ponds

[stevem]

time to open those ponds up
i did last week, and my fish are doing great.
only one casulty over the witer
one was bitten up pretty good
one out of 17 not too bad i guess

[robertprice]

I recently answered a question on Yahoo fish about the efficacy of a highly planted 3 x 2 x 1 meter pond without filtration for guppies, crabs, shrimp,snails and a Slider turtle. While it might work, I suggested an air pump or powerhead for circulation. Too many plants can use up the oxygen at night, which is OK for livebearers, but maybe not for other fish. Also a pond that small should have a circulation at the bottom center, or the organic waste will collect there and eutrophy.

[stevem]

never a big fan of no filter
even in a betta tank

[robertprice]

That.s what I told the person on Yahoo. It might work for guppies and turtle, but I wouldn't add anything that can't brrathe some air. A pond that small is a threat to become stagnant and dystrophic. (Hooray! I haven't used that word in print since I took Ecology of Surface Waters!)

[stevem]

i have seen heavy planted tanks with no filtration
I remember stock aquarium in ny, had a molly tank if i remember right
it was a long time ago
the tank was planted and if i remmeber not too clean
but fish where fine

[robertprice]

It will be OK for livebearers and a turtle. However. I'd hedge my bet on heavily planted that size with riverine fish.