hello,
I am not only new to ponds but also to posting on forums. We purchased a home about two months ago that had a pond. The previous owner told us to feed once a week, then her husband said to feed once a day. He also told us to clean once a year in the spring and when the water got low to just use the hose to add some. They didn't tell us much else except to clean the pump for the waterfall when the water slowed down. We have had aquariums and a few things didn't seem right, like using the city water - I asked him and he said that's what he does and they have had some of the fish 8 years. There are 17 goldfish, 3 sunny fish and one really big catfish in the pond. There are also 2 baby fish we noticed a couple of weeks ago. The pond was dirty when we moved in but it did clear up for a while. We have been feeding the fish twice a day (per can) and adding water as needed from the hose. The water is clear but there is dirt (muck) on the bottom and floating around if it is disturbed. I have been to some stores and have made some inquiries but I am not sure what to do. As far as I know there is not a filter in this pond...are we feeding them too much???? They eat it all in a couple of minutes. If this pond has sustained fish of 8 years - does it just need to be cleaned? I would appreciate any advice.
I am not only new to ponds but also to posting on forums. We purchased a home about two months ago that had a pond. The previous owner told us to feed once a week, then her husband said to feed once a day. He also told us to clean once a year in the spring and when the water got low to just use the hose to add some. They didn't tell us much else except to clean the pump for the waterfall when the water slowed down. We have had aquariums and a few things didn't seem right, like using the city water - I asked him and he said that's what he does and they have had some of the fish 8 years. There are 17 goldfish, 3 sunny fish and one really big catfish in the pond. There are also 2 baby fish we noticed a couple of weeks ago. The pond was dirty when we moved in but it did clear up for a while. We have been feeding the fish twice a day (per can) and adding water as needed from the hose. The water is clear but there is dirt (muck) on the bottom and floating around if it is disturbed. I have been to some stores and have made some inquiries but I am not sure what to do. As far as I know there is not a filter in this pond...are we feeding them too much???? They eat it all in a couple of minutes. If this pond has sustained fish of 8 years - does it just need to be cleaned? I would appreciate any advice.