Want to add water features to brighten your garden? Having goldfish in a pond is relatively beneficial for the fish and for you. A pond adds embellishment to the landscape of your house especially with beautiful touches of aquatic plants and pet fish in an array of brilliant colours. Being kept in a larger enclosure with more space to swim is every pet fish fantasy. That being said, a pond makes a great environment not only for pet fish but for different types of insects and amphibians as well.
What are the best fish to keep in a small pond?
Several varieties of goldfish may look ideal to be displayed in a pond but there are a few that makes a better choice. This refers to ones that can keep up well even in a cold climate.
- The Comet is the type of goldfish commonly seen in fish bowls. It moves quickly with its narrow body and red head with or without orange or white spots.
- Shubunkins shorter tails than the Comet although they have the same narrowed bodies.
- Ryukins are one of the most popular types of goldfish in China and Japan. The bird’s-eye view is the perfect way of looking at these double-tailed goldfish. Their rounded bodies are usually observed in colours red and white or red-orange.
How long do goldfish live in ponds? The common goldfish may live up to 10 to 25 years whilst fancy goldfish may have 5 to 10 years. However, there are some varieties that live as long as 25 years or even more. Fortunately, goldfish may possibly live for many years when kept in their natural environment than a cramped aquarium. The rest of the article outlines the set-up and regular maintenance when keeping goldfish in a pond.
Getting started
To make all your outdoor goldfish pond ideas true, strategic planning should be done.
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Consider the space of your outdoor pond.
It is recommended to make your pond deep enough as most fishes are likely to get suffocated in small ponds without enough oxygen. During the cold weather, a layer of ice may form on the surface of the pond which blocks the oxygen. It may be wise to consider having certain fish species that can thrive well even with harsh climates. Most goldfish varieties such as shubunkins may hibernate during winter.
Further, larger ponds are said to be easier to maintain. Potential pollutants can be easily diluted given the larger volume of water present in a larger pond. In addition to that, it provides better hiding spots away from predators such as cats.
Consider the pond’s location.
If you are planning to have a fish-only pond, you may place it in a more shaded area of your garden. However, if you will be keeping fish and plants, consider a place with a bit of sunlight for them to thrive well.
Note that a pond under trees and bushes may require you to do more cleaning for the debris falling into the pond. Consider purchasing a net for your pond in the appropriate size. It helps protect your goldfish as well as preventing debris from falling into it.
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To put plants or not?
Plants serve as natural filtration to a pond. Plants naturally eat up or consume the presence of fish waste. Aside from that, there are some varieties of plants that can provide oxygen to the pond. Finally, plants enhance the aesthetics of a pond when kept in good condition. Just remember to place your pond in a sunnier spot.
Goldfish in pond water conditions
Indeed goldfish can have longer lifespan living outdoors in a well-maintained garden pond. Here are some things to keep in mind to have a healthy pond:
- To keep the goldfish pond water clear, perform a regular water change to remove any debris and pollutants and reduce ammonia levels. Follow a 10 to 20 per cent of water change every one to two weeks. Do not change the water up to 50 per cent to avoid disrupting the natural ecosystem and fish. You may use a pond vacuum, pump or hose to remove the water from the pond. Replace it with dechlorinated tap water or rainwater.
- Use natural methods of pest control instead of insecticides or pesticides. Keep the whole area close to the pond free from chemicals to maintain good water quality.
- Check the pH level of your pond water. The pH range should be at around 7 to 7.4. If it has high nitrate and ammonia levels, it indicates that the pond is either overpopulated or the filter system is not working well.
- Aquatic plants help reduce algae levels. It also provides a safe habitat for your goldfish.
- One goldfish should be allotted with 10-20 gallons of water. Overstocking of goldfish may result in low oxygen levels of the pond. The following are some ways to raise oxygen levels:
- Remove unnecessary aquatic plants or algae blooms.
- Be quick to remove decaying organic material.
- Provide your pond with a pond air pump that uses air stones in releasing air bubbles.
Goldfish pond maintenance on pH balance
The term ‘pH’ refers to the measurement of hydrogen ions found in the water. In other words, pH exactly means the ‘power of hydrogen’. A pH range of 7.2 to 7.6 determines the survival chances of your goldfish. There are pH test kits available in the stores which can either be drops, strips or tablets.
Low pH level indicates the water is acidic.
Water with low pH levels is due to:
- Fallen debris such as leaves or other organic materials
- Decaying aquatic plants
- Rainwater with natural acids
Low pH levels may exhibit the following signs:
- Slow or poor growth of aquatic plants
- Goldfish in pond appear listless
High pH level indicates the water is alkaline.
Water with high pH levels is due to:
- Concrete particles or dust from the new goldfish pond
- Excessive algae growth
High pH levels may exhibit the following signs:
- Slow or poor growth of aquatic plants
- Aquatic plants may have a white powdery coating