I really like them. Hopefully in the future I will be able to put in a bigger pond and I can try again with the Golden Orfes and do it right by getting about 5 or 6. For now I am going to pass on them as I see the advice the guy in the pond store told me that one was good, was wrong. Meantime I rewarded myself by going back to the pond store and buying two new fish. I got a stunner of a butterfly koi in a strange metalic almost mustard old gold color. I know that might not sound attractive but the fish is lovely. Also a most beautiful deep almost red "goldfish" with the most long, long, long tail and fins.

Thanks johnkr. I plan on the liner ends going halfway into the bottom of the trench, to help keep the moisture in there. Don't neccesarily want bog plants in there, just plants that can take periods of lotsa moiture. And I hope to mulch the area as well. Yes, I am aware of the hole in the ice, bubbler, heater, etc. thank you. I'm happy to know that you have had success in a lower zone with that depth of water. Makes me feel alot better. My pond I have now goes down about an inch a day due to the heat, evaporation. PITA lol. I am hoping it won't be so much of a level drop with a bigger pond. Thanks Johnkr. Daniella

Rachel: Please don't beat yourself up over the fish. Mistakes are part of learning to pond. When I first started ponding I picked out four of the most beautiful shubunkins in the world. The sales clerk at Trickers was very patient and made sure I had the one with the longest flowing fins. I was so proud of my babies. Unfortunately I didn't have a pre-filter on my pump and I found pieces parts of these beautiful fish in the pump where the intake valve sucked them in. I cried over these fish for almost a week. I am sure once you get everything cleaned out, and do water changes every week your pond will flourish. One thing I can testify to when you pond you learn something new everyday. The majority of what I have learned I learned right here on this forum. You walk amongst a great group of people here. Hang in there. You have been bitten by the pond bug, and it will be a never ending, rewarding hobby. Jenny

The slimy film is a protective substance produced by the fish. Test strips are not reliable. My guess would be parasites if the water is good although they are not usually active in colder water. You need to test the water with an accurate test kit. Sandy