Here We Go Again.........

[Raybon]

I'm not worried but maybe you fish keepers may be able to answer this:
The fish are using the tower with confidence now but there can be 5/6 fish in & they become motionless to the point where it looks like I've stuck one of those backing papers onto the tank.....I have seen them stay like this for up to a half hour ....any ideas why?
Ta

Just a guess......I know fish have sensory lines down the length of their bodies, in an enclosed space with lots of movement maybe they would get an effect similar to having a ghetto-blaster right next to your head, so keep still to avoid same?
Or maybe they just feel safe and blissed out!

[Nicos]

The fish are using the tower with confidence now but there can be 5/6 fish in & they become motionless to the point where it looks like I've stuck one of those backing papers onto the tank.....I have seen them stay like this for up to a half hour ....any ideas why?
Ta

...would you be moving around if you saw a huge big hairy gorilla staring at you???



-less oxygen and therefore a bit more sleepy?
-Warmer so more sleepy?(..but I thought they became slower when the water was cooler?)
-enjoying the view?...perhaps they feel more exposed???
-waiting for supper

sorry- as you can see I don't really know but I can see why you might be concerned.

[mothhawk]

Shhh.....they're sleeping BM. They do need to sleep, although supposedly they sleep more in the dark, but they obviously feel safe and protected in your tower and doze off.

[Raybon]

I'm not worried but maybe you fish keepers may be able to answer this:
The fish are using the tower with confidence now but there can be 5/6 fish in & they become motionless to the point where it looks like I've stuck one of those backing papers onto the tank.....I have seen them stay like this for up to a half hour ....any ideas why?
Ta

They are saying the same thing about you, Bigmallly

[AllInContainers]

BM, if it's a matter of oxygenation of that area, could you rig up a solar pump to pump some of the oxygenated water from elsewhere in the pond up into the tank just to get some circulation going ...?

[Bigmallly]

Had already thought about that one AIC as I have 5 solar panels in various spots around the pond......as I say, I'm not worried or concerned, just curious. They do come out when they have had enough, they do also venture to the top for food.

Edit: On the pump subject, I was thinking of running a solar pump from the bank to the tank so it was pumping air rather than water but was unsure if the air would displace the water in the tank thereby emptying it.

[Nicos]

..yup...you've got a point there BM..you really don't want it filling with air unless you are prepared to top up the water on a regular basis.

[AllInContainers]

Yup, there'd be nowhere for the air to go, so it'd just shove the water out. There's no way to pump air in unless you pump it back out again. Circulaing oxygenated water sounds like the best plan. Saves risking getting a build up of nasties in there. Do bear in mind though, I have no idea whatsoever about keeping fish, so I could easily be talking out of the wrong aperture

[mothhawk]

Wouldn't it be easier just to make sure there are some fronds of an oxygenating plant inside the tank? You must have some oxygenators in the pond BM?

[Greenleaves]

If the water is warmer in the viewing tank they might just be content to sit and enjoy the warmth.

[Martin H]

I wouldn't worry. If the fish need more oxygen they will leave the tank and look for fresher water. The fact that they like it in there must mean it's not a problem.

If you want to pump something I suggest pumping water out of the top of the tank into the rest of the pond. This would then be replaced by fresher water from the main pond. This would also suck out any air that collected at the top of the tank, reducing your maintenance overhead.

[AllInContainers]

I like your thinking Martin, but would have thought it's easier to direct an outlet in there rather than the intake, plus I'd have thought blowing water in will circulate all of it, whereas you'd need to get an "ugly" pipe to the top of the tank if pulling water out

[AllInContainers]

Maybe BM can improvise some mini scuba gear for the fish instead ....

[Bigmallly]

Wouldn't it be easier just to make sure there are some fronds of an oxygenating plant inside the tank? You must have some oxygenators in the pond BM?

It's got some in MH but thanks.

[Bigmallly]

If the water is warmer in the viewing tank they might just be content to sit and enjoy the warmth.

That's exactly what I think it is GL plus what a better view to have than looking at me...............