5 considerations when adding fish to a pond

Late spring and summer are the perfect time for adding koi fish and goldfish to a pond. Colorful fish are a fun way to add beauty to the water garden, and watching them grow over time is exciting. It doesn’t matter whether the pond is new and getting fish for the first time or if your customer is adding additional fish to existing pond life, there are five steps that pond owners should take to promote healthy fish and robust pond life:

1. The pond should be clean and properly aerated. The filter system should be cleaning the pond at least once every two hours. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8 with a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Fish should be purchased from a reputable store. This is very important since goldfish, Koi and other pond fish carry pathogens including parasites, viruses and bacteria. Fish should be carefully observed and evaluated at the store before the purchase. A gray film on the skin or clamped fins are signs of parasites.If inspecting the fish is not an option for your customer, they should take time to read reviews of the store and ask questions. A good fish retailer will make sure the fish are healthy and take the time to answer all questions.

3. The ratio of fish to water is one inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water. Certain species of goldfish can grow to 12 to 15 inches. Koi can grow to more than 20 inches. As a result, four or five large goldfish are adequate for a 500-gallon pond. Koi ponds should be at least four feet deep.

4. The new fish should be quarantined for two to four weeks if they are to be introduced into a pond with other fish. The new fish should be kept in a separate holding tank with filtered water and fed according to instruction. Older fish can be added to the quarantine tank and checked for changes that might indicate pathogens.

5. If the pond does not have fish, the new fish can be introduced in their bags. Pond owners should allow the bags to float in the water for 20 minutes to a half-hour before they are opened and the fish swim away. This helps the new fish adjust to the new water temperature.

Information courtesy of Pondliner. For more, visit www.pondliner.com.