Can I get more fish?
Rule of thumb: 1 inch of fish per 10 gallons of water. Remember: plan for growth. Baby fish will grow 1 inch per month in the first year. After that, it decreases by half each year. Once they approach the fifth year, expect 1 inch per year growth.
Fish are an integral part of any ecosystem. Fish are sometimes seen as high maintenance. Fish actually reduce pond maintenance, as they graze on string algae and will bottom feed from the pond floor. They also make very enjoyable pets, providing hours of natural entertainment. They are a wonderful learning tool for children to teach them about nature's ecosystem.
Feeding Your Fish
- Overfeeding is a common mistake. A good rule is to feed them as much as they will eat in 5 minutes, about once per day. If you are having green water problems, cut back on feeding to every other day.
- A pond thermometer is helpful to test water temps to know when to start feeding low-temp food (50-65F), and when to stop feeding as fall and winter approach (50F).
- Serenity carries a premium fish food, KoiBalance. It is designed to strengthen the immune system, aid in growth, color, and digestion. Koi Balance has a low ash content (won't cloud pond).
- Medicated Food: Non-floating food for sick fish that stay at the bottom. Anti-Bacteria and Anti-Parasite.
Fish Problems?
Something isn’t right! If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to do something: Loss of appetite, clamped fins, resting/laying at bottom, still swimming, gasping, less activity, scratching, or anything other than normal.
- Water Quality Always check water quality conditions first! Test kits available at our retail store.
- Lack of Oxygen Fish are hanging out at the waterfalls, gasping for air or are lethargic. Warm water carries less oxygen. 40-60% plant coverage keeps temps down. Waterfalls, aerators and fountains add oxygen.
- Predators Without proper precautions, your fish can become victim to predators. The main ones are heron and raccoons. There are a variety of predator control items: scarecrow (motion detector/water sprayer), decoy koi, nets, floating alligator, and fish caves. All are carried at our store.
3 Keys To Over-Wintering Your Fish
- Aeration - bubbles break surface and adds oxygen for fish-air stones (1st level of pond - bottom will cause “super cooling” a bubbler (in the form of a pump, i.e. AquaForce Pump)-leave pond running (may need a de-icer)
- De-icer/Surface Heater for gas exchange-if using air stones or if bubbler pump isn't strong enough
- Pond Depth of 18-24 inches. The earth acts as insulation-small surface area - less inches of ice. Bringing Fish inside isn't necessary with the 3 elements above. Koi and Goldfish are VERY hardy fish and they hibernate during the winter. Their bodies adjust to the temperature and they do just fine over the winter. It's also easier on you!
Introducing Fish to your Pond
- Leave fish in bag with bag closed
- Set bag on edge of pond in water for 20 min
- After 20 min, introduce pond water to bag water
- Let fish swim out at their own will
NOTE: water temperature of bag and pond should be within 5 degrees
- Disclaimer: Serenity Waterscapes uses a microscope to ensure the health of the fish we sell and we may agree to assess the conditions of fish brought to us at our discretion only. We will never offer a diagnosis nor make a prescription.