Question
QUESTION: While "muck-vacing" our smaller pond just below a waterfall, that empties into a 10' stream, in turn empties into our 3,500 gallon 9-year old pond (whew!) we discovered what my husband thought to be a "gold tadpole".  I assured him that although "Miracle" was indeed gold, and 1" long, including tail, that he/she was a fish as evidenced by said tail and two side fins.  I now have Miracle in a fush bowl with some algae covered rocks, a scoop of "muck" and pond water and a baby water hyacinth.  What do I do now.  Do I keep Miracle in said bowl and wait til larger (we do have many dragonflies around the pond) and then put her in the big pond... and in the meantime... what do I feed her and do I do water changes like I do with her nine, 9-year old brothers and sisters... and perhaps mom and pop?  I would hate to lose this lone little creature to my own stupidity.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hello Barbi!
How very cool! I wish you could send a picture of the little guy!
You best bet is probably to get a small complete aquarium kit to keep him in for now to prevent him from being an appetizer for larger creatures.
These aquariums are available in some department stores as well as pet stores. They are not much bigger than a fish bowl but come complete with a filter and that would go a long way to ensure his survival.
They are pretty inexpensive.
Flake fish food (1/4 a flake per day if it is just him eating)is easy for them to deal with. An occasional brine shrimp (they are TINY)is very nutrional. Be careful not to overfeed - test the water for ammonia and nitrite regularly.
Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Brigitte... thanks so very much.  Prior to receiving your message I purchased a large plastic storage tub and a 250gph submersble pump, lined tub with beautiful pond rocks with a little algae growth thereon, three small hyacinths and a few water lettuce and walla... the little guy/girl seems to be in pond heaven!!!  I think he was nibbling a little on the rock algae and looked like snacking on the little feathery roots of the hyacinth.  Looked like, I say... but hopefully optimistic!  I will purchase some flake fish food and feed sparingly.  His tummy is probably no larger than a pin head I would imagine.  I just finished thoroughly testing his "birthplace" and just about to test his water garden when I decided to check for your message. I'm glad I did.  My question is... somehow got lost in my enthusiasm is... do you think what I made for him will be okay and not too large?  This way he can grow into it, right... on a screened-in porch with only a curious husky who just lays in front of the tub apparently wondering why all the fuss.  Thanks so much... again.  Barbi

Answer
Hi again, Barbi!
Sounds like you have everything under control.
The only thing I would add is regular testing for ammonia and nitrites.
Both of these harmful substances can develop very quickly, especially when he gets a little bigger and can kill a little guy in hours.
When he gets bigger, and past the danger of being eaten you might want to consider adding a small goldfish to keep him company.
All the best
Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com