Fish Care
A well-planted pond makes an ideal habitat for fish. Submerged plants provide a spawning ground, cover and food, as well as oxygen during the daylight hours, while floating-leaved plants create shade. Placing logs or other natural elements on the bottom of the pond can provide additional cover. Rough edges should not be used as fish could rub themselves raw against it; this could lead to infection.
Seasonal Checklist for Fish Care
Spring
- Use a testing kit to evaluate pH levels
- Introduce new fish
- When water temp reaches 50*F begin feeding
- Reintroduce overwintered fish
- Inspect fish for parasites or disorders they may have picked up during the winter
- Remove algae
- Keep an eye out for herons which become active in the spring when food is not yet plentiful
Summer
- Introduce new fish
- Replace water lost through evaporation
- Check water lily leaves for pests and hose them into the water for fish to eat
- Regulate feeding since most foods are available to the fish from your pond
- Check fish regularly for diseases, especially in very hot weather
- In hot spells, if fish are regularly surfacing and gasping, use a hose with a spray attachment or sprinkler to rapidly increase the oxygen content of the water
Autumn
- Feed fish when weather is warm and bright
- Remove tender species of fish and keep under cover for the winter
- Net pond to protect it from falling leaves and debris
- Keep an eye out for herons
Winter
- Cease feeding fish as they become semi-dormant
- If freezing temperatures are forecast, install a de-icer or continue to run waterfall
- If pond ices over, make an air hole by placing a pan of boiling water on ice. Never break ice with a hammer; the shock vibrations are harmful to the fish
Bringing Fish Home
- Don't add fish to your pond until the water reaches 50*F.
- Buy your fish from a reputable pond supplier; they are more knowledgeable, will probably offer a guarantee, and will prepare your fish for travel.
- When you arrive home, lower the bag into the water and add some of the pond water to the bag. It is best not to add any of the water from the bag into your pond since it may contain parasites. Keep adding water to the bag over a period of 10-15 minutes. This will ease the transition from a different temperature and water quality.
- Ease the fish out of the bag with your hand.
- Watch the fish for an hour or so. Fish, especially koi are apt to try to jump out of a new pond.
- Feed the fish sparingly for the next couple of days.