I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid ?, but since I haven't ever kept a diary as to when my koi and goldfish breed, I am wondering if I used some sort of vacuum to clean out the leaves and muck from the bottom, could it suck up some things I do not want it to-like eggs, etc... I have had a pond for about 4 years and I have never done anything special, but I have noticed new baby koi every year, and new comets and fancy goldfish.
I just do not want to take a chance on messing anything up, b'cause I always get so excited whenever I see all of the new one's. I am also noticing all of my koi and goldfish are starting to hang around the top alot more. When do you guys start feeding them again?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Traci S
? about cleaning pond/and if it could affect breeding proces
Hey Traci,
Being as I don't have a pond yet, this is only my opinion. First of all the muck and leaves that you are talking about vaccuming out are they making the water murkey or is the water pretty much clear? I would think that if the water is pretty much on the clear side that all the stuff on the bottom should be fine. I'd think of it like this, like a regular pond or lake there is tons of muck on the bottom that serves its own purpose. Weather it be a hiding area for the fish to lay their eggs and hide them from the other fish, or even a leaf that has settled on the bottom could also be shelter for a tiny fry.
So if it were me I'd leave well enough alone unless you just can't stand it anymore. I mean the fish are going to come to the top and show themselves when they are ready to be seen and ready to be fed right?
Again not that I know from experience, but only guessing here that since they are coming to the top of the water and acting as though they are ready for their Spring feeding, I would still wait. Since we both know that we are probably still in for some cold weather before Spring really sets in for good. I would think that it is too early to start feeding them just yet. You know like if you get them use to coming up for food and they start staying close to the top of the water then the cold snaps we are still having might get them.
Anyway, this is only what I would think. Hope someone with tons more knowledge comes along and answers your ??
Thats good advice. In my "limited" pond experience, you are NOT supposed to feed until the water temp rises about 50 or 55 and stays there for a few days. If you start to feed when it is colder or it gets colder, you can kill your fish. I spoke to a fellow whose mom killed her fish every spring for 3 years before he convinced her to wait a bit.
As for the muc in the bottom, I would get it out. A thin layer of muc is okay but our ponds (I am assuming you built yours and it is self contained) are not natural ecosystems with fresh water constantly flowing in and out.
Just my 2 cents worth. charlotte