

This will be my first pond project. I've had large tanks (100+ US Gal) and I've had planted Terrariums, but this project is both things on steroids (figuratively speaking). I would love any advice/guidance/warnings you have to offer. If you click on my screen name it will take you to my profile where you can send me a private message or post it here publicly.

Thanks!