Did I give my neighbor wrong advice about feeding fish?

I love my 3 watergardens. I don't have fish to speak of. Just rosy chubs and skeeter darters. These are mainly food for my many many thousands of frogs.

My neighbor had her watergarden re -designed by a pro, (i would have helped them do it for free if they had mentioned they wanted to do this). New liner, rocks, skimmer etc. In fact, I consider it to be a new pond.

I went to visit the day it was filled with water. Of course, it was beautiful, being new,crystal clear and not a speck of algae. As we sat around the pond talking, I asked if she had fed the fish yet. She said no, she wanted her fish to feed naturally from the pond just like in the wild. She said the contractor told her not to feed them at all and they would not become dependant on her for food.

I highly disagreed. I told her that the pond was new and there was no established food for the fish. That she should feed lightly till the pond established itself.

Was that bad advice?

Weeellll, I didn't see where you said what kind of fish she had. Goldfish, sure, lot's of people don't feed goldfish, they're fine. Koi? There are people who believe the same thing about koi, but lets get real. These are fish that have the capasity to grow to 3' and that pond is far from a natural pond that supplies a natural food source.

Yes, ornamental ponds supply an amount of food for the inhabitants, but if you're talking koi and you want them to grow and be happy, do them a favor and buy them some food.

Do keep in mind this will change the biological load on a pond and will need to be started a little at a time to allow the biological colony to get caught up without killing the fish.

That's my opinion! I'm certain you will hear others :-)

Yes. she has koi. Had them for about 4 years. Feed them before. She was just going on the advice of the "pro pond builder".

I don't have fish because I don't want them to eat my tadpoles or tear up my plants.

I thought one of the pleasures of having fish was bonding with them while feeding. I have enjoyed visiting with another friend and being there when she feed her koi.

I agree with you totally! I actually round mine up several times a day in the warmer months (very big pond) and they all come running (swimming) and it's a lot of fun (neighbors must think I'm nuts). They'll suck on fingers, toes, eat from the hand....they're a bunch of characters! And they do indeed get to eat when ever there's company, very entertaining.

Hi - I agree about the feeding - I just put in my water ponds last year and was advised to feed until plants and the ecosystem was established. Problem was, I enjoyed seeing them all "come to Mama" and I just couldn't stop. But I did cut down to once a day by July. I've got gold fish, though, not Koi - Is there a big difference in how they feed, grow, etc.? Do you have a preference? Haven't tried Koi yet, but you can have both types in one pond, right? Dax

I feed my goldfish once a day during the summer. I gave them a light bite yesterday for the first time.

I think you are right and the pro is wrong....not the first time is it :)

I had a "pro" pond/fish person at a major nursery in Greenville tell me that KH levels in the fish pond wasnt important. What a ninny....

Whew, I'm glad y'all agree. Her pond is in the shade and never has any algae (must be great). It has a waterfall/stream and is hand stacked slate on the sides. It is very pretty with the fish. That is if they don't starve to death.

The only experience I have with fish has been aquariums. It seemed to me her pond was void of fish nutrients like one.

I've done ponds both ways....the way without food was accidental, but I found it very intriguing that a pond, small or not, can be self-sustaining ( I mean they're that way in the wild right?)
The only thing is, you NEED a large number of plants, and not a terrible sterile enviroment, to allow your fish to have enough balance for existence.
I however, enjoy going out every morning with my cup fo coffee, and throw a handful of food in, and having all of those happy campers come up to meet me...I have a black pug who drinks from the pond, and they all come up to greet her too. Why miss out on that?
Remember to feed them plain Cheerios if the water goes below 50 degrees. Cold water means the fish can't digest the proteins in regular fish pellets. Once the water gets warmer again, go back to normal fish food.
:)
MerryMary