 A pond in the desert?!?! How in the heck can Koi and goldfish survive the 100+ Phoenix summer heat? Recently, we had some new clients visit our office and showroom. This was an issue very much on their mind because they are new to the Valley.  Being from Minnesota (or anyone moving here from the Midwest or east coast), people are used to their pond fish surviving under ice. But the kind of heat we get in Phoenix in the summer?!?! It was tough for them to wrap their brains around that one.  Many people are very skeptical about ponds in the desert, and aren’t even sure it’s possible to have an ecosystem pond here because of the summer heat. This most recent occasion was not the first time we’ve heard those types of concerns, and it probably won’t be the last. In fact, this is a common question from folks who can’t imagine how pond fish would live through the Phoenix summers.  People hear all kinds of wild tails about Phoenix summers: we fry eggs on our sidewalks (or car hoods), we bake cookies in the back window as we drive to or from work, we keep oven mitts in our cars because of how hot the steering wheel gets (actually, that’s not a bad idea), we can’t leave the air-conditioned house or office without bursting into flame, etc.  The summer heat-related concern about pond fish is also a question often asked during our annual DIY Annual Cleaning Workshops that we host in early February. People buy a house that already has a pond installed and are worried about the upcoming summer heat, and want to learn how to cope with it.  We also hear this question a lot from audiences of various clubs when giving a presentation at their meeting. Homeowners are typically used to their plants struggling through the summer, but don’t realize that a water garden is an AWESOME place to garden in the summer, and that aquatic plants are super happy and thrive in Phoenix summers (unlike a lot of terrestrial plants not native or climate-appropriate). The exception to that are the aquatic plants not acclimated to our high pH.  Gardeners use shade covers and shade houses to grow year-round, and think that needs to be done with a pond, as well. They’re usually delighted to hear that’s not the case. People who contact us for the first time to inquire about a pond installation ask about the perceived heat issue. So, yes, this is a common question and concern, especially if you’re not from around these parts.  So, how do we get Koi and goldfish to survive the Phoenix heat in our ponds? It’s actually very easy! We simply provide them with everything they need:
 The bottom line is that we adhere to the K.I.S.S. method of pond design, building, and maintenance. We’re big believers in working WITH Mother Nature, not against her. This philosophy makes for a very low maintenance pond for people who just want to live the pond life.  Check it out for yourself at various stops on our FREE pond tour! OTHER BLOGS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF A POND INSIDER TIPS FOR GETTING A WATER FEATURE ESTIMATE WHICH WATER FEATURE IS IDEAL FOR YOU?
Denise
3/5/2022 01:19:02 pm
I have 12 huge Koi I’ve had for over 12 years and 10 Organza and two huge Moore gold fish we have moved them locally 2 times but we are looking to move to AZ in a few months. I do not want to part from my babies. Husband wants me to start selling then but just the thought moved me to tears. They eat out of my hands and stare at me constantly you can just tell they love me . I’m afraid if I sell them they will miss me and I will miss them. My question is we have to drive a U haul from Washington state. My concern is how can I get them there. Then we are more than likely going to rent a home until we find our dream home then have to move again. Would I be better off selling them or can they be transported to AZ ., I know shipping companies are very expensive and most won’t guarantee the life of the fish in shipping them. Oh what do I do my fear is I’m going to have to sell. I’ve raised five from eggs to fry to full size fish. I also don’t know how much to sell for a few are over 22 inches. Any suggestions. They will take up so much room in transit unless I double stack coolers big enough. Now I cry just looking at them. Comments are closed.
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