Mosquito Fish Pond

[bob]

Ok. I like to fish. Have friend with 3 big lakes on hunting ranch. Also know these fish make the best bait.

Decided to convert old Spa into pond.

Netted 100+ Mosquito fish (one pregnant) got plants too..... 500 gallon Spa with 16 Sf surface area... deepest point 3.5 feet.

So Calif location. Put bug light over pond for food as well as feeding flaked food.

Put anti protozoid medication in pond.

There is enough vegatation for the fry (at least 50 already)

Any one (plenty of fisherman here) have any advice?

[jessho]

I don't know anything about mosquito fish. Some fish do very well in stagnant water without much oxygen, but many fish don't. Research the chemical balance of the water that they live in and try to achieve this in your habitat.
A water change of 20% of the water, once a month will help. Don't forget that potable water has chemicals that will kill most fish.
You need a good aeration system plus some form of filtration. Fish have wastes that will ultimately cause the ammonia level of the water to reach the point that all of your fish will die.

[bob]

Mosquito fish is like a guppy on steriods. They will live in stagnent, brackish and even can take saltwater.

Spa is above ground in the garden - easy to drain it. Drain holes in spa are smaller that the fish. Have a 50 gallon trashcan that i will keep full so the replacement water can lose the chemicals before being added.

Think all bases are covered - thanx

[Toaster]

To me it sounds like a wonderful way to start a mosquito collection...eh?


Stick head under water, yell at passing phish, passing phish leap from water onto dry land, beat phishes with big stick all about fins and head, collect "damaged" phishes into phish bucket, instruct mate to prepare phishes for feasting, repeat as necissary.

[bob]

Bobing for minnows. Saga continues. Found out that they will eat crushed cat food (much cheaper than fish flakes)

When I got them they were slender....then looked like bullets in two days --- now look like penguins --- boy they can eat. Hope the Linux penguin can do the same.

[jessho]

Visit a feed store and see if they have commercial fish food that is used for catfish farms. You might find a cheaper source of food for your fish.
I don't want to throw a wrench in the works, but if you plan on selling the fish for bait, check your game and sales tax laws.

[bob]

Thanx - not for sale.

[bob]

I know this thread is a bit specific and indulging.... Well My friend just stocked his lakes with 4-6 # bass ....3-15 # channell cats.... and some bluegill and fry for mesure.

His lake is on a private hunting ranch---I also just got my first hunting licence. Gonna be fun.