fish, ponds and drainpipes

[hobsonbear]

my husband has just bought a drainpipe (not sure plastic or clay) to cut up and put in the pond for the fish to hide in.  i'm sure i've heard that this is bad for the fish as they rely on the pipes too much and may grow deformed inside them.  does anyone have any advice?

many thanks

[gen2]

The only danger that I am aware of is from plasticisers.  Plasticisers are chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics that make them less brittle and more pliable.  Over time these can leach out of the plastic into the environment.  Many of the chemicals used for this purpose (eg nonyl phenol) are known oestrogen mimics and can hinder the development of male organs and male behaviour in aquatic animals.

Butyl rubber pond liners contain no plasticisers are are therefore safe in this respect.

Unless you plan to breed from your fish, I don't think there will be any problem.

[Tim Baxter]

Do you mean that they will be deformed because of the shape of the pipe?

[woofgang]

I tried this with a plastic one and couldn't get it to sink!! In the end I bought a huge long tom flowerpot from B and Q and used that

[vespaboy]

The fish are in no danger at all, the pipe to them is just a natural cave.

My fish have numerous pieces to hide in, and, use them to good effect whenever the local Heron comes near.