New to the group. New Pond w/ gold fish
Hi Cory,
I live in the Bay Area also and yes the last couple of days of 90 plus heat was a good test for your pond. The previous comments about how your pond is constructed will help with both raccoons and the heat. However, in most of our suburban areas we are not “supposed” to dig our ponds lower than 18-24 inches or else they qualify as swimming pools and require pool permits. How large is your pond, dimensions and estimated gallons?
Since it sounds like your pond is up and running and you probably don’t want to dig it deeper or the sides steeper here are a few suggestions:
Algae - Any pond will experience several algae “blooms” throughout the season. Depending on the number of plants, sunlight, feeding and water quality these blooms maybe hardly noticed or completely block out the pond. During these blooms try to limit excess food and make sure you do regular pwc (partial water changes). But it is also very important to have some water circulation. Blue and green stringy algae do not like to go on things where there is moving water. If you get totally frustrated and have a green bog looking pond, think twice about using any algaecide as it will usually wipe out your plants and good bacteria as well. Just try to keep the pond clean, reduce wastes, keep lots of water plants and the pond will begin to find its equilibrium point.
Raccoons - They are a part of life in our area. You can put up any type of noise maker, lights or fence and they will find a way in. The sound of the waterfall and the smell of the pond attract them.
Before you loose fish, plants and many good nights of sleep I suggest you invest in a large safe and humane animal trap like the Havahart traps. But be sure to get the large model. I am near Stanford University and have trapped 20+ raccoons in the last 8 years. I have relocated them to the other side of the coastal hills. It seams they come in groups about every 6 months. Use dry cat food and marshmallows to lead them into the trap, once trapped cover the trap with a tarp to calm the raccoon, place trap in truck or back of car (with cardboard and tarp under trap) and relocate to a nice new home.
Feel free to email me off list to discuss this further.
Good luck,
Jim
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
