If you have decided to have a small outdoor pond in your garden, but are unsure of the best fish for such an undertaking, this is for you. Many factors can contribute to the success or failure of a pond, and you must know which factors are best for your garden pond. You should be aware that there are three basic types of aquatic life for which ponds are built, and these include plants, fish, and frogs. Each type has its own needs, and it is best to know which fish are best suited for your pond. This article will teach you how to choose the best fish for your pond, as well as some other tips on landscaping small ponds.
Before selecting any aquatic plant for your pond, you should test the water for nitrate and ammonia. These two chemicals are natural byproducts of the decomposition process of organic materials. Ammonia and nitrate are also released from fish wastes, and these are even released by pool and spa chemicals used to keep the water clean and healthy. The best thing to do is to have your pond tested by a local lab. This will save you a lot of time and money, as the results are readily available.
If your pond is going to house fish, you will need to know the species of fish you are planning to keep. Some fish, such as catfish, are more comfortable in a smaller body of water, while larger fish may be better suited for a bigger pond. Keep in mind that smaller freshwater fish tend to be easier to feed, so you may have to do some feeding adjustments to optimize their feeding habits.
Once you have selected your fish, you should know what types of plants and crops they will like best. Koi, goldfish, and plants such as lilies and watercress are some good options. Water lettuce is also a good choice for ponds containing fish. Plants also make a pond look nicer, so you can put a nice garden of rocks and landscaping around your aquatic habitat.
Fish need room to swim, and ponds with too many plants can actually suffocate the fish. Make sure to design a pond that has sufficient space for your fish, and the number of fish you want to keep. Also, make sure to remove dead or damaged vegetation before you add fish. Dead plants can attract unwanted insects that will kill your fish.
You may also decide to install an air pump to circulate the water in the pond. You may choose to use a battery-operated air pump, or a more expensive gas-powered model. An air pump will help to oxygenate the water, which is essential for fish to survive.
It’s also important to select appropriate fish for your small pond. Koi, for example, are very difficult to maintain. They live in waters with low oxygen content and therefore do well in small ponds. Goldfish are also great pets, but they are known to destroy oxygen systems by gulping it down and then re-circulating it again. Whatever fish you decide on for your aquatic environment, be sure to have them certified by the fish hatchery that you purchase them from.
The best fish for outdoor small pond are those that don’t require too much care. They should, however, be of a size that won’t get in the way of other fish. Remember that they are living creatures, and if you place them in the water too close to other aquatic life they can become entangled in netting or suffocate. They also prefer a cooler body temperature than larger fish, so plan to time your visits to your local pet store for cooler temperatures. Finally, remember that fish are beautiful to look at, so make it a point to put some fresh, clean water in your new pond so that your guests have something to look at while enjoying your new habitat.