>>>> Our pond is roughly 35' x 50', green and murky, and since I know nothing >>>> about >>>> ponds, I thought if I added fish (or maybe certain plants?) they would >>>> take care of >>>> balance for me. V
Fish could help. Ideally, you can get a balanced eco-system (MOST of the year, anyway) where you have just enough plants to feed the fish and just enough fish to clear out the algae, but that can take time time and several cycles (sometimes many cycles) before it's basically settled. Check with a local expert to find out what's best for your area - I know your climate is very different from most of us list member's, but fish are fun to watch! Many pond keepers will advise you not to try to micromanage the initial cycles though, since human intervention tends to hurt more than it helps. Some cycling is inevitable. Cary had aquariums for years before we got the goldfish pond - goldfish, then tropical fish and finally saltwater fish in a gorgeous reef tank, so I've watched many cycles over the years. (The last "cycle" that ended up all over my hardwood floors was the end of the inside aquariums!) Karen Thomas, NC
