Question
We have just established a 4000 gallon pond in our front yard this spring.  The water appears clear, but very black in color.  Is this a problem?  Also, we have MANY water striders breeding.  Are they a healthy thing to have?  Our plants appear to be doing well in this water, but our fish seem to prefer  the bottom of the pond.  

Answer
Do you have any idea why it's black?  Could it be dirt, something washing into the pond?  Clear, black water can sometimes indicate tannins but that would be from leaf fall, and your pond is new.

The water striders are fine.  They will spend time on both healthy and unhealthy ponds so that doesn't say much.

Good luck!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com