sunlight on the pond?

[-Asianguy-]

I live in a apt. but looking on this site has given me an idea of putting a trough type thing on my balcony. I don't have enuff room inside for a pond but i have a bit out side for one.

Just to give you an idea. I get a good few hours of sunlight, if that, of direct sunlight. but if i place it on the shady side it gets about an hour of sun. (i'm doing ruff guessing)

1. I'm wondering how sunlight affects pond water and fish.

2. what is considered cold for fish at night? i'm thinking i won't need a pond heater.

I don't want to do something that is goin to be a failure.

i'm still thinking of what kind of fish to put in. I don't want koi thats for sure.

 

[fishcatch22]

the sunlight won't really do anything bad, but it will make lots of green algae grow in the water, turning your ponds water green. you must also consider the fact you live in a tropical area and that putting it directly in the sun may overheat the water.

as for stock, i'd say you could do pretty much any tropical fish you want, just make sure it's sutible for your pond size and compatable with the other fish you want.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

An outdoor pond in HI will do fine. I have several friends who keep tropical warm water fish there without a heater. The fish seem to do ok. Unless of course you are high in the mountains where it gets colder.

The less direct sunlight the better. The more sunlight you get the more algea you will receive, which will evetually turn your water green and yucky!

Good luck and keep us updated...

 

[BIGgourami]

which way does your balcony face? if it's east, then there's no problem.

 

[-Asianguy-]

which way does your balcony face? if it's east, then there's no problem.

it faces west. but don't worry other buildings block the sun after a while. thats why i say i only get a bit of direct sunlight a day. its hard to explain.

my wall, neighboring buildings, angle, and some other things make it hard for others to understand.

 

[big train]

I live in a apt. but looking on this site has given me an idea of putting a trough type thing on my balcony. I don't have enuff room inside for a pond but i have a bit out side for one.

Just to give you an idea. I get a good few hours of sunlight, if that, of direct sunlight. but if i place it on the shady side it gets about an hour of sun. (i'm doing ruff guessing)

1. I'm wondering how sunlight affects pond water and fish.

2. what is considered cold for fish at night? i'm thinking i won't need a pond heater.

I don't want to do something that is goin to be a failure.

i'm still thinking of what kind of fish to put in. I don't want koi thats for sure.

What is your balcony made of? if it's wood it will probly not be strong enough to hold a large pond's weight but if u are on concrete i say go for it but i would check with somebody on how much your balcany can hold so u don't end up with a serious problem.

 

[blacksmith37]

Yeah, like "train" said; the strength of the balcony is your most serious question. And the lumber size/type is not all ;how well did the contractor build it? I had a house once with plenty of 2" X8" s in the balcony, but I had to substantially reinforce the attachment to the house.
I have it ! Give a party, invite especially heavy friends. When they are there, tell them they can see a nude beach from the balcony (or something else interesting), count how many can get on the balcony. If it holds you have a baseline for the strength.

 

[-Asianguy-]

i live in a concrete building. I'm not worried aobut the wight. both side walls of the balcony has concrete. only the outside facing parrt has railing. be back wall is all glass, and glass door.

i'm goin to take pictures in a month or so when i get started its a mess out there.

 

[Muske]

I little sunlight is good. It will help any plants you have in the pond grow. Lillies will grow and help shade the surface which in turn keeps the water clear and not green. Don't be discouraged if you do get green water, its natural and all ponds do it from time to time (especially in spring and fall). Plants also use up extra nutrients in the water, provide cover for fish and fry, make it look more natural and just make the pond look better. Try avoiding chemicals if you do get green water. Once it cycles, the fish are eating and producing waste, the plants will regulate the rest. Beside worst case senarior is you have too many plants. Look at nature to see how things work. The gravel in the bottom of rivers provide a bed for bacteria, plants use excess nutrients, it is much easier to work with mother nature than against her. Well thats enough tree hugging preaching for one day. Good luck and post some pics.