The smaller of my two stock tank ponds blew a leak. It was midway up the sidewall, so I was able to rescue the two big comet goldfish before I started tearing it down.
The little mosquito fish also was found and rescued, but not before the water was stirred up with lots o'muck. He was looking pretty gill stressed when I got him out. These are the fish that will bury themselves in the bottom duff to escape predation, so for him to let me scoop him up, he was pretty done in. We'll see if he makes it. No bets.
The water lily that threw flower after flower the entire summer last year was not in any pot, it was living in the bottom debris and quite happy down there. I hope I didn't break any essential roots when I pulled it out, because that plant has made me quite happy. Hate to repay that with negligence!
Kind of bumming that of the two ponds, this was the one with crystal clear water and perfectly healthy fish. Absolutely successful ecosystem. Dang it.
On a related note: Anybody in the Phoenix area know of a pond supplier/ or contractor? I am in the market for a scrap piece of pond liner - a 5'x7' or 6'x8' piece will do just fine. Pretty sure something like this is generated on any big job. Willing to pay something, but looking for free or a bargain bin price. Happy to pick up from anywhere in the valley proper. North Phoenix would be 'local'.
Also topical: Anybody local looking for a large Umbrella Palm? (Cyperus alternifolius) These grow well in ground with a drip irrigator or in a pond setting. (Will appreciate afternoon shade if planted in ground) This one is about 24 inches across. Will happily divide. Free to good home. (Large plant has been claimed, I still have smaller offsets I can offer up)
Here is a link to a pic that shows both new growth and blooms: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncmls/3483657668/
All three fish are eating, so it looks like the little guy is going to be fine. Surprising!
Posted by: Jenn | May 06, 2012 at 08:45 PM
As an owner of (cough) 11 stock tanks (only 1 filled with water) I'm curious about the "blew a leak" issue. It just started leakng water out of the seam? Please tell me more...
(and I'm very glad your fish are okay)
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | May 06, 2012 at 11:51 PM
Weirdly enough, Loree, it's not on a seam. This is a 60 gallon tank, 2'x4' with 12 inch sidewalls. The leak is a rusted-out hole on one of the sides that is curved.
I suspect it was damaged in shipping and wasn't noticeable upon casual inspection.
I am ridiculously happy that my fish are okay. Consider that they are all from the feeder tanks at PetCo. But they are MY pets, and I'm glad they didn't experience horrible deaths!
{edited to add} This tank has been holding water for something like five years now. I'm pretty sure these tanks, being metal, have a life expectancy, and I'm not dismayed that it failed - I knew it would and that it was only a matter of time.
Posted by: Jenn | May 07, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Have you tried Freecycle or the Permaculture Guild? Just an idea - [ Jeff ]
Posted by: Jeff | May 07, 2012 at 04:42 PM
That's a really good idea, Jeff. Thanks!
Posted by: Jenn | May 08, 2012 at 05:45 PM
Wow, since I've got bamboo in most of mine this is a scary story. I can just see that stuff busting out and getting free...yikes!
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | May 11, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Jenn? From Michigan? A former Co-worker? If so, the yellow iris that you gave me YEARS ago are about to pop!
Posted by: Lisa | May 14, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Wow. Lisa that's awesome. Have they multiplied?
I just found out that iris will grow down here in Phoenix...!!!
Posted by: Jenn | May 15, 2012 at 01:38 AM
Oddly enough they have not multipled, but every year, like clockwork, they wake up from their winter slumber and glow like sunshine! I traveled to the Phoenix area a few years back for a visit to Taliesin, Arcosanti, and Cosanti. All had amazing gardens!
Posted by: Lisa | May 15, 2012 at 11:20 PM
I have yet to visit any of those iconic places. Sigh.
Posted by: Jenn | May 16, 2012 at 10:30 AM
I stumbled upon Cosanti completely by accident. If you have any interest in really cool Earth formed concrete structures you will love this place! Bonus: no fee!
Posted by: Lisa | May 18, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Wow, since I've got bamboo in most of mine this is a scary story. I can just see that stuff busting out and getting free...yikes!
Posted by: Garden Centre Belper | May 24, 2012 at 08:17 AM
Good to know about your blog and thank you such a wonderful post, And so true. Yet again, you got to the right words perfectly.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: Pike Nurseries | June 21, 2012 at 01:38 AM