Keeping Gar in a Pond?

[Wiggles92]

The gar are currently 10", 9", and 3" long and are eating like pigs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm still trying to decide what to do with the larger two gar when I return to college in a few weeks. I expect both to be around 12" by then based on their current growth rate.

I only really have two options that give them a good chance of survival (they'd get eaten in the big pond):
1.) Put them in my goldfish pond that is a bit over 500 gallons and around 2' deep. I recently cleaned it out to remove the majority of the algae and small goldfish; the few goldfish that remain are not big enough to be eaten/killed by the gar.
2.) Purchase some pond liner and place it in my metal stock tank that is 5' x 2' x 2.5' (a little under 190 gallons). The gar would be kept indoors with this option.

I prefer Option 2, but will it be spacious enough for them for while I'm at college this year?

 

[E_americanus]

The gar are currently 10", 9", and 3" long and are eating like pigs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm still trying to decide what to do with the larger two gar when I return to college in a few weeks. I expect both to be around 12" by then based on their current growth rate.

I only really have two options that give them a good chance of survival (they'd get eaten in the big pond):
1.) Put them in my goldfish pond that is a bit over 500 gallons and around 2' deep. I recently cleaned it out to remove the majority of the algae and small goldfish; the few goldfish that remain are not big enough to be eaten/killed by the gar.
2.) Purchase some pond liner and place it in my metal stock tank that is 5' x 2' x 2.5' (a little under 190 gallons). The gar would be kept indoors with this option.

I prefer Option 2, but will it be spacious enough for them for while I'm at college this year?

option 1, if indoors, would work since it's big and would provide some food...if it is outside, i would definitely go with option 2.

your tank for option 2 will be big enough for the gars for this year as the longnoses won't grow big enough to where they will have trouble turning around or anything. if that's what you prefer, go with option 2 and the gars will be fine. good luck, and post some updates as you get the chance!--
--solomon

 

[Wiggles92]

The goldfish pond is outside, so I guess Option 2 it is. I'll post pictures when I get it set up.

 

[Wiggles92]

So here are some pictures of the two bigger gar.

The largest gar is about 12" now, so I need to get these two moved ASAP.

 

[showcase gars]

hey man ive read this whole thread i have to say this bravo u have really stuck to this project those longnoses have really grown im liking the idea uve got going im going to continue following this thread gj man keep it up and for ur choiice i say option 2 would be a perfect choice

 

[Wiggles92]

Well, it seems that I'm going to have to put the two larger gar into the goldfish pond (about 520 gallons) for now since my parents refuse to let me keep them in the stock tank (about 180 gallons) at home while I'm at college .

Fortunately, I recently removed the majority of the goldfish (from 36+ to 7), so overcrowding shouldn't be a problem. I've also been adding appropriately sized minnows to the pond so that the gar will have plenty of natural food. As of now, the pond has a bare bottom with a few flat rocks here and there, so there isn't any cover beyond hiding around the pump on the bottom. I have some pieces of Cabomba and Elodea (Anacharis) that I can put in there; should I add those plants? Any other ideas for providing cover for the gar?

 

[showcase gars]

yes u should add those but as far as cover gars that size really dnt need it but it doesnt hurt to add makes a more natural looking environment

 

[Wiggles92]

Okay, sounds good. I wanted to be sure that they had cover to help keep them safe from predators such as raccoons, but they'll be pretty safe as long as they keep to the bottom and center of he pond at night.

 

[Wiggles92]

Today I released the largest two gar into my goldfish pond. I didn't want to release them quite yet, but they were too big for their previous aquarium and my parents wouldn't let me use the stock tank .

Here's a link to the video of the gars being released: Releasing My Longnose Gar.

They seem to be pretty happy with their new home and all the space that goes with it. Their coloration, especially their spots, appeared to become much more vibrant minutes after I placed them in the pond, so they must be enjoying their new home . They will live in this pond until next summer; at that point in time, I will put them in my much larger native fish pond.

The gar were approximately 14" and 12" at the time of their release.

 

[MongyMan23]

You could fit a whole lot of alligator gar in that pond!