rodsboys

The pond is completely above ground, so it would freeze solid, top to bottom. I left it in its bucket under the stairs, and its still sending up shoots and leaves, looks like some earlier leaves have rotted off, maybe. Considering putting it in the aquarium for now... My pond is completely above ground too and stays ice - free most of the time. I run an air pump with 2 big sponge filters all winter and a small 750 watt floating de-icer.

Nice! Mine are not even close yet.

I wouldn't worry about it. They can do that under ice too. If you keep them dark and wet they will be fine. Just trim all of the winter growth off when you place it back into the pond in spring. I use to bring mine in too, but now I keep them in the pond.

I keep my fish outside all winter. My pond is relatively small and above ground too. 4' x8' x 2' deep. I use an air pump running 2 big sponge filters and a floating 750 watt heater/de-icer. I usually do not have any ice at all on the surface and my electric bill has no noticeable increase from the low watt de-icer. My pond is insulated though on the sides and bottom with 3" thick rigid insulation. I am sure that helps.

I don't have much experience with fluorite, but anything small and smooth would be most suitable for burrowing loaches.

I've kept dojo loaches often over the years and all color morphs. I've found there is quite a variance from individual to individual. There are a couple of different species that are common and commonly interchanged in the hobby. The differences are slight however. They are all compatable and similar in "personality". Unless you are specifically trying to breed them I wouldn't worry much about what you have. If you are interested in breeding then only purchase from one source and all at once.

I've kept dojo loaches often over the years and all color morphs. I've found there is quite a variance from individual to individual. There are a couple of different species that are common and commonly interchanged in the hobby. The differences are slight however. They are all compatable and similar in "personality". Unless you are specifically trying to breed them I wouldn't worry much about what you have. If you are interested in breeding then only purchase from one source and all at once.

I use one of these on my pond. Think I paid $80 for it. New bulbs only cost $20 and I change it every year. Never have disease or green water. Pond was like pea soup when I bought it. Cleared it up in a week. EDIT: Sorry, for some reason I can't post a link here. It is from Lowes Canada though. 9watt UV

Sucks dude, I know mine are like family. Sounds like you have some decent sized ones too. Years ago I lost a bunch when I was an idiot and put them in a kiddie pool while I clean my "pond". Went inside for an hour or so, came out to like 20 dried up fish.

Lights look great. Love the tint. I put in more plants and a UV. Mine is starting to be see-thru finally. Still not where I want it yet, but still a lot nicer than the 150 gallon stock tank I've had the last few years.

I have a serious bloom happening in my "pond" too right now. Horrible growing season so far. Out of 5 normally prolific lilies I have 4 leaves floating so far. Normally I'd have tons on each plant with a couple of booms showing up near the rhyzomes. I'm going to add some more marginals myself and hope it helps. Hate using chemicals and not enough funds to do a UV right now.

Looks great. Are you running die for algae control?

Great pond, can't wait to see pics of your fish.

Love it, looks like you put the liner right up against the siding?

The largest ones (pic 1) are in the 12CM range give or take a little. Smallest one (pic 5, always been an under achiever) is 5.5CM roughly. I have kept ACF off and on for about 12 years. I am planning to bring up a couple of different species this summer. X. Borealis and an undetermined other. These are all X. Laevis. As far as color and patterns are concerned, they are the most diverse species and most commonly available. Anyone else keeping them???