My 1200G pond has seven exCichlasoma beani in there ranging between 5" and 8". This is their second year in the pond and they are doing very well, looking to be in top condition. I've been feeding them mainly on Tetra Pond Sticks, a floating stick that is quite low in protein (28%) and easily digested and spirulina pellets. Since 'beani' are rather prone to bloat, these foods seem to work well for them in that regard. Also the pond does provide a "low stress" environment which also helps. The temperature of the water today, July 24th is 23 C (73 F) and the water has gone from "green pea soup" to crystal clear once I put in a small UV unit. It took about 1 week to clear.
[video=youtube_share;UdV_PnJ3Nng]http://youtu.be/UdV_PnJ3Nng[/video]
[video=youtube_share;UdV_PnJ3Nng]http://youtu.be/UdV_PnJ3Nng[/video]