Garden Pond Fish Care

A fish that is experiencing stress has a weakened immune system and is much more susceptible to attack from parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens. Making sure that your fish are under as little stress as possible is the best thing you can do to ensure an enjoyable garden pond.

fluctuations in pH. Garden pond pH will always rise and fall to some degree, but we want to have a pH that is as stable as possible. Ensuring that the buffering capacity (KH) will help keep a stable pH level. pH that is too high or too low can also cause stress, but stability is what is most important. See your garden pond supplier for proper care and chemicals. Natural acidic substsances such as oak leaves or newspaper planter liners can be used in small simple garden ponds with goldfish.
Sudden changes in water temperature. Goldfish and koi are cold-blooded and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but a sudden change in that temperature can cause undue stress. Proper pond care when adding new fish is critical. Small, shallow ponds are more apt to have the water temperature change quickly. Providing good surface coverage will help keep the temperature changes slow.
Environment.Pond fish can be stressed if they are not comfortable in their surroundings. Clear water with little surface coverage will cause a fish to feel insecure. The fish are more susceptible to predator attack in clear water and the fish is aware of this risk. Providing surface coverage or an underwater hiding place can help. Extra stress will be caused if the fish have actaully been visited by a potential predator.
Poor diet. Garden pond fish need a regular balanced diet. Some advocate only feeding at the beginning of the pond establishment. Once a Garden pond is established, common goldfish may be able to feed themselves on the aquatic plants and present algae. Koi have specific needs, and their initial expense may warrant special feeding. While some packaged foods may have advantages over other, as long as they are getting a regular feeding of a seasonally-appropriate food labeled for koi or goldfish they should be getting the nutrient they need.
Poor water quality. Water quality is a broad term but is often referring mainly to the nitrogen compounds found in the water. Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate are always going to be present to a degree in a fish pond, but the levels need to be kept as low as possible. Good filtration is the key to breaking down ammonia and nitite. Nitrate is used up by plants or should be removed with regular, partial water-changes.
Water toxin. There can be many,possible toxins coming from various sources that can stress pond fish. Chlorine and chloramines are common additives to tap water that if not removed can cause severe stress or death. Other common sources for toxins are lawn fertilizers or pesticides that may blow into the water or be washed in along with rain. If this type of toxin is suspected an immediate water change is in order
oxygen deficiency. Pond Fish rely on dissolved oxygen in the water for respiration. Common causes of a low disolved oxygen level are too many fish, not enough aeration, or a large algae kill.
Overcrowding. Keep the numbers of fish in your fish pond low, especially in the beginning. Too many fish will stres them and the eco structure of the Garden pond.
Physical stress. Pond fish can be subject to physical stress caused by a wound. A fish can be hurt by a predator or scrape against a sharp rock in the pond. Handling a fish also will cause stress. Avoid touching fish unnecessarily.
Stress induced Infection. Pond fish are susceptable to diseases when understress, but an infection will also increase the stress level thereby making the fish more susceptible to further infection and limting their ability to fight it off. This cycle has to be stopped early to avoid further fish loss.

Garden Pond Fish Care