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Dr. Bob,
At the present time, I am maintaining many score (perhaps
hundreds) of koi and comet-tails in seven (7) 300-gallon tubs.
(Our 44,000- gallon outdoor pond is undergoing renovations
by a pond service contractor who is taking much too long to
complete the work.) I am hopeful that we can re-introduce
the fish to the outdoor pond before much longer.
My question is: generally, what considerations
should I observe if I undertake this re-introduction during
winter? I am also concerned about the possibility of maintaining
so many fish until the weather again warms up. The present
water temperature in the tanks is 52-54 F; pH, ammonium, and
nitrite levels are stabilized; outdoor water temperature is
approximately 50 F and, of course, falling. Thank you for
your help.
Hi Tom,
Don't do it. It is now too cold
out for the fish to make the transfer successfully. Cool-down
is always more stressful than warm-up, and doing it rapidly
is likely to stress the fish beyond their tolerance. You
are better off maintaining them as you are, and taking the
opportunity to cull your population.
Bob Passovoy
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