Urgent advice required on fish in recently aquired fish pond

Lucy_lou · #1 (**permalink**) 22-06-2009, 03:29 PM

I have just rented a house with a pond (approx 9x5ft). Previously the pond has been unmaintained for several years - in fact I was very surprised to see that any fish had survived. I have at least 6 orange 'goldfish' 1 large white fish with orange flecks and 15-20 small and large brown/black fish - which appear to have been mating with the 'goldfish' as there is one fish that looks like a 'goldfish' but is half orange and half black.

I have just taken out the reed in the pond as it was overgrowing all the pond - so you couldn't see the water... initially I just cut it back - but it started to grow out of control. I have put as much of the weed back in the pond as I can and am in the process of purchasing some more so the fish have more 02 - especially now that it is hot and I have no pump.

The pond once had a pump - but the electricity supply has been set up so that it is dangerous - so it has been removed.

I am no expert on fish or ponds - but here are a few of the things I need some help on:

Do I have too many fish for the size of my pond?
What weeds are the best 02 providers for ponds without pumps?
The black fish seem to be fighting the 'goldfish' - and there is a huge number of them - should some be removed?
What type of fish do I have - orange 'goldfish', the black brown fish, the half orange/half black fish and the large white fish with orange flecks?
I had about 6 frogs and one toad when the reed was in the pond - but I haven't seen them since... will they return?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really want to keep my new pond happy and make sure the fish can survive throughout the seasons.

I have some pictures in my image library.

Lucy_lou

Cotham Marble · #2 (**permalink**) 22-06-2009, 08:05 PM

Lucy - some of the water feature experts may find their way to this question - but you might get more responses by also posting on the Waterlife Forum which you will find under the forum grouping headed British Wildlife, which is near to the top of the main forum page.

Sorry - I can't actually help with your question; if it hasn't got leaves I don't have a clue I'm afraid.

CM

Kayleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 22-06-2009, 08:21 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB

I don't know anything about keeping fish as my pond is a wildlife pond I presume your weeds are oxygenators I just threw about 10 bundles in and they grew.
I don't have a pump sorry can't help if you don't get any answers try a fish keeping site but still come back here as they are very knowledgeable folk on here.

Pigeon feather · #4 (**permalink**) 22-06-2009, 11:04 PM

Hi, the large number of brown fish you have in your pond are baby goldfish this is what colour they are when they are young gradually turning gold hence why you have a half gold brown fish in your pond, they are all juveniles, the larger adult fish in the pond have been busy breeding!