Goldfish can become a problem. They can reproduce like crazy and become larger than your fish will be able to eat. If your after clear water I would stay away from the goldfish. I didnt listen to that advice myself but i only put in 3 also. I wouldn't worry about anyone making fun of you. Its not our pond you do as you want. I personally like goldfish (koi in my case). I hardly ever even fish my pond but I feed them every night. I would say on average I walk around mine 3 times a day throwing out feed by hand.
