Keith, I did not read up on "cycling a pond" beforehand. So I googled it quickly after reading your post. I have basically been going by what the water garden shop has told me at this point. I think it's the same thing. I got everything set up and have been adding bacteria to the pond daily (the pond store said every other day, but then I read online somewhere it was better to do it daily) I started all of this Monday. I set myself back a little I think Tuesday, because my filter media looked like it was filled with dirt from the water. I assumed this couldn't already be a bacteria colony that fast so I took it all out and rinsed it off. Haven't touched it since though. I do have fish in the pond. 9 very small goldfish, all around 2" I spoke to the fish specialist at the store asking if I should wait for fish or if I could add them now and she said go ahead. So yep they are there. I barely have any plants at this point, just 4 water hyacinth, will hopefully be getting lillies this wknd. I have stopped feeding the fish though since someone here recommended that I do. I think they are eating the plants anyway. This morning the water still looked terrible, but I could just barely see the gold of the fish, which unless I am imagining things, must be an improvement. Yesterday I couldn't see them at all unless they came to the surface or were right under the falls. I've been gone all day today, didn't get back till after dark, so I am eager to see tomorrow morning if there is anymore improvement.
