The radiator in the conservatory has been turned off and the door to the main house is kept closed, making the conservatory and the ranchu pond remain fairly cold, around the clock. The new thermostat controlling the heaters is proving to be invaluable. To ensure a gradual decline, i've chosen to reduce the temperature of the pond by 0.4 degrees C every day. The pond is currently sitting just below 10 degrees C and the ranchu have now slowed down considerably.
I may carry out one more water change on the pond, which the ranchu will then be kept in for the remaining wintering period. I would prefer to not stress the fish given their current state, but i have noticed a small amount of waste in the in the pond. Therefor, Ammonia and nitrite levels must be considered, with the ranchu being kept in the same water for a number of weeks.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Japanese Ranchu and UK Weather
The British weather is demonstrating another fine example of its inconsistency and providing a challenge to keeping ranchu in perfect conditions, with a bout of mild (and obviously wet) weather, for this time of year. With pond temperatures rising a couple of degrees in the past couple of days, it appears I will need to be more hands on in trying to cool the conservatory and the pond as much as possible.
The ranchu have had a small feed with the temperature rising and are also still getting water changes. The fish continue to appear happy and active. I hope that by the end of next week the pond temperature will be below 10 degrees C and that i can keep it there. This will then be the end of the water changes and feeding will also be stopped.
It has made me think that the winter in the outdoor ranchu facility will prove easier to control temperatures, although my wallet will probably be taking much more of a hit!
The ranchu have had a small feed with the temperature rising and are also still getting water changes. The fish continue to appear happy and active. I hope that by the end of next week the pond temperature will be below 10 degrees C and that i can keep it there. This will then be the end of the water changes and feeding will also be stopped.
It has made me think that the winter in the outdoor ranchu facility will prove easier to control temperatures, although my wallet will probably be taking much more of a hit!
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Ranchu Adventures; Heading into 2013
Happy New Year to one and all, Ranchu and Enthusiasts alike!
Just a small update on the current condition of the ranchu and the pond. The pond temperature has continued to drop gradually and is now sitting at around 11 degrees C, so not much farther to go. Meanwhile, the ranchu have been looking well, and, as active as i would expect, given the temperature.
Another Christmas present arrived recently, which will be very important when i begin to warm the ranchu back up, after the winter - An external digital thermostat. Unlike heaters which each have individual thermostats and generally operate above 16 degrees C, the external thermostat operates from 0-50 degrees and will control all heaters. This will be hugely beneficial at the lower temperatures, when still wanting to increase or decrease the temperature of the pond gradually.
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