Goldfish - Tank to Pond ???

[Joetee]

I have a regular Goldfish that one might get at a Fair. He is about 6 or 7 inches long. I want to put it out in my pond because he is destroying my planted tank. What would be a safe way to acclamate him to the pond. Tank Temp is 76 the pond is about 55. Can this be done slowly and safely now? I was thinking of putting him in a 5 gallon bucket with tank water and standing it out in the 1000 gallon pond and maybe hanging a heater in the bucket and slowing lowering the thermostat for a day.

Thank you

Joetee

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[nonamesleft47]

Hey Joe, somebody else from Lexington! I'd give it another month or so until the temps outside are a little higher and more stable. Is the tank heated? Once the temp is within 10 degrees or so you can float him in a bag for a while and then let him go.

[Joetee]

nonamesleft47
Yes the tank is heated. About a month ago I received this 50 gallon complete setup free and it came with 4 large fish. It came with a Large Goldfish, Tinfoil Barb, Pictus Cat, and a Sailfin pleco (I think this is what he is). Anyway, they are all between 6 & 8 inches. I like it planted but about twice a day I have to replant it because they really mess things up. I'm thinking of putting all of them in the pond. Grrrrr

I guess you have been to JustFish? Great store. Do you know of any good aquatic plant stores around Lexington?

Joetee

[lauraleellbp]

You need to wait till the pond temps stay consistently over 60F before moving him.

I would actually try and first get him used to being inside without a heater for a few weeks, if that's possible.

Dramatic temperature changes are the best way to kill fish; but if you go really slow that gives them the best chance of acclimating.

[nonamesleft47]

Hey Joe, no need to throw the tropicals in your pond, they won't live until late June or July and then only for a couple of months. I'll take them off your hands if you want to get rid of them (most of the pet shops won't take them). I've got a buddy with a tank full of bruisers that they should fit in with. I'd get rid of the tropicals, leave the goldfish and then unplug the heater for a month or so. After that you shouldn't have any trouble adding him to your pond.

Yeah, me and Tony (Just Fish) go way back. To tell you the sad truth, the best plants in town right now are over at Meijers (however you spell it) their tanks are full and the price is fair. You can get 15-20 crypts to a pot for 5 bucks. The other day they had 4 different kinds of swords, you just have to know what you are looking for. As much as I like to support the mom and pop shops, they just don't have the plants that Meijers does.

Ted

[Joetee]

Yea I know, I was just in Meyers last week and their fish tanks were full of plants. They even had HC which is very uncommon. I did pick up a few. I've been in there many times but only recently have I seen a lot of plants. The new guy seems to be cool but lacks experience with aquariums. I think we should meet up there one day and just spend some time with him and give him some pointers. There is nothing worse than walking into a fish store like Walmart etc and seeing many dead fish. Everyone of the chain stores are like that. JustFish is a great place to buy and learn things. Just wish they had a big plant selection.

I'll have to talk to the wife and ask her about giving the fish a new home. She has become attached I think. LOL

Joe

[Blue Ridge Reef]

Joe, if you find a warm day (where pond water temps reach near your tank temps), just move it! I sell a lot of pond fish that are going from my heated store, I just suggest that they pick them up when there's a warm window. And I've done it myself many, many times. The water parameters are likely more different/dangerous than temperature. Do a quick test of pH, GH, and nitrates first. If they are close, as soon as temp are within 10 degrees, float 'em! And I'm being cautious!