Fish Recommendation

[Mmathis]

Ever wary of predator attacks, I've noticed that my fish that are "calico" colored or mottled, but with a lot of the clearish (blue, maybe white?) seem to be less noticeable than the brighter or solid colored ones. Still just as pretty to watch, but they don't seem to STAND OUT and say, "Come eat me!" as much.

That being said, this observation is from a human's visual reference. I have NO IDEA what a heron [or 'coon] sees when it looks in the water....

And BTW, wishing you the best with your appeal

And if you're thinking of going with Rosy Reds, my experience with them is that they breed and multiply like crazy. Also, of all the little ones that spawned in my pond, they all ended up looking like common minnows -- not a single fish is "rosy" or "red." And they're not sociable toward people -- not as much fun as, say, goldfish. Just my observations.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

- First of all, it depends on the store. Some chain stores have very dedicated employees who know their stuff.

That could be what our problem is. Most of the stores around here, Pet stores or other, are lower grade stores. They sell less, they're often dirty, etc. and they sure don't have knowledgeable staff. I would never consider buying an animal from our Petco unless it were crickets or frozen mice.

On the other hand, there's a family-owned place south of me.. I walked in and couldn't believe how nice it was. Three times I've been there, the tanks were maintained. Not a single dead fish. (Some of the dead fish I've seen at Petco have been there way longer than they should've.) The guy surprisingly knew what he was talking about and wasn't just trying to make a sale. Its reasons like that why I prefer to stay away from the Co's and Land's, at least the ones around here.

 

[Big Lou]

Appeal again rejected. My dear raises sincere legitimate concerns. I can't argue with someone who caringly looks after me with such love.

Not all is lost. Numerous new water plants along with seasonal pond side potted tropical plants coming soon. Seasonal potted tropicals are very affordable from Lowes & HD. Granted they must be replaced each year but their beauty is well worth the cost. Also to come is zero maintenance pond side ground cover along with some yet to be determined plants for between stone gaps.

Continue the ongoing conversation if you like. Btw, we were blessed to have found a very affordable and knowledgeable pond maintence company. This very nice lady's firm "Let'sBeKoi" has our business hopefully for years to come.

Thank you all.

 

[bettasngoldfish]

Sorry about that Lou, fish are fun to have around. At least you have the pond though.....

I did want to mention that I saw some really cool floating statues at the local nursery a few weeks ago. Maybe something like that would be fun? They had frogs on lily pads, ducks, and a few koi swimming around a lily flower. Really cool. I would have bought one but didn't really have the extra money and hubby was with me lol

 

[Big Lou]

That does sound nice. Will have try and find some.

 

[dieselplower]

BigLou, would you care to share any of the wife's reasons for nit wanting fish? Maybe we can help you convince her otherwise

 

[HARO]

Make her an offer she can't refuse?
John

 

[Sunshine]

Tell her she can pick the fish that will go into that awesome pond.

 

[brokensword]

Lou, I agree with those wanting to help and understand why your wife is hesitant. From what I've read, a few fish could go in and you'd not even need to take care of them re feeding. And some ponds are self-cleaning if you have the right system. Not sure if they'd overpopulate your pond or not as I'd think it would be self-leveling. That is, offspring wouldn't make it if you weren't feeding them in the first place...jus' sayin'

Maybe I'm just unaware of the back story(or your pond specs) here...

 

[Big Lou]

I really appreciate everyone's offer for help. The long ago loss of our 40+ fish, theft of two large koi (confirmed) combined with my personal accidents in and around the pond (seizure, broken ribs, TIA) all contributed to her decision. This was my last request for fish in our pond.

You are all great folks.

 

[taherrmann4]

Lou if you get tropical plant try bringing them inside. Depending on the type and if it is a bulb you may be able to let it die back after your first frost then bring them inside and let them dry out. I do this with the elephant ears that I have.

 

[callingcolleen1]

I would just go with some colorful goldfish and maybe a few rosy minnows to. The goldfish and rosys are easy to care for and add lots of color and excitment to any garden pond. They will look very good in your pond Big Lou!

 

[Tula]

I loved looking at your pond pictures in the showcase gallery....it's perfect as it is....just enjoy

 

[haver79]

I agree with Tula. You have a beautiful pond that I'm sure will bring a lot of joy even without fishies.

 

[CometKeith]

John. It is actually proven science that certain factors causes stress in fish. Also it is proven that stress contributes to disease and sickness. The same holds true for humans. You can challenge whatever you want but there is very strong science behind all this. You can't argue with thousands of the top minds in science all over the world who have achieved PHDs and other top top honors such as Nobel Prizes in medicine or physiology, all of whom have documented how stress negatively affects health and say these are all myths.