Habitat Rules

 

Habitat is without doubt the most fundamental element to have in a waterway, in these pictures I show both natural and artificial, both will do the same job however the natural one looks better and imparts nothing to the water, if you are replacing habitat in a natural stream or river then looks become important in a farm dam or pond then not so much.

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Above is a natural hollow log.

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The depth of habitat is also important I place mine at different levels starting at just 600mm and going as deep as 1.5 mtrs oddly enough the fish prefer the shallower one I suspect the water surface temperature  plays a part in that.

During the winter months I start the process of producing food for the young fish that will hatch in the spring , firstly I plant lots of insect attracting plants in or near the water, l place solar lights close to the edge of the water to attract insects, I have clumps of limestone in the water this helps keep the P/H down, later I will introduce some nutrient such as cow manure or blood and bone this will encourage algal growth and along with the sun this will produce plankton which will feed the young fish.

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