Question
I have a 275 gallon plastic liner pond.  I have 2 koi fish and probably 10 or 12 small goldfish.  I used well water to fill up the pond.  I check my pond every week for nitrite, nitrate, and ph.  The water normally stays average for all levels, but my water in hard.  I have tried putting all kinds of aquatic plants in my pond, but they all turn brown and die.  I got some lilies from a friend which had great big roots but they also died within a week.  Do the plants need to be in a pot?  My friend just had them floating on the top of her pond?  I have tried all I know to do.  Please help!

Answer
A 275 gallon pond is not really big enough for koi but if they're still small, it's probably okay for now.  Koi and goldfish will also eat some of your plants but it sounds like that's not what's happening.  How high is your water hardness?  If it's really hard, then that certainly can kill plants.  If even harder, then the fish can be affected as well.  I have well water too but it's super soft.  What plants have you tried besides the lilies?  Water lilies should be potted.  I don't think they'd live long floating around.  My pond plant page at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/plant.htm has information on potting waterlilies and more on plants.  If hardness is the problem, you may want to invest in a water softener for your well water, not just for the pond but to reduce hard water stains around your house.  Good luck!

Robyn