N.J. (USA) near Philadelphia. My pond is over 10 years old. Its a large tub inset, about 3' deep. I keep my fish down to a few, and only one if it becomes large.
My current 12" fancy goldfish is dying, with dropsy. "Carpe Diem", bloated this summer and now is at the bottom, but still breathing. I think its his lifespan, as he started as a 1/2" fish years ago. I just discovered my water pH was too low, so I am raising it. The culprit was likely the yard crew fertilizing too close. The water is clear and otherwise healthy because there are 3 good sized pond frogs. 6 large floating water hyacinth plants. No plants over winter. I run my pump year round and clean & replace the filter a few times a year when flow becomes reduced. Pond is under oak trees. I have a custom built wire and wood frame 4' tall box to place over the pond in fall and winter. Drawback is he chicken wire and water sound attracts birds that get trapped, and must be released. Box keeps out leaves, and prevents deer from drinking the pond low. When spring comes I cover the top with a black tarp to keep sunlight from making green soupy water. Once the trees leaf out I take the black tarp off. I keep a plastic pot tray upside down, the frogs sit on it and fish hides under it.
My current 12" fancy goldfish is dying, with dropsy. "Carpe Diem", bloated this summer and now is at the bottom, but still breathing. I think its his lifespan, as he started as a 1/2" fish years ago. I just discovered my water pH was too low, so I am raising it. The culprit was likely the yard crew fertilizing too close. The water is clear and otherwise healthy because there are 3 good sized pond frogs. 6 large floating water hyacinth plants. No plants over winter. I run my pump year round and clean & replace the filter a few times a year when flow becomes reduced. Pond is under oak trees. I have a custom built wire and wood frame 4' tall box to place over the pond in fall and winter. Drawback is he chicken wire and water sound attracts birds that get trapped, and must be released. Box keeps out leaves, and prevents deer from drinking the pond low. When spring comes I cover the top with a black tarp to keep sunlight from making green soupy water. Once the trees leaf out I take the black tarp off. I keep a plastic pot tray upside down, the frogs sit on it and fish hides under it.
Have you considered not keeping fish in your pond, but rather it being a small wild life pond for birds, frogs and plants?
