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#1
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Pond Cages
Dear All
My pond is rougly 2m x 3m. With some tall standing plants in the pond We have a big problem with herons and other predators My old hand built, net covered, wooden cage frame, 1m high, is nearing the end of its life. What do other people use to protect their fish? I was looking at aluminium frames but they look expensive I live in the uk. Any suggestions and advice will be much appreciated Mark |
#2
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I'd steer clear away from aluminum... from what I know, it can be toxic
to fish... for that matter, I'd stay away from anything metal (except stainless steel)... If they're smaller fish.... try turning some black plastic milk crates upside down in the pond (black camouflages better than other colors), bore large holes in the sides if need-be.... weigh them down with bricks, or even better... set some pots of aquatic plants or lotuses/lilies upon them to keep them down. Aside from that, you could buy a large black plastic stock tub from a hardware/feed store and manually cut holes in the sides to accomodate your fishes' comings and goings (and hidings). |
#3
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Most base element metals such as Aluminium and copper in water are totally
inert and they have no effect on any aquatic life in your pond. Unless stainless steel is of a really high quality it will eventually rust, resulting in iron oxide being leaked into your pond. This wont do your fish much good as it can starve your pond of oxygen if large quantities are present. Also remember firstly fish are able to determine movement by reflection of light on the pond surface and secondly they only have about a three minute memory span. A heron will remain perfectly still for ages and will only wait for the fish to re-emerge from their hiding place before catching his next meal. I would surmise that unless the crate is at least 60cm below the surface of the pond the heron will probably use it to perch on and gain his next meal. Craig wrote in message oups.com... I'd steer clear away from aluminum... from what I know, it can be toxic to fish... for that matter, I'd stay away from anything metal (except stainless steel)... If they're smaller fish.... try turning some black plastic milk crates upside down in the pond (black camouflages better than other colors), bore large holes in the sides if need-be.... weigh them down with bricks, or even better... set some pots of aquatic plants or lotuses/lilies upon them to keep them down. Aside from that, you could buy a large black plastic stock tub from a hardware/feed store and manually cut holes in the sides to accomodate your fishes' comings and goings (and hidings). |
#5
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"Mark" wrote in message ... Dear All My pond is rougly 2m x 3m. With some tall standing plants in the pond We have a big problem with herons and other predators My old hand built, net covered, wooden cage frame, 1m high, is nearing the end of its life. What do other people use to protect their fish? I was looking at aluminium frames but they look expensive I live in the uk. Any suggestions and advice will be much appreciated Mark What about a scarecrow. I have just made one today and am waiting to see what happens. Wish me luck. Tom..... |
#6
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"Two and a Half" wrote in message ... Most base element metals such as Aluminium and copper in water are totally inert and they have no effect on any aquatic life in your pond. Unless stainless steel is of a really high quality it will eventually rust, resulting in iron oxide being leaked into your pond. This wont do your fish much good as it can starve your pond of oxygen if large quantities are present. Also remember firstly fish are able to determine movement by reflection of light on the pond surface and secondly they only have about a three minute memory span. A heron will remain perfectly still for ages and will only wait for the fish to re-emerge from their hiding place before catching his next meal. I would surmise that unless the crate is at least 60cm below the surface of the pond the heron will probably use it to perch on and gain his next meal. Craig Don't know were you get this 3 minute memory span from, but I can assure you it is a fallacy. Bryan |
#7
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Pond Cages
"Mark" wrote in message ... Dear All My pond is rougly 2m x 3m. With some tall standing plants in the pond We have a big problem with herons and other predators My old hand built, net covered, wooden cage frame, 1m high, is nearing the end of its life. What do other people use to protect their fish? I was looking at aluminium frames but they look expensive I live in the uk. Any suggestions and advice will be much appreciated Mark I used to net my pond during the heron season. Then I accidentally discovered a better solution. I bought a cheap inflatable beach ball that has many designs and colors on it. Floating that on the pond has done the trick. It moves around with the wind & current and apparently scares the herons. ~ Gary |
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