8/15/99Question: I am already planning for next year as my first year at ponding has been a failure or sorts. We moved into a new home with a ~300 gal. molded pond placed nicely near our deck. A pump keeps a stream of water cascading down a slanted, large flat rock creating that peaceful dripping sound that is so soothing. I drained it this Spring to clean it -- big debris and muck; I did not use agents nor did I scrub away what I thought to be important algae growth. I placed 5 marginal plants along the perimeter including one large iris, added two hardy water lilies for shade, and several pots of oxygenating plants. Two weeks later I added 2 doz. feeder goldfish and 6 large freshwater snails. To my dismay, 16 of those fish survived, but I assumed the pond was large enough. Well, the plants went south. Except for the protected marginal plants, all others were ripped up. Surprisingly to me, the water lilies disappeared. I can't say for sure that they were eaten; the leaves appeared to decay! Even the Arachis were torn from their pots! While I suspect that the fish ARE the culprits, I guess I can't count the snails out although I haven't seen them in quite some time (raccoon snacks?). Now without surface shading the algae blooms are lovely. I've used a fish-safe (poor choice) algaecide 3 times this summer. My pump intake clogs every 3-4 weeks. How about next year? I say no fish or snails. Thanks.
Answer: The algaecide did it !!!!!!! Feeder goldfish are a good way to introduce long term parasites into the pond. Snails are a plus but should be trapdoor or ramshorn. Try a bio-filter and beneficial bacteria next year. Have a good winter Gary Bates |
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