I've never had any problem with them, other than their looks ;)

Thank you! I read that they eat small fish and I was wondering how to define, "Small."

Your pond sounds like it is in balance. Your goldfish also eat small fish to keep everything in balance. I have had only 1 baby in the last 5 years and I know my fish spawn...they just eat their babies.

Nono,

Your pond is beautiful! Looks like everything is doing great! Wow! It's 3 ft. deep too. You will have no problem overwintering your liliies then.

Great job!

Thank you! I overwintered them from last year. I did take out the fish who lived in the house in a tank over the winter since I dug the pond 3 feet deep but then I put some rocks at the bottom so it is officially not quite 3 feet of water. That is why I call ot the learning pond. Little pond, little mistakes. I also learned about [¥£{! Raccoons who like to go swimming in my pond and turn everything upside down and break off all the water lily buds. Until I find the right netting I shlep out a big piece of plywood from the shed and cover the whole thing at night and remove very early in the am. The plants get enough light since now they are blooming again.