DATE:    9/4/97
WRITERS: Bob Polomski,  (864) 656-2604
         Rocky English, (864) 656-2811

Maintaining a Fish Pond

     Q:  This year I invested in a large Chinese water bowl for a
pond area on a sunny deck. Knowing that water plants are
sun-lovers, I thought it would be an ideal spot -- and it is, but
only for the plants. The water gets too warm for goldfish and
they die. I move it to a shady spot in the afternoon when the
temperatures are the highest, but still can't keep the fish
alive. What is the answer to keeping fish and plants happy
together while providing the necessary sunlight for the
plants?
     A:  Kettles are often too small to maintain more than two or
three very small fish. To adequately maintain fish and plants,
choose a deep container that holds between 50 to 100 gallons
of water. Position this container in an area that receives
morning sun and afternoon shade to benefit the aquatic plants and
the fish. Be careful if you're going to place this container on
the deck, because water is very heavy and extra support may be
needed.
     Fish such as Koi carp and goldfish can be grown successfully
in garden ponds or pools. Unaerated ponds can carry one to six
inches of fish per five square feet of surface area, while 
aerated ponds can carry 12 inches of fish per five square feet of 
surface area. Although some water gardeners report growing fish
at about twice this density, they rely on biofilters, experience
and a little bit of luck.
     Make sure you're using dechlorinated water before
introducing any fish to the pond. To dechlorinate treated water,
allow the water to stand for at least one week before introducing
any fish. Aerated water will dechlorinate in 24 hours. 
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311.
                           END