What Should I Know About Pond Stocking?

Many people like to have fish ponds in their yard to add a touch of beauty and nature that they can enjoy at their own convenience. Pond stocking is not something that should not be taken lightly, though. It should be given serious thought and consideration, as some fish are predatory, while others can only thrive in certain environments. When choosing which fish to stock your pond with, consider the water temperature, size of the pond, environmental pollutants and the amount of time you are willing to invest in its upkeep.

Goldfish are one of the most popular fish used in pond stocking, as they can thrive in most water temperatures, though they prefer temperatures around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius). They are a hardy fish that come in a variety of colors, sizes and temperaments. Comets are the most versatile goldfish, as they can survive long, harsh winters and get along well with other fish. The Fantail is a short, plump goldfish that adds a lot of beauty to your pond, though it doesn't get along well with Koi. The Oranda is a sturdy goldfish with a large head, that gets along well with other goldfish, though it is sensitive to temperature variations.

Koi are seen in the ponds of most homeowners, due to the beautiful blood-red patterns across their backs and their show quality. This type of fish is very aggressive and must be the only type of fish in the pond. Koi are prone to developing disease so they must be monitored constantly. When using Koi in pond stocking, be prepared to spend a lot of time in and money in their upkeep, as they require a large pond and an efficient mechanical and biological filtration system. Healthy Koi can live up to 35 years, or more, when properly cared for.

Golden Orfes are excellent additions to a pond stocked with non-aggressive fish. They feed off the bottom of the pond, surface of the water and the plants. This keeps your pond free of mosquito larvae and algae. They are a very active fish and require a lot of room to move about.

When pond stocking, give the fish time to adjust to their new environment. When you receive the bag of fish, don't just take them out and dump them in. Place the unopened bag in the pond and allow it to float around for at least thirty minutes, so the temperature of the water in the bag slowly adjusts to the pond temperature. Don't feed the fish for 24 hours, as they may get sick in the process of trying to adjust to their new environment. Monitor the fish to make sure they don't jump out.