I have gotten some feedback on the potential to infect the local ecosystem by stocking outdoor ponds with non-native fish such as Koi etc.
I think every outdoor Koi Keeper has experienced loss from Bird, Snake and Mammal in that endeavour! It did start me to thinking (Dangerous) if it is not completely impossible to avoid and the very hobby of keeping tropical fish innately irresponsible.
I can right off the top of my head think of MANY possible challenges that the hobby of Tropical fish keeping could present to the local ecosystem.
1. When we do water changes in our tank, where does this water go? In the rural areas the drains run into a septic tank then through a drain-field. While septic might kill some parasites and diseases, it no doubt can not handle them all, and the surviving strains will become even more powerful. Local worms will absorb these Protozoan parasites and spread them to hungry birds etc. It is even worse considering the same situation in urban areas with the sewage system setup!
2. When treating fish disease, it is common practice to discard infected water as part of the "fish cure". How is this known contaminated water responsibly dealt with?
3. When fish die of disease, it is common practice to either flush, or discard the infected remains. How does this not directly affect the ecosystem?
Any thoughts on how to minimize the dangers?
I think every outdoor Koi Keeper has experienced loss from Bird, Snake and Mammal in that endeavour! It did start me to thinking (Dangerous) if it is not completely impossible to avoid and the very hobby of keeping tropical fish innately irresponsible.
I can right off the top of my head think of MANY possible challenges that the hobby of Tropical fish keeping could present to the local ecosystem.
1. When we do water changes in our tank, where does this water go? In the rural areas the drains run into a septic tank then through a drain-field. While septic might kill some parasites and diseases, it no doubt can not handle them all, and the surviving strains will become even more powerful. Local worms will absorb these Protozoan parasites and spread them to hungry birds etc. It is even worse considering the same situation in urban areas with the sewage system setup!
2. When treating fish disease, it is common practice to discard infected water as part of the "fish cure". How is this known contaminated water responsibly dealt with?
3. When fish die of disease, it is common practice to either flush, or discard the infected remains. How does this not directly affect the ecosystem?
Any thoughts on how to minimize the dangers?
