* How can I stop the birds eating my fish?
* Do I have to feed my fish?
* I'm not much of a gardener, are pond plants hard to keep?
* Can I have a pond during water restrictions?
Providing hiding spots for the fish by putting logs, plastic pipes and plants will help but sometimes you may have to resort to netting until the birds loose interest (and the fish grow too big for the birds to eat).
Yes, When you do feed your fish only give them what they can finish in two minutes. Uneaten fish food is a major food source of algae in ponds.
No, as long as they receive a good dose of sunlight and regular fertilising using Aqua Grow Pond Tablets. These are slow release fertiliser tablets that you push down into the roots of the plants so they wont break down and pollute the water. Never add fertiliser directly to the water and don't use manure as this will provide excess nutrients that will result in algae blooms.
Yes, existing ponds with fish are exempt from water restrictions (you've got to keep your fish alive) but please check with local authorities before installing a pond or water feature.
* How much do i feed my Fish?
* What fish can i keep in my Pond?
* Do i need plants in my Pond?
* Why are my fish dying?
* Will the pump harm my fish?
* Does the amount of fish make a difference to the type of filter I need?
* Are Cats and Birds going to catch my Fish?
* I want Koi in my pond, does this make a difference to the filter I need?
* Can I keep Koi in my pond with my other fish?
* Are there any conditions I should avoid for water lilies?
* Can I use standard garden compost for my pond plants?
* What is the minimum size for a pond for fish?
The biggest killer of fish in ponds and aquariums is overfeeding. The uneaten food creates excess waste, and the extra food in a fishes gut can cause internal health disorders. Pellets are the most suitable type of food as it won't cloud your water and is easily removable if you happen to overfeed your fish. Different size pellets are available: When using the correct size, your fish will require 3 - 4 pellets per day per fish, less in the cooler months. Different protein levels are also available if you are going to breed your fish, or just to improve their colour and well being.
A general guideline is no more than 1 kilogram of Koi for every 1000 litres of water or 2 kilograms of goldfish per 1000 litres of water. The more fish you have the bigger the filtration system you'll need. In a garden pond, coldwater fish are the only fish that will survive all year round. The two most popular types of coldwater fish are Goldfish and Koi (only NSW & WA can legally keep Koi). They can be compatible together in a pond, and are even fed the same pellets and food. Goldfish are suited to most sized aquariums and ponds, but Koi require a larger environment in which to grow to their best. A minimum pond depth of 40 cm is ideal for protection of the fish from UV rays and also cats and birds, although netting over the top can be used to prevent predation from cats & birds..
If you have a pump and filter system established in your pond, plants can enhance these by also removing small amounts of nutrients and also providing some oxygen. Also, with today's standard of fish food, all the essential "greens" and vitamins required are already supplemented to your fish. Most people love to see a “Water Lily” in full flower with a cover of lily pads, maybe a few fringe plants such as “Water Iris” and rushes and grasses. There is a huge selection of bog plants (10 - 20 cm water depth) to choose from as well as the deeper water aquatics such as Lily's and Vallisneria. Plants are best used to finish your very own “aquascaped” pond for both cosmetic and filtration reasons.
Some common reasons why fish die are; -build up of toxins caused by lack of filtration, overfeeding or too many fish in the system -poor water conditions or sudden changes to water conditions -low oxygen in the water from lack of aeration -predators such as birds or mammals -parasites or disease Keeping fish in ponds is easy with the right equipment. If you loose fish speak to your local retailer and identify some of the possible reasons why. In most cases simple changes to your system will get you back on track and give your fish a safe environment to thrive.
Definitely not, a pump will actually help improve the health of your fish by turning over the water and improving the water quality in your pond.
Yes, the amount of fish in your pond will make a big difference to the size and type of filter you require. The more fish you keep the larger the filter you require. Always let your retailer know how many fish you have in your pond when selecting a filter.
In an outside pond your fish can be very vulnerable to predators. A minimum depth and some surface cover are all that is required to keep your fish safe. Bird/Cat netting is available which stretches over the pond at surface level that can be used in more difficult situations. It is fastened around the edges of the pond with stakes or tent pegs, and is almost invisible to the eye when stretched taut. There is also a new product on the market called Aquagarden Pongard, this is an humane and effective solution, motion activated, using a 5 second water spray to deter pests around the pond and garden, it simply connects to your garden hose!
Yes, Koi are a beautiful fish that can grow to a large size but also produce a lot more waste than other fish species. Koi ponds require high amounts of oxygen and larger filtration systems so please tell your retailer if you have Koi in your pond.
Koi will live quite happily alongside Goldfish, Orfe and Shubunkins etc, but please bear in mind the ultimate size they can reach. In view of the fact that koi can quite easily attain a length of 25" or more, the size of there compainions would need to be taken into account.
Water lilies do not like water splashing onto their leaves, keep them away from waterfalls or fountains.
No, garden compost is far too nutrient rich for a garden pond and will probably lead to an algae bloom or blanket weed, it may also contain chemicals that are toxic to fish.
If the pond is in the shade in a cool climate, it can be as small as you like. In a warm climate, if the pond is exposed to the sun for much of the day, it should be at least half a metre deep and at least two square metres in area. The minimum size for a pond depends also on the species and numbers of animals to be kept in it. For example, in Perth's climate, for marron (a species of large crayfish) if the pond is in the sun for most of the day, the water should be at least one and a half metres deep. Also, each mature marron will need at least a third of a square metre of space to itself.
