9 replies to this topic

[Mattymak]

This may be a stupid question, but jack being a native Australian fish, would he be okay in a pond? Obviously I understand it'd have to be a good size pond, but could he handle it? 

 

Also just like to add he is currently 15-18 cm but wont be putting him into a pond for a while yet

 

Thanks.

Edited by Mattymak, 31 July 2013 - 12:49 PM.

[Leigh]

I imagine heat (or lack of it) to be your major hurdle. The Jacks only exist up north the where typical water temp year round is significantly warmer than Perth.

[Mattymak]

Yeah I figured i'd need to heat it,  

Just wondering if there is anything else that could pose a problem..

[Peckoltia]

Heating will be your major problem through winter. It will likely prove quite costly if the pond is outside, unless solar is used. People usually run black piping onto their roof.

 

Birds can also be a problem with small fish.

[werdna]

I'm trying it in December...

[Mattymak]

I want to start trying in a warmer month too so they get used to the slow water drop, but obviously i will heat it during the colder months.

 

I will definitely be looking into a solar option, if not i'll just pay up for what i need, I'd rather pay big bucks than lose jack haha!

 

I just think it would be cool to get a large jack roaming in a pond! 

 

& as for birds, i've got dogs & cats.. dont see many birds in my yard anymore

[Shane_H]

Hi Matty,

 

I did a LOT of research into this for my Jack and Barra. A LOT! I came to the conclusion that yes, it is possible, with the right amount of planning and prep. Maintaining the pond will be exactly the same as any other backyard pond with a few exceptions.

 

• Firstly, make it a deep pond. 1m+ if you can. The deeper the water, the more insulation it will have against the winter cold.
• On it's own pump system, you need to lift water up onto your roof at a controlled rate (not too fast or slow) into black PVC coils or even solar pool heating panels if you have the spare $$'s (http://www.ebay.com....337598ac&_uhb=1)
• It needs to be able to heat up during the day light hours but be shut off over night/early morning/late arvo for obvious reasons. If you are clever with electronics, then even am in-line thermostat switch to control the pump.
• The flow rate is critical. Will probably need a big enough pump to lift a 3m head on to your roof (facing north if you can) but with a check or flow valve to get the flow just right for optimal heating. Too fast and it wont get the contact time in the coils to heat up. Too slow and it will either be coming out at kettle temperatures of be too slow to have a significant affect on the pond temp.
• You dont need to keep the water at tropical temperatures through winter, just warm enough to keep the fish active/interested in eating. Too cold and the fish will shut down and probably die. From my research, water temperatures above 20 degree will sustain Jacks and Barra through the winter months. Might not be 100% happy, but they will live at that temp for 3 or 4 months. And for those long weeks with no sun (like we have just had), keep a couple of BIG aquarium heaters on standby to help out where needed.
• Things like the blue bubble pool covers can assist in retaining heat in winter. They significantly reduce the level of oxygen transfer in the water though, so a really good aeration system will be needed if one if used.
• Don't put a substrate in the pond. Leave it bare. This is because of the high protein diet your Jack will have. You might need to vacuum the base of it out from time to time.
• Birds - Anyone with a 40cm+ Jack would relish the opportunity to watch a herron have its beak ripped off if it tried. I also have a big dog in my yard.

I am extremely keen to get mine up and running but costs are proving to be an issue. Keep me in the loop if you are planning to progress further with it.

 

Cheers,

Shane.

Edited by Shane_H, 09 August 2013 - 12:29 PM.

[Mattymak]

Thanks for that great information Shane! You seem to know what you're on about.

 

Once I do start getting into it, I will definitely let you know/come have a look or help out haha!

 

I will probably seek some professional help in building it all too

 

Cheers again

[Shane_H]

No worries. I am determined to see this project get off the ground (even if its not mine).

 

Note; my biggest concern is my dog's tongues when they go for a drink of the pond water. Have you had your finger or thumb bitten when trying to feed your Jack yet? Not fun at all.

Edited by Shane_H, 09 August 2013 - 01:38 PM.

[Mattymak]

Awesome buddy.

 

Haha, my dogs wouldn't go near it i'll fence it off or something haha