Ponds

[Goofy]

The pond has been dug - so what do I put in it? It's fairly small, with an island. About 4 foot deep max, but lots of shallow bits.
Is there a small fish I could get? I want it to be as natural as possible.

[ChuckFickens]

"The pond has been dug - so what do I put in"

Water is traditional.

[snags]

I'd let it 'mature' for a few months before adding anything.

[NoMercy]

A Babyliss Bath Spa and half a box of Radox Bath Salts.

[hellywelly4]

Are you going to put a liner in, otherwise I think the water will drain away.

[woofgang]

Start with water and plants, then leave it. Invest in a pond test kit as well. once the plants are flourishing and the water test shows good quality then think about fish. You will need something or you will get overwhelmed with mosquitos. I know they aren't natural, but goldfish are hardy, eat mosquito larvae ans will stay a reasonable size for the pond. how big is it btw?

[Goofy]

radox is a good idea!
Not lined, but I doubt it will drain away (SW Scotland doesn't do drouts).
It's been a few months since we had it dug, so quite settled.
It's about 30 foot diameter, with an island in the middle.

[woofgang]

wow nice big pond.
Have you got a local coarse fishery near you? They may be prepared to sell you some suitable native fish.

[Goofy]

do you mean pike? Is that coarse fish. Thought they might need something bigger.

[snags]

Course fish are any river fish. Pike will grow to be a bit larger than your 'small fish' requirement and eat anything else you put in there. Many course fish need running water rather than still/a pond.

[snags]

You could go for Perch, Chub, Rudd, Tench, smaller Carp, Eels...

[snags]

^ Having said that, I think its illegal to take river fish without permission but on the other hand who's going to know.

[tamborine]

eels are best

[woofgang]

If you take "wild" wild ones, you run the risk of introducing parasites and other nasties into the pond. The waterways in the new forest have got leeches in them which you do not want. Go to a fishery that hatches its own fish, they will be "clean"

[Goofy]

right thanks all