Is there a need to feed pond fish?

Question

We have an established a pond with water lillies, water snails, and some water moss. Can fish survive from the pond matter or do you still need to feed them fish food? They are regular goldfish and minnows.

Answer 1

Many small fish will survive in a pond with healthy plant growth that includes strong underwater root growth of plants such as water iris. These roots will allow a place for many copepods and other underwater "creatures" to feed and thrive which will in turn provide food for fish.
Many small fish will eat insect larvae such as Mosquito larvae that will invariably find their way into the pond.

This all said, for larger fish such as Koi and large goldfish, I still recommend a quality fish pellet such as Sanyu or Hikari.

For more pond information, I recommend this article:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/ClearPond.html

Answer 2

As long as the pond is sunlight all day, the goldfish and minnows should be fine living on the algae and other plant matter that builds up because of the sunlight. I know several people who do not need to feed their fish at all because of this. If you feel worried that your fish will be underfed or malnourished because you don't think there is enough plant matter in the pond, you can always give them generic goldfish food once every 2-3 days.

If, one day, you decide to invest in some koi fish or other more expensive pond fish, you could buy something like Hikari BioGold from your local pet store to help enhance the color of your fish.

Good luck. :)

Answer 3

The fish will do well in an established pond with no extra food being added. Feeding could jeopardize the "bio-balance" of the pond,and if the pond has been working(healthy plants and fish),"if it ain't broke,don't fix it".
There will be a whole universe of plant and animal life developing in the pond an it should become self perpetuating.
Spend lots of time just watching your fish and plants and you will see the answers to most of your questions.
Enjoy your pond and become a patient observer,it's really rewarding.

Answer 4

Depends on the size of the pond, type of fish, size of fish and what food is avalible to them in the pond

Answer 5

We have a pond and my grandpa or grandma goes down there every night and just tosses some food into the water the fish jump and you can see them sometimes.
so i'm gonna have to say you are better off feeding them.

Answer 6

I think personally you should still feed them just in case ya know? Maybe like every other day if you think they will eat the pond matter.

Answer 7

Umm im thinking you should feed them. They will proble be happier and better. And its really cool to see fish eat so i hope you have fun =)

Answer 8

No duh u need to feed fish to keep them alive

Answer 9

idk