Saltwater Pond...

[LabTest57]

I was thinking of creating a saltwater pond. I've built several 1000 gallon concrete ponds over the years, and I constantly modify its' flow-through systems,etc. (plumbing skills). I was wondering if there are any drawbacks for having an outdoor saltwater pond, and if a lower flow of water is permittable in a saltwater environment?

[Tech Support EH]

To be honest, I do not have experience with this, nor have I personally corresponded with anyone who has kept a saltwater pond. Just food for thought: if you are going to do this, I would recommend keeping fish that are somewhat tolerant of differing levels of salinity, as you may have rain water to contend with at times. Typically in a saltwater aquarium, great care is taken to keep the specific gravity at NSW levels(around 1.024). The flow rate would also depend on the types of fish/corals that are being kept in the system.

[LabTest57]

I think brackish-water fish would work fine. The thing is: I've constructed a 5 ft by 5 ft by 3 ft (height) concrete sand island in the middle of the pond. I can modify the water level so that water spills some sand or salt (I guess replacement sea-salt should be better) into the pond w/o any fish getting trapped in the island (1/4 of an inch of water would flow in and out of the "salty island". Can brackish water fish tolerate a big increase in salt?


Another option would be to set the water level as close as possible to the "spill-point" of salt in the island into the pond, so that when it rains the freshwater can mix with the salt and spill until it stops raining. However, I would like to know what should be the ratio of freshwater to salt to create a balance in either marine water or brackish water, because I would have to modify the salt/sand level in the island before I set up the saltwater pond?

[Tech Support EH]

Most brackish fish are more tolerant of changes in salinity, however, it would be important to further research the particular species that you want to keep. I have no doubt that you will do that:) This should help you to better determine what salinity to aim for.

[LabTest57]

Are there any corals or live rock that can tolerate "brackish" conditions?

I think I might as well just raise shrimp as a food source for weekend seafood-grills. :)

[Tech Support EH]

Corals in general are not tolerant of brackish environments and should not be kept in situations with low salinity. There are some species of anemones that will tolerate a wider range of salinity, however.

[QUOTE]I think I might as well just raise shrimp as a food source for weekend seafood-grills
Usually not a good idea to eat your pets:)