Fins for First Timers: Easy-care Fish Options for Your Pond
Thinking of adding fish to your pond but not sure where to start? We've got you covered! Fish can bring a pond to life. Watching them swim around and greet you when it's time to be fed may become part of your daily routine that you look forward to. Fish are also pets, and a pond with fish and other critters takes more maintenance to keep the water clear and healthy. Some fish are hardier and known for adapting to their new environments better than others. If you're thinking of adding fish to your pond, learn which fish are best for beginners and follow these tips for success.
Know how many fish you can have
A common mistake is not researching and calculating how many fish your pond can support. When you have too many fish in your pond, it leads to overcrowding. The fish become stressed as they don't have enough room to swim, and your pond filters can't handle the amount of waste the fish produce. Maintaining oxygen levels also can become a struggle when ponds become overcrowded.
The general rule of thumb is you can have one inch of adult fish for every 10 gallons of your pond. If you're unsure how many gallons of water your pond has, use the volume calculator. Another mistake new fish owners make is doing these calculations based on the current fish size. The fish you buy at the pet store may only be a few inches long, but goldfish can grow over a foot long and koi up to three feet.
Have you ever heard the saying, "A fish only grows to the size of its container?" This is actually incorrect. These fish likely do not live long enough to reach their full growth potential and lifespan. Goldfish can easily live 10 or 15 years. Koi can live up to 40 years on average.
When deciding which fish you want to add to your pond, keep these lifespans in mind. Make sure that you're ready for this commitment. Koi and goldfish, in particular, are very friendly and develop personalities. You'll become attached to these pets, and they can be more challenging to rehome than other types of animals.
Make sure your pond is ready
If your pond is new, you want to wait until the pond has had time to cultivate beneficial bacteria and start its nitrogen cycle before adding any fish or pond life. "New Pond Syndrome" is the battle of starting a pond and letting bacteria cultivate without algae blooms. Your pond may seem fine until you add fish, and then suddenly, the nutrients from the fish food and waste can feed algae blooms.
Generally, waiting a few months before adding any fish to a brand-new pond is recommended. This gives the pond enough time to cultivate bacteria. The first few months of owning a pond can be the most difficult until you have these bacteria to keep the ecosystem balanced.
Once your pond is ready, you will need to treat the water with a Chlorine Remover. Tap water contains contaminants that are harmful to fish. You'll want to treat the water f24 hours before adding any fish.
You can also perform a water quality test to check for other contaminants in the water. Clear ponds aren't always healthy ponds. Fish are very sensitive to water conditions and stress from relocation.
Best pond fish for beginners
Koi: Koi are popular due to their beautiful colors and patterns. These hardy fish can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. Koi are also relatively easy to feed and can become quite tame, often swimming up to be hand-fed by their owners.
Keep in mind that they can grow over three feet long and live up to 40 years.
Goldfish: Similar to koi, goldfish are also hardy and come in different colors and fancier varieties. They are well-suited for ponds and can tolerate a range of water conditions. Goldfish are typically non-aggressive and get along well with koi and other fish. Some types of goldfish get pretty large, so make sure you research the adult size for each variety you're considering.
Fancier varieties like Lionhead and Bubble Eyes are less hardy and better suited for aquariums rather than ponds.
Mosquito Fish (Gambusia): Male mosquito fish grow to about 1.5 inches long, while females can be up to 3 inches long. These fish are great for controlling mosquito larvae. They're relatively easy to take care of.
Comet, Fantail, or Shubunkin Goldfish: These fancier varieties of goldfish are colorful but also are considered to be hardy. They don't have any features that stick out and limit their mobility or sight, which makes them adaptable to a pond.
Rosy Red Minnows: These types of minnows also can help control mosquitoes by eating the larvae. Rosy Red Minnows are small and only grow to 2-6 cm long, which makes them an excellent option for small and shallow ponds. They're low-maintenance fish that do well in ponds.
Guppies: Guppies are a low maintenance fish that only grow to 1.5 to 2.5 inches long. These fish are typically non-aggressive and easy to take care of. Guppies can come in a variety of different colors and fancier fin and tail shapes.
Adding fish to your pond can help you enjoy your water garden even more. Feeding your fish will give you a reason to visit your pond and get outside each day. However, it's essential to carefully consider which fish will be best for your pond to avoid overcrowding. Taking the time to research the type of fish you want to add and preparing your pond will help you create a healthy and balanced environment for your new aquatic friends. Remember that responsible fish ownership involves a long-term commitment. These pets will rely on you and can be difficult to rehome. Ponds with fish also require a bit more maintenance to stay clear, but the effort will be worth it!
