griff Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 I have a 5,500 litre pond with 15-20 goldfish, a few WCMMs and plants. Pond is UV filtered. It has been established for about a year and a half. I didn't realise UV bulb need replacing at intervals to keep pond clear. Clarity has reduced recently, although it is not completely opaque with algae. I have a new bulb on order. Have cleaned filter etc. Have been told by lfs to not feed fish every day, which I have been doing over summer. Lfs say feed once a week to help prevent algae. Will this be okay? Anyone else, with experience of keeping a large outdoor pond with goldfish, have any suggestions? Is once a week okay? I would like to try to develop size of fish over time and also have them in sufficiently robust health to breed. I wonder if once a week is a not sufficient, especially in summer - they seem sooo hungry!! Advice appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 My gosh once a week the poor fish I feed my pond goldies one a day - just feed enough for them to eat within afew minutes As long as they eat all the food I can't see how algae would be a problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imsweet Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Once a day or even every second day is fine over summer. Cut it down over winter though as they slow down and you may end up over feeding then. Once a week is fine then. Perhaps the LFS were just being cautious so you dont have too much waste?? oh, By the way.... Goldfish are ALWAYS hungry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JarrenB Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Hi I have 6 goldfish in an outdoor pond and only feed them every 2nd-3rd day if they get hungry in between feeding they eat the algae off the side, which helps me out with cleaning. Feeding them every day will mean poor water quality and cost you a lot in fish food. :bounce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted March 21, 2009 Report Share Posted March 21, 2009 A pond that size (about the same size as mine) you do not have to feed the goldfish at all as there will be plenty of live food for them, plus algae, to eat. I feed mine once a day over summer though as it is fun and a good time to check all the fish are looking healthy with no obvious wounds or fungus on them, although there is plenty of live food zipping about in the water. I also have to feed them before I mow the lawn or I get the giggles. As I move up and down the lawn beside the pond I find I have a large group of fish swimming beside me up and down as I go. It looks funny. :lol: As the temperatures cool I feed less often, then not at all over winter. Once the temperature drops below 10C the fish semi-hibernate and stop eating so it is not good to feed them over winter if you live in a colder area. They can develop digestive problems eating in colder temperatures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caper Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Caryl wrote: I also have to feed them before I mow the lawn or I get the giggles. As I move up and down the lawn beside the pond I find I have a large group of fish swimming beside me up and down as I go. It looks funny. That sounds soooo funny :lol: :lol: :lol: , you should try to get a small video!! Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.