Hi All & CR,

I've had my pond for about 4-5 months now and the youngest fish has been with me for 2 months. I have no idea how old each one was when I first got them but I assume that most are less than 6 months old. Since the beginning, I've kept a close watch on their growth rate and I must admit that I am a little disappointed with their progress, especially in terms of their size. If based on wht you mentioned, CR...a growth rate of 1" per month is the norm for a wakin in the first yr...and assuming that fancier breeds grow at half that rate and to half the size, I should be seeing at least 1" of growth in my fastest growing individual/s. However, all have not lived up to that assumption. I have quite good water quality (although I have not tested the parameters) b'cos of my big filter, excellent aeration, constant water change (abt 10-15% water change per day) and I feed them enough. BTW, I have Ryukins, Ranchus, Lionheads, Pom pom, Butterfly/Moor, Bubble-eye, etc.

To Arobm...based on my short experience with the pond, I would be mindful of the following:
1) Possibility of sudden drop in water temperature due to heavy rain (see if 2 ft depth is enough to offset this)
2) Acid rain and effect on water PH (depth and surface area also affect this)
3) Shade for fish to hide in strong sunlight (I can't be sure if 2ft of water is enough to protect the fish).
4) The mixing of a fast swimmers like Wakin with slow swimmers like Ranchus is not advisable
5) In terms of green water, I have to say I haven't managed to cultivate any. Possibly because my filter flow rate is quite high; and I have a healthy wall algae growth (more wall algae=less water algae/less wall algae=more water algae). Like me...you also may also find it difficult to cultivate green water.

Appreciate any feedback! Tks!