Grass Carp in water trough?

[Spyda]

Anyone keep fish in their water trough to keep the water clear?

I've just been given 3 small Grass Carp to put in my paddock trough. Not sure whether I should feed them supplementarily or just leave them get on with eating the green stuff at the trough bottom. I regulary change the water in it but it still gets green extremely quickly (goes clear to green in about 5 days). Am hoping the addition of the fish will help reduce the periods between cleanings.

PS: My husband assures me lots of farmers do this???

 

[mintaka04]

As a fish-keeper I don't think adding fish to your trough will keep the water clear. They will certainly add to the pollution though!
However, I have heard of other people keeping fish in the trough, but I can't say I would recommend it!

 

[Cluny]

I would have thought that Grass carp would end up getting too big for your trough. I know of quite a few dairy farmers who keep goldfish in their water troughs to keep the algae down, they seem to do the trick!

 

[longtalltilly]

i second what cluny said! The farm I keep mine on is a beef and dairy farm and all of their tenks have gold fish in!!!

 

[Ellies_mum2]

I think MisElz had fish in her trough but not sure what type they were

Agree with Cluny about the carp growing too big for your trough though

 

[pairciban]

I got 3 gold fish Bob, Betty and Berty

to keep my trough clean. Have to say they aren't doing a very good job the water is still filthy

. Thanks for reminding me about them, I think they can come and live in the house, will have to try and fish them out later

.

 

[merlinsquest]

I have goldfish in my trough.... only one now

But he has been there for about 5 years!!!

I have never fed him once

and he is now about 7" long..... started off about an inch!!

They eat the midge/mozzie larvae rather than the algae to be honest, and like fish in ponds, they dont really eat in the winter at all

So they wont be any good for keeping your water less green

 

[VLHIEASTON]

water snails ?

 

[blackcob]

My god, carp grow HUGE. I've heard about people using goldfish before, but as a goldfish enthusiast I would really, really advise against it. They will produce more ammonia (leading to greener water) than they will get rid of. The only slight benefit is that they eat mosquito larvae. Even you average goldfish has the capability to reach 12" long so the practice is somewhat cruel (don't get me started on bowls!?)

 

[Spyda]

Right! Fish are going back to where ever my husband got them from - TODAY. I too keep tropical fish and although the regular drinking and refilling from the trough will act as mini water changes to reduce the fish pollution, I still wonder how ethical it is to keep the poor fish in such a confined and unstimulating environment. Thought hubby was having a laugh when he brought them home and introduced them to the trough.

Thanks to everyone who replied - you've all been very helpful.