Dead fish

[Fraya]

Thank you so much!!! you are amazing!! I have read so many things, people recommending rocks and gravel for filtration, usually from businesses, I guess they just want to sell more things to you. So, the rocks are not need it...? Only the filter and movement in the water, and let nature do its thing. What about the frogs ? is it OK for them to develop in the pound, there are tons!!!??

 

[Fraya]

By the way, how long should I wait after starting filtration and water movement to introduce new fish?

 

[Fraya]

The sand pebbles are rocks with different shapes, and have holes in them with shells incrusted on them, however they are from the ocean...I won't use them for the pond...

 

[Faebinder]

So here is a concept.

Fish eat. They make stool and urinate, which has ammonia in it. That's toxic to fish. Something has to consume it (algae which will make the water green) or something has to remove it (like water changes). Bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites and later nitrates. Plants grow and consume ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. More plants = less need to change water and less green water from algae growth.

I agree that you'll probably do ok with 5 BIG goldfish, maybe 10 if you add a lot of plants, probably 20 if you make a bog in the future that contains plants which eat up the ammonia/nitrites/nitrates of the pond. Note I said big, cause size matters. Goldfish can grow as big as 12-15 inches if they live long enough and are of the right breed.

 

[Fraya]

Again, I have to say your are awesome!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for taking the time to enlightening me. That is why my fish were beautiful and healthy, in one year, since we bought the house (the v fish were already there, 11 first, then some were born there, we never did anything but, add some hose water to it, and we did use some water clarifying which did not work, so we did not added any more. Everyone. kept telling us that we needed to clean it, but now, thanks to you, I have a better understanding. And of course, We learned the hard way what happens if you do a water change...GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!

 

[Fraya]

And...we used dechlorinator when they started to died, which did not help either

 

[EricV]

Thank you so much!!! you are amazing!! I have read so many things, people recommending rocks and gravel for filtration, usually from businesses, I guess they just want to sell more things to you. So, the rocks are not need it...? Only the filter and movement in the water, and let nature do its thing. What about the frogs ? is it OK for them to develop in the pound, there are tons!!!??

Rocks or not really up to you. They provide a bit of extra area to house good bacteria. They also can trap muck. Personally I don’t use rocks deeper than I need them for aesthetic purposes.

As for the frogs, if you find a way to keep them out, you have a business opportunity. Seriously, though, they are a sign of a healthy environment and can be left. For me, the joy of a pond is having something which is a part of nature. Not apart from nature.

 

[EricV]

By the way, how long should I wait after starting filtration and water movement to introduce new fish?

It’s hard to say. It could be ready immediately. I think we’re all trying to figure out how much damage was done to the bacteria and algae from your accident. If it was my pond I’d give it a few days with the filter before adding a couple of small fish. And then wait a couple of weeks before addressing no more. Just take it slow. Good advice with ponds any time: doing less is generally better.

 

[Fraya]

Thank you again for your prompt reply, as for the frogs, I just love them!! I love how they sign almost every night, specially when it rains, it is whole orchestra!! I love nature, the birds also come a lot too drink from it...LOVE IT! Will take it slowly, and will follow all your advise. Thank you so much!

 

[addy1]

Look into getting some fantails they do fine in small ponds. They also stay small and don't breed fast. I have a old hot tub, 300 gallon, with only fantails in it. They do great.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Fraya]

what about koi fish? Thank you

 

[BKHpondcritters]

what about koi fish? Thank you

koi require a large pond - minimum of 1000 gallons for a single koi. They're not appropriate for small ponds.

 

[Fraya]

Wow!!! Thank you so much. Blessings out to you!

 

[Fraya]

Hello, finally I bought the filter/fountain I cleaned the bottom of the pond with a rack took dibris out of it , however, it still has this wiard yellowish kind of sandy in it. I did not clean it like you advise, just put some water. My husband keep saying we are not doing it right. Please, advise