Paleofish

I was wondering the temps of the pond in summer is probably going to get in the 80s in the day and go down to the high 70s at night.

Is that going to be bad for the goldfish?

Bad Wolf

no, the goldfish will be fine. goldfish can withstand 0C-45C (32F - 113F), but this doesn't mean you should have them in a tank with a heater heating 40. that's what the can withstand. they prefer waters around 22C (71F) though.

here in Australia the summers a extreme. this year in FEB (AUS summer) it got like 60C (140F) and my fish tank got up to 55C (130F). half of my fish did die, but my 3 goldfish survived.

Hope this helps!

Paleofish

Wow tough little things ain't they? But thanks for the reply.

aquarist48

http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Goldfish.htm here is a link that you may like to read about Gold Fish. If your pond is shaded and in the ground it will help to keep the temperatures a bit cooler than the air temperature. I have a pond and it never reached higher than 76 degrees last summer and the temperatures were as high as 115F. Too, the larger the pond the better. (mine is 125g)

Paleofish

The pond will be shaded, But it won't be in the ground do to the thick tree roots and Mine will be a 100g

aquarist48

Since it's in the shade will definitely help. Do you have it surrounded by rocks or bricks? Too, rain will help to keep the temperatures down a bit. You may want to even add some type of insulation around it? Would love to see some pictures of it.

Paleofish

I haven't got the thing bought yet, So that's why i am doing all i can to learn.

But this thing is going to be above ground so i don't see how i can add rocks

I was thinking of maybe catching some rain in a bucket and add it to the pond to also help add clean water. But this year it's been dry and we haven't got rain in months.

aquarist48

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...ht-gremlin.htm
Above is a link to Gremlin's (a Fish Lore member) pond. It's awesome. Too, it shows how rocks are placed around it. I'm sure she'll see this thread and be glad to help you as well.

Paleofish

Very cool! Thanks for the link.

aquarist48

Glad to help!

gremlin

You could build a wall around where you have the pond and back fill with dirt (like I did). That way it is like it is in the ground and has the insulation of the dirt around it, but you don't have to worry about the tree roots. Also, make sure you have plenty of floating plants to shade the water. I have lilies in my pond. Water lettuce, water hyacinth, parrot's feather, are good - duck weed is good if you can get it and the goldfish will enjoy eating it also. Unfortunately, water lettuce, water hyacinth, and duckweed are all considered "noxious weeds" here in Phoenix and it is illegal to buy or sell them. I can't get them shipped to me because I am in Arizona, so I have to stick with lilies.

Paleofish

That is a thought and I could plant plants in the dirt Sad thing is Wakin goldfish have a rep of eating lilies But water lettuce, water hyacinth are all considered noxious weeds here too, But if someone wanted one they just need to take a short trip to this one river lol.

gremlin

Just be careful what plants you pull out of the river. You wouldn't want to bring home any diseases or bugs.

plants in the dirt around do look nice - I have dichondra (grass) around mine. Rosemary is also doing well. I have it planted by the waterfalls. I'm going to let it grow up around the waterfalls to help hide them. As for the lilies, if your area is anything like here, the lilies will grow so fast, you won't need to worry about how many the fish will eat - know anyone who wants a spare lily? (or 2 or 6?).

TedsTank

Good ideas some shade definately helps..I also add in a large airstone during the summer months. It keeps the water moving and increases oxygen transfer at the surface. The warmer the water, the less oxygen it holds.

Paleofish

You know what sad they are so illegal they are everywhere lol

I just hope i can give the plants enough light. Since the place the pond is going is in the shade most of the day. I guess i will just have to put the plants in and See if they grow ok.

But i might be getting some parrot's feather from a friend which can get it in a river. How would i go about cleaning the plants to keep critters from getting in the pond?? A dip in tap water maybe?