Fish for ducks?

[Oddyse]

Ok, I was wondering if there is any type of fish I could get for my pond, that the ducks wont eat, and that wond hurt my ducks. Also, ones that would feed on the dirt that forms on the bottom. I know this is probably some kind of magical fish that doesnt exist but I thought I would ask. Cheers guys

 

[dumb_cluck]

Minnows. Don't get them from a creek, but a bait shop that has to certify them disease free. I had some live in the duck pool (indoors) all winter feeding on just what was in the water. I did, however, toss in some pond weeds for them to hide in.

 

[birdboy508]

get a pleco i had them in my fish tank and they cleand very well.

 

[Kmoreau]

If the pond is deep enough, you can get a catfish. They will eat the waste along the bottom. I believe koi will too. You just Just have to make sure the fish are kind of bigger so they don't get eaten by the ducks, mine love fish.

 

[Oddyse]

Are all the fish named above ok to go with ducks? I mean they wont bite or injure the ducks will they?

 

[Oddyse]

Ok so I have done some research:

Minnows: they look like they may be slightly too small and will get eaten by the ducks

Catfish: My pond I have is too shallow for a catfish

Pleco: Look perfect for the job but the pond is outside and too cold for them

Keep the ideas coming though guys.

 

[Kmoreau]

Koi and catfish are typically bottom dwellers. So typically they leave the ducks alone, but it mostly depends on how deep the pond is. If it's a swallow pond, all fish can hurt the ducks feet. But typically ducks will scare them off and chase them of they feel threatened. Also stay away from turtles, they will shred a ducks feet.

 

[jdywntr]

Something in the carp family. goldfish not fancy ones would be okay. If you have a filter, then you could get whatever you want. Shubunkins or even feeder goldfish will eat plants and algae. They do get large eventually but you can usually find darker ones thought the orange and white are very pretty in the pond. They are also cold water fish but depending on your temps and the depth of the pool, may overwinter outside. You can find a pond store in your area and get specifics from them.

 

[Oddyse]

Will koi be ok? And will they servive outside? I dont really want the fish for being pretty, I just want them to help clean the pond. But will it be pointless excersice? I mean, the fish poops too, so will it eat the dirt, but then poop, counter acting the fact they are suposed to be eating the dirt.

 

[Kmoreau]

The difference between fish poop and duck poop, is the fish poop is designed to be dissolvable to some degree. They also sell bacteria pond clarifiers and cleaners that you would add to the pond. Totally safe for fish and animals, the bacteria would help to break Down and eat the organic matter giving your filter a bit of a break. My pond if fishless because it's currently too small, and alot of trouble for what it's worth.