newbie pond, what to do's and what not to do's please

[kaylaclark]

i currently built my own small garden pond.
i am unsure of what to do from here.

i have approx. a 7ftx3ftx2ft pond. black plastic liner. a small pump, a larger pump connected to a filter, 4 goldfish about 5 inches long.

i tried the feeder fish, about 24 of them, and needless to say, they didnt make it, im assuming it was the fact that they were used to being in a tank and the water in the pond was too cold for them.

well my future mother in law decided to fill her pond in today so she gave me the larger pump, filter, and 4 fish.

i was wondering what i do to keep it clean.

i was hoping i could get a list of things to do/or get for my new pond, such as chemicals, other pumps or filters, anything is very helpful at this moment. please and thank you.

 

[DrDave]

Welcome to the forum. There are lots of folks here to help you.

 

[koikeepr]

Hi kay!

The most important thing will be for you to do partial water changes every week of about 20%. In the really hot summer months, you should do 20% every week. Then just replace the water and don't forget to dechlor!

 

[27goldfish]

keep your filters clean and pumps going. Only feed your fish what they can eat in 5 minutes!

 

[PS3]

also use stress coat in the water before u add any fish,
stress cost kills the bad stuff in the water