PROTECTING FISH

Question
 Hi
I have had a pond for about 5 years about 10 ft by 17 ft...from 2 to 3 ft deep with about 80 good size goldfish...
i have had my share of problems with Heron.s and other critters and now use a water sensor scarecrow...
as fall is approching and the lillies and water plants will be gone leaving the fish with no protection...someone told me to buy some pipe to lay in pond where fish could then hide ???? is this a good idea, or you got some other suggestions...if pipe is the only answer then what size and type...what about toxic ?....
i been covering the pond with a net during winter...
as i write this mail i am loosing fish now and during the night even with scarecrow in place...
yesterday i found 2 of my largest goldfish by a bush laying dead side by side about 3 ft away from pond... there were no marks on them whatsoever...it was like someone had placed them there??? i am totally stunned as i cant find an answer...it would look like someone had scooped them out and put them side by side...that i dont think is the answer...the fish are now scared and like in the past wont come around for a few days...
Any input you may have will be very much appreciated
Ray  

Answer
Hello Ray! How awful to be loosing fish on such a regular basis!
Putting pipe in the pond is indeed a good idea in your case.
What size you would put in depends on the size of your fish, but I would use at least 4" diameter.
You can use WHITE PVC or terracotta chimney pipe. Lay them on their side in several places for the fish to make a quick escape.
You may also want to try putting a cheap transistor radio next to the pond (tune it to a talk station). You must move this everyday to a new spot - it may fool the critter into thinking there is a person out there.
Hope that helps!
Best regards
Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com