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

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).

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).

wrote:
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).


I agree with the plastic milk crates - I have several of them in my
ponds and they're great for plants to sit on and fish to hide in. I
have never cut larger holes in mine because my purpose is to protect
smaller fish from larger ones. Even if the bigger fish can get in thru
the sides of the crate, he probably can't maneuver in it as well as the
smaller fish so the little one can generally get out in a safe manner.


--
G.D.Smith
Harpers Ferry, WV

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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.....

"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

"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

The most basic elements of metal, such as aluminum and copper is completely water inert, they will not pond on any of your aquatic creatures. Unless Stainless steel is a real high quality will eventually rust, Lead oxide leaked into your pond. This will not do your fish good, because it can starve a lot of oxygen to your pond, if it is present.

I accede with the artificial milk crates - I accept several of them in my ponds and they're abundant for plants to sit on and angle to adumbrate in. I have never cut beyond holes in abundance because my purpose is to protect smaller angle from beyond ones.