|
|
THE HOW AND WHY OF HAPPY AND HEALTHY FISH
Most pond varieties of the hardier goldfish (Commons, Comets, Fantails, Shubunkins) as well as Koi, winter well in an outdoor pond as long as the pond water doesn't freeze completely to the bottom and there is a small, open surface area for gas exchange. As the water turns colder the fish activity almost comes to a complete standstill. By the time the pond is beginning to freeze over, the fish are just hovering, almost motionless. They have gone into a type of "hibernation" and since they are not exerting any energy they will need no food.
In spring, as water temperatures begin to rise, you may gradually begin to feed again. BUT BE CAREFUL!! Fish can, at this time, overeat, bloat, and die. Feed sparingly until they return to full activity levels. Or use a wheat germ based food for early spring and fall feeding. This whole process is dependent upon water temperatures.
Don't change pond water often. In a well balanced outdoor pond once a year is enough. Change the water in the spring when the pond is drained to repot water lilies and bog plants that have outgrown their pots or you can change the pond water in the fall when you are cleaning the garden pond and cutting back vegetation. Leaves and other organic matter should be removed from the pond in the fall to eliminate the gas that is released as the leaves decay and which is toxic to fish. One of the best reasons for doing the water change in fall is that the fish are stronger, having eaten to store fat for the winter, and the stress of cleaning the pond and adding fresh water will not be as great. When changing pond water, transfer fish into a container of pond water from which they were taken and set them in a shaded area. Refill the pond with a hose set on spray. This will help to dissipate the chlorine and incorporate oxygen. If you don't have time to let the chlorine dissipate you can use products such as Aqua safe or Pond Start or Chlorine and Heavy Metal Neutralizer. When pond water levels drop due to evaporation, try to add water when the drop is around two inches. By doing this you will avoid adding to much "fresh" water at one time. Remember, always spray the water into the pond.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In an outdoor garden pond fish will do well in what ever temperature the season may bring. Occasionally fish will become ill. When they do you must react quickly to control the problem. It is helpful to realize that all fish carry pathogens that do not cause problems until fish are placed under stress. Since summer brings about the combination of two stress factors, heat and increased oxygen consumption, you may want to treat your fish at this time with Stress Coat. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURES LABEL DIRECTIONS.
Stress Coat
Feeding the fish in your pond will be one of your favorite activities. Feed the fish once a day, usually in the morning or evening when the water temperature is lower, and feed them only what the fish can eat in five minutes. If you use this rule you will have very little waste settling to the bottom of the pond that can cloud the water. If you can't be there to feed the fish every day it is no hardship for the fish. They can go four to five days without supplemental feeding. Don't forget, in the natural world Mother Nature provides food in the form of insects and plant materials for the fish to eat. Another way of providing food for your fish while you're away is to use Pond Feeder Signal Blocks. They slowly dissolve, releasing food pellets. A brightly colored float bobs to the surface, signaling it's time for a new block.
|
|
|
