Comments on: Keeping Pond Fish Safe From Predators – The Follow Up http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/ The Official Blog Of Pond Algae Solutions Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:06:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: AndreaJo http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-30 AndreaJo Fri, 30 May 2008 16:06:18 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-30 I also have floating items in my pond, I place planters in styrofoam containers so they are pleasant to look at while floating. I also use ceramic tiles and place styrofoam under it and place plants on them. They roam around the pond and are pretty. Some of them have anchors to keep them near the edges to scare predators. We also have planters with noisy plants and or wind chimes near the edges. Dried bamboo works nicely near the edges, it's noisy and creates much movement. Happy ponding! I also have floating items in my pond, I place planters in styrofoam containers so they are pleasant to look at while floating. I also use ceramic tiles and place styrofoam under it and place plants on them. They roam around the pond and are pretty. Some of them have anchors to keep them near the edges to scare predators. We also have planters with noisy plants and or wind chimes near the edges. Dried bamboo works nicely near the edges, it’s noisy and creates much movement. Happy ponding!

]]> By: cathy joy http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-28 cathy joy Thu, 29 May 2008 20:47:53 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-28 I have had a problem with a large white egret and he ate most of my fish, by the time I saw him with one of my fish hanging out of his big mouth I looked for all types of netting and put it up he still got my fish then I finally got Large Pizza pans that would float put a few of those in my pond and he has not been back they only cost a few dollars and I still have a few of my fish and no more egret. hope this helps someone or some fish GOOD LUCK I have had a problem with a large white egret and he ate most of my fish, by the time I saw him with one of my fish hanging out of his big mouth I looked for all types of netting and put it up he still got my fish then I finally got Large Pizza pans that would float put a few of those in my pond and he has not been back they only cost a few dollars and I still have a few of my fish and no more egret. hope this helps someone or some fish GOOD LUCK

]]> By: pvarey http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-27 pvarey Sat, 24 May 2008 17:35:03 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-27 I have 2 cranes that visit every July for 'High Tea'. I now have a fence (using 3/8" metal rods, 22" high, installed 2' apart, about 3-4' away from the stones at the edge of my pond. I attach nylon string (or old grass trimmer cord) to these stakes, and then fasten iridescent plastic 22" strips ( using 'hunters' tape) to this cord about every foot. This is a very inexpensive treatment and it REALLY works!! I have 2 cranes that visit every July for ‘High Tea’. I now have a fence (using 3/8″ metal rods, 22″ high, installed 2′ apart, about 3-4′ away from the stones at the edge of my pond. I attach nylon string (or old grass trimmer cord) to these stakes, and then fasten iridescent plastic 22″ strips ( using ‘hunters’ tape) to this cord about every foot. This is a very inexpensive treatment and it REALLY works!!

]]> By: AndreaJo http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-26 AndreaJo Tue, 20 May 2008 16:20:25 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-26 I have to agree with Rick, my fish seem to have been safe from day 1 due to deep water. In each of my ponds the water exceeds 4' in various areas. I live in a very "country" area and predators tend to get a drink and leave the fish alone. Fortunately I also have 2 dogs and a cat that make sure their territory is well marked. A combination of deterrents will always work best. My decks also protect most sides of all the ponds but 1. The top pond is exposed but deep and still no losses. I have to agree with Rick, my fish seem to have been safe from day 1 due to deep water. In each of my ponds the water exceeds 4′ in various areas. I live in a very “country” area and predators tend to get a drink and leave the fish alone. Fortunately I also have 2 dogs and a cat that make sure their territory is well marked. A combination of deterrents will always work best. My decks also protect most sides of all the ponds but 1. The top pond is exposed but deep and still no losses.

]]> By: Rick Carman http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-25 Rick Carman Tue, 20 May 2008 11:20:47 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-25 The deep method and the decoy of a statue have been my saving grace. The herons still come by and visit from time to time, but I haven't lost a fish, knock on wood, in over a year now. I have a 15,000 gallon lower pond that my 8,000 gallon upper pond spills into. We so enjoy the view and the "music" of the waterfall. When the heron would not fly away when we came into the yard, firecrackers helped to scare them away. The deep method and the decoy of a statue have been my saving grace. The herons still come by and visit from time to time, but I haven’t lost a fish, knock on wood, in over a year now. I have a 15,000 gallon lower pond that my 8,000 gallon upper pond spills into. We so enjoy the view and the “music” of the waterfall. When the heron would not fly away when we came into the yard, firecrackers helped to scare them away.

]]> By: michael_camp http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-24 michael_camp Sun, 18 May 2008 17:40:47 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-24 A few comments: 1. to the question of how harge the koi must get to be "safe" from Herons. The fact is that a heron will attack any size koi with results from ranging from gashes, loss of fins, blinding, etc. 2. the water "scarecrow" has proven effective against most herons. Once in a long while, we'll get an older, wiser one who simply will not be deterred by the water and noise. Anytime we determine that we are not scaring off the visitors -- either by observation or missing fish, I place 10 mousetraps around the pond (5,000 gal) in strategic locations where predators will attempt entry. (Yes, I had a so called koi pond expert design & build my pond). The noise and motion (they jump into the air) of a mouse trap snapping shut is a very effective deterent. The visitor doesn't have to actually step into the trap to get the desired effect. While not attractive, this has proven very, very effective for us as we haven't lost a single koi when relying on the minefield approach. Although not our intent to actually "catch" anything, we have "lost" several and found two as far as 10m from the pond. I remove the traps when we note that none have been triggered for a few weeks. Note that heavy rains will trigger the traps. A few comments:
1. to the question of how harge the koi must get to be “safe” from Herons. The fact is that a heron will attack any size koi with results from ranging from gashes, loss of fins, blinding, etc.
2. the water “scarecrow” has proven effective against most herons. Once in a long while, we’ll get an older, wiser one who simply will not be deterred by the water and noise. Anytime we determine that we are not scaring off the visitors — either by observation or missing fish, I place 10 mousetraps around the pond (5,000 gal) in strategic locations where predators will attempt entry. (Yes, I had a so called koi pond expert design & build my pond).

The noise and motion (they jump into the air) of a mouse trap snapping shut is a very effective deterent. The visitor doesn’t have to actually step into the trap to get the desired effect. While not attractive, this has proven very, very effective for us as we haven’t lost a single koi when relying on the minefield approach. Although not our intent to actually “catch” anything, we have “lost” several and found two as far as 10m from the pond.

I remove the traps when we note that none have been triggered for a few weeks. Note that heavy rains will trigger the traps.

]]> By: Paula Kozulla http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-23 Paula Kozulla Sun, 18 May 2008 17:05:56 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-23 I have a Giant Blu Heron that discovered my pond 4 years ago. He stole two of my Koi and comes back on occasion for more. I went and bought a net and placed it over the pond and use fasteners to poke in the ground to keep it secure. The Heron does come around on occasion, and I know when he has visited even though I haven't seen him, because the net will be laying on top of the water still fastened. He can't get to the fish with the net there, and since my two fish were stolen and eaten, the rest of my fish have been safe. A net works for me and is a very inexpensive fix. I have a Giant Blu Heron that discovered my pond 4 years ago. He stole two of my Koi and comes back on occasion for more. I went and bought a net and placed it over the pond and use fasteners to poke in the ground to keep it secure. The Heron does come around on occasion, and I know when he has visited even though I haven’t seen him, because the net will be laying on top of the water still fastened. He can’t get to the fish with the net there, and since my two fish were stolen and eaten, the rest of my fish have been safe. A net works for me and is a very inexpensive fix.

]]> By: njcopeland http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-20 njcopeland Sun, 18 May 2008 02:16:19 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-20 No one has mentioned snakes. I had 4 fish just disappear .... and then I saw the snake...go in, and then out. I put out mothballs and haven't seen any since, but of course they could still be around. No mysterious disappearance since, and that was 2 years ago. About a year ago, I rebuilt. I lost 2 fish...about 3 weeks after purchase. One was just gone ...the other I found in the skimmer net...with a big gash. Everyone said heron...but I have straight sides, no shelves and 3.5 to 4. foot deep. I covered with net after that and have had no more loss of fish, But I really wish I could take the netting off. About what size do the fish need to be to finally be safe? Does anyone have any other suggestions for the snakes? No one has mentioned snakes. I had 4 fish just disappear …. and then I saw the snake…go in, and then out. I put out mothballs and haven’t seen any since, but of course they could still be around. No mysterious disappearance since, and that was 2 years ago. About a year ago, I rebuilt. I lost 2 fish…about 3 weeks after purchase. One was just gone …the other I found in the skimmer net…with a big gash. Everyone said heron…but I have straight sides, no shelves and 3.5 to 4. foot deep. I covered with net after that and have had no more loss of fish, But I really wish I could take the netting off. About what size do the fish need to be to finally be safe?

Does anyone have any other suggestions for the snakes?

]]> By: Edith Schwirian http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-19 Edith Schwirian Sat, 17 May 2008 22:21:23 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-19 I have had a 3,000 gal. pond that I built 6 years ago. It is 4 ft in the center. I have not had any preditor except a king fisher, which is fine because he just eats the goldfish. My koi are 5 years old and too big for him. The best thing I have found is a tall fence ours is 7 ft around the backyard and a dog. My little border collie protects the yard. We have been thinking about electrifying the fence to keep the ground squirrels out, one made a hole in my liner in the stream. Enjoy your articles! I have had a 3,000 gal. pond that I built 6 years ago. It is 4 ft in the center. I have not had any preditor except a king fisher, which is fine because he just eats the goldfish. My koi are 5 years old and too big for him. The best thing I have found is a tall fence ours is 7 ft around the backyard and a dog. My little border collie protects the yard. We have been thinking about electrifying the fence to keep the ground squirrels out, one made a hole in my liner in the stream. Enjoy your articles!

]]> By: Judy http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/comment-page-1/#comment-18 Judy Sat, 17 May 2008 21:44:38 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/05/17/keeping-pond-fish-safe-from-predators-the-follow-up/#comment-18 I designed my pond (5000g) with a plant ledge around 3/4 of perimeter, 1-1 1/2 feet deep and a straight drop from there. I was thinking about skunks and raccoons, not heron. Unfortunately in the second year a heron discovered my pond, and was relentless.If I chased him,he would sit in a tree,and as soon as I returned to the house,he was back in the pond. I tried opening the door for my Doberman, a trip wire, and a motion activated scarecrow. The scarecrow lasted only a few days, I came home from work to find it by the pond in several pieces,obviously the victim of a violent bird attack. The solution came with a severe algae bloom...I put up a sun shade(Coolaroo) to reduce the amount of light. The bird returned,happily walking along the plant ledge...I opened the door for the Doberman...the look on that bird's face was priceless as the dog was airborn off the deck heading for the pond, and the heron realized it couldn't just take off from the ledge because of the shade. It first had to climb out of the pond,slowing it's escape. It's been 3 years and I haven't seen it since. The bird wasn't harmed, the dog had fun, and my fish are safe. I designed my pond (5000g) with a plant ledge around 3/4 of perimeter, 1-1 1/2 feet deep and a straight drop from there. I was thinking about skunks and raccoons, not heron. Unfortunately in the second year a heron discovered my pond, and was relentless.If I chased him,he would sit in a tree,and as soon as I returned to the house,he was back in the pond. I tried opening the door for my Doberman,
a trip wire, and a motion activated scarecrow. The scarecrow lasted only a few days, I came home from work to find it by the pond in several pieces,obviously the victim of a violent bird attack. The solution came with a severe algae bloom…I put up a sun shade(Coolaroo) to reduce the amount of light. The bird returned,happily walking along the plant ledge…I opened the door for the Doberman…the look on that bird’s face was priceless as the dog was airborn off the deck heading for the pond, and the heron realized it couldn’t just take off from the ledge because of the shade. It first had to climb out of the pond,slowing it’s escape. It’s been 3 years and I haven’t seen it since. The bird wasn’t harmed, the dog had fun, and my fish are safe.

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