Protecting Goldfish from Herons: Pipes, Radio, Netting

10x17 ft pond, 2–3 ft deep, 80 goldfish. Herons, scarecrow failing. Fall plants dying—fish exposed. Asks about pipes for hiding, size, toxicity. Found 2 large dead fish on grass, no marks.

Hiding Pipes

• 4"+ diameter PVC or terracotta chimney pipe.
• Lay on bottom in multiple spots.
• Non-toxic, fish-safe.

Additional Deterrents

• Cheap radio on talk station, move daily — mimics human presence.
• Net the pond NOW — only 100% effective heron barrier.

Dead Fish on Grass

Not heron (swallow whole). Likely raccoon/cat — but no bites? Could be human prank. Net solves both.

Net + pipes + radio = layered defense.