Mike’s Fish Tank – Pond Season

Hey, pond season is here again. Most of the ponds have heated up enough that they are safe to put goldfish and koi in again. Most of the fish farms keep their water around 60 degrees. That is why you don’t want to put pond fish outside too soon. If the pond is only 45 to 50 degrees and you put fish out, it could shock them enough to kill them or make them ill. Pond season usually starts on Memorial Day. We have some nice warm temps coming up so the ponds should be good to go by Monday if not sooner.

Remember, after you purchase your pond fish, only let them float in the bag in your pond or pool for 5 minutes. Floating longer than that can cause stress for your fish and they could get sick or even die. Just like tropical fish, pond fish can catch ick too. It’s a stress related disease and it looks like salt has been sprinkled all over your fish. It shows up best on their fins and tail. If you should see spots like that on your fish, come buy one of the many parasitic medications. Ick if treated quickly can be gone in 24 to 48 hours.

Remember there are many types of fish that go well in a pond. Koi which come in different grades is one type. There are also the Shibunkins which are a calico colored pond goldfish. The Sarassa comets, are a vivid colored red and white. Butterfly koi are a type of Koi fish but have long flowing fins. Many people use just plain old comet goldfish, also know as feeder fish. They sometimes do perfectly OK in a pond. Just remember they aren’t the best quality goldfish so they may not do as well. They are also the kind of fish you win at the fair.

Other things that work in a pond are tadpoles, crayfish and channel cats. Keep in mind that channel fish get huge and at some point might eat your smaller pond koi or goldfish. Snails can also go in ponds but be careful which ones you use. Some of them are prolific breeders and you’ll be overrun with snails in no time. Too many snails will just make your pond dirty. There are some plain old red fantails that people put in ponds and they usually do just fine outside too. If you are putting in a new pond, keep in mind if you put it in a place with limited sunlight, you’ll have less algae problems to worry about. Too much direct sunlight on your pond and you’ll be fighting green all summer long.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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