Fish...How many is to many!?!?

[SHAR]

Hi Everyone!
This is my first garden pond, so I'm still learning.

My pond is 160 gallons. I currently have 1 goldfish, and 4 Shubunkin's. My water hyacinth's are turning yellow and brown. I was told they need lots of nutrients. Do I have enough fish for my pond size??? any other suggestions welcome!

 

[dieselplower]

Are the fish eating the roots?
I don't base my stocking level on plants...

 

[addy1]

Welcome to our group!
I never had good luck with water hyacinth's you could try floating them in some water with miracle grow.

 

[Priscilla]

Welcome! Water hyacinths don't work for me and many others on this site. I don't know if the fish eat the roots or if my water just isn't good for them. I was disappointed because they are suppose to be the worlds worst weed and illegal in some parts of the US because they spread so quickly and I can't seem to get a few growing in my pond.

That seems like a good fish load for your pond. I wouldn't add any more. They get big, quick.

 

[Imatation Crab]

I did water hyacinths and water lettuce and they took over the pond last year, this year they just turned yellow and didn't grow.

 

[Mmathis]

Welcome!

How much sunlight does your pond receive?

 

[Big Lou]

Welcome Shar.

 

[j.w]

SHAR

I'd say you are about at your limit but you might be able to get a couple more depending on how clean your filter keeps the water. Goldfish will get big so less is better in a small pond.

 

[Tula]

Welcome. I've never had luck with water hyacinths till this year, when I put them in floating nets....they are flourishing

 

[CometKeith]

Hi Shar. Welcome to gpf. Somehow wl and wh always do good for me.The key is to test different plants and see what works best. I would stick with your 5 goldfish for a while and see how they do before adding any more. I think a good rule of thumb for a beginner is 1 sq ft of pond surface area for every inch of fish and obviously keep in mind that fish grow and have babies!