One month after moving, trimming the plants way back, and about a 70% water change (and mini-cycle) everything is back to normal.

Except my fish can't figure out if they should come and eat or run away when I come to the pond. They still remember me netting them for the move I guess.

Thinking of doing one of these next spring. What is that plant? How many gallons does that hold? Oh and wow yours looks great.

Beautiful Daniel. Looks just as it did before!

That's actually a bunch of Orange Peel plants in a shallow bog pot. Behind it is a few Blue Pickerel Rush plants.

There's one difference Glitter. I have to tease the critters to the top with food. They used to come up to the top when someone walked up - not any more.

Thanks for the kind words,

They'll be the same again Im sure. Just takes time.

Love those fish!

Looking good Daniel I just set up my outdoor tub but i'm too scared to put my bigger fish in there. We have so many birds around the area that would love to munch on them so will have to try and rig up some netting... I want my fish to have the same healthy colours your guys do

I think good food, bloodworms, and sunshine help with the colors.

Then every morning at 6:15 I go out to the pond, say "good morning ya nit-wits." Then I feed them.

I think it's the morning greeting that makes the colors brightest.

A little like talking to plants will make them grow!

Whatever you're doing it's working...they are beautiful fish and they look very happy in there.

Great pics Daniel.Your fish look great after the move.I'm sure they will forgive you for netting them.

I always love pictures of your barrel pond. Your fish look so bright and vibrant ! And I love your plants too!

Your barrel looks great! The plants are lush and the water looks crystal clear. Best of all, the fish look happy and healthy.

I see a 'hob' filter. Any other filtration? What is your maintenance routine?

Sorry for the late answer, but it's not much of an answer anyway.

I change one of the two filter cartridges every week.
I top off the barrel with distilled water.
I feed the fish.
I fertilize the plants a couple times during the summer.
I check the water every weekend and it's usually perfect, sometimes a little high on the Nitrates.

Pretty simple stuff.

looks great!!

Beautiful! I am thinking of doing something similar this year. How much water does your barrel hold??

I'm afraid his barrel pond is no longer This thread is from last year. I believe daniel lost these fish a month or so ago

http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/...showtopic=55645

The barrel is still around, but not in good shape. This weekend I think I'm going to rehab it.

Empty the pots. Save about 6 little orange peel plants. Save a couple blue pickerel rush. See if any lily rhizome survived the winter. Cut back the string algae. Re-pot everything with a little fertilizer, and clean and rinse the filter.

It's warming up so the plants can start their spring thing. If no lily survived I might order a new one.

Then I have to see if I can find some White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They may be small enough (combined with a solar, motion activated light) that the raccoons will not be tempted again.

Maybe I'll take some pics of the project.

The half barrel pond is about 30 gallons. Too small for the fish load it had. My brother was going to adopt two of the fish before they became breakfast for a raccoon.

Sounds lovely Daniel. White cloud minnows are very pretty too.

Sorry to hear that *hugs*, I must have missed that thread. It still was an inspiration for myself. Hope that it doesn't discourage you from setting up again.

I'll set up again.

I have to find where to get minnows around here.