Picture living outside during the coldest of Durango winters. Now, picture living underwater, beneath a sheet of ice and two feet of fresh powder. Believe it or not, hundreds do it every year. They aren’t humans, of course. Many of them are outdoor goldfish.
Owner of Durango’s Fish Connection, Bruce Longwell, ponders his place in nature through the creation of accessible and attainable outdoor ponds. “People think that nature is a place of peace. Nature is not a place of peace. Evolution is a very, very harsh thing. It's merciless. It's survival of the fittest.”
Nevertheless, the experts at Fish Connection know a thing or two about helping fish survive—and thrive—in even the most intense of Mountain Time Zone climates. As with any project, there are common mistakes. Some are so common that Bruce once put a sign on the front of the store that read: “Ponds and Waterfalls—done right the first time.”
That particular sign is no longer there, but his experience and knowledge remain.
From ground-breaking a new pond to dropping the first fish, Bruce practices a strictly natural approach. The goal with a backyard pond project, in his mind, is to mimic the natural flow of water to promote oxygen circulation, aesthetic beauty, and environmental longevity.
His biggest tip for new pond owners is simply to use high quality components. Using cheap plastic liners, for example—then leaving them exposed—causes them to break down. “People just don't realize how fast plastic actually does break down with UV lighting.” Animals can also poke holes in liners, causing leaks. “You always want to make sure that 100% of your liners are covered up with rocks.”
Everything in nature has a niche, and for Bruce and Fish Connection, that began with all things outdoor gardens, ponds, and waterfalls. While the store’s huge selection has evolved to include exotic indoor varieties, they are still well-stocked with beautiful pond goldfish. In Bruce’s words: “We've got the reds. And then we've got the Sarasa, which is red and white. And we've got the shubunkin, which is the calico. And real nice specimens of all of those.”
They also stock aquatic plants like water hyacinth, floaters, lilies, and shallow water marginals. Pond materials for construction, such as large custom vases or basalt columns, can also be ordered upon request.
One key factor is that you want the ponds to last. As Bruce notes, “there are some beautiful ponds in the valley. Ponds with nothing less than one, two, three-ton rocks. It just looks like it’s been there forever, you know?”
Another principle of permaculture: use as little as possible and enjoy as much as possible. Even with limited space, a well-put-together pond can utilize less water than a yard. So, by adding a water feature, you are actually saving water.
In other words, not every pond needs to look like Shaquille O’Neal’s brand new $500,000 backyard pond marvel, where he recently purchased and placed the world’s largest golden Koi (named “Charles Barkley,” as opposed to the suggested “Shakoi O’Neal”). In fact, Koi are difficult to manage in Colorado due to low oxygen levels at the bottom of ponds during winter months. As Bruce’s dad would say, “that fish is one heartbeat away from a bad investment.”
For that reason, Bruce recommends the heartier alternative: pond goldfish. They don’t get as big as Koi and can usually withstand the coldest of Colorado winters.
All that said, despite the harshness of nature, Bruce is not afraid of being reincarnated into a goldfish—although he does admit he’d rather not be reincarnated as an animal at all.
One reason for his preference may be the high variety of predators seeking fresh sushi (Bruce included). “There's always a bigger mouth, man. There's always a bigger fish out there, and it's going after you.” Racoons, cranes, herons, and snakes are primary concerns.
But to pond-lovers, the risk is worth it. Align with nature, and you’ll learn you are a part of nature—as opposed to apart from nature. Try to fight nature, and you won’t win.
Bruce Longwell invites Durango to visit Fish Connection for the best in fish resources and free advice. Outdoor ponds are only the beginning. Fish Connection also supplies a huge variety of exotic fish and indoor tank elements. However, to align with nature, this season is the time to break ground on a new outdoor pond. #PondLife
There's always a bigger fish out there, and it's going after you.
Evolution is a very, very harsh thing.