>>>> Virginia -- Can you clarify: Are we talking about a ornamental pond, or >>>> a farm >>>> pond? Is there a synthetic liner in it, or a dirt/clay bottom? Is >>>> there a pump >>>> which circulates or aerates the water in it? With the size you gave of >>>> 35' x 50', >>>> it could be either a very large ornamental pond, or a small farm pond.
We have both, actually two of what you call "farm ponds" plus the goldfish pond, and we use the same rules - we want the most natural, stable ecosystems with the least work. In fact, when you try to set up a successful small pond, you try to simulate the conditions of a large pond. You virtually have to have some circulation for a smaller pond to thrive - you simply don't have the same amount of surface area for oxygen transfer as you do in a larger pond. Our goldfish pond has a synthetic rubber liner...or at least it did to begin with. It has a more natural-type floor now on top of the liner, a sort of "soil" from years of existance. We purposely haven't tampered with that debris (other than trying to keep out the bulk of the fall leaves) since we wanted it to become as natural as possible. I think that's why this goldfish pond has been so succesful - we don't maintain it to death, thanks to Cary's research and good planning. I think the bigger deal is whether Virginia might want to use the pond for fishing or for natural beauty. I think all ponds are pretty, but some fish are definitely more palatable, and beautiful water plants can snag your fishing lines. Either kind can be set up for minimal maintenance though. It just takes planning - and some restraint about feeding the fish! Karen Thomas, NC
