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| Fish Nutrition |
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As water temperatures begin to rise this summer above 50°F, your pond fish need a food
that will promote growth, vitality and color enhancement. Fish, like most animals, require a nutritionally balanced diet in order to grow and be in their best possible
condition. Their bodies require the correct amounts (and quality) of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Proteins are used for tissue formation,
and because they cannot be stored in the body, young fish need to obtain large quantities on a regular basis. This is a good time to introduce a food high in protein and
vitamins to ensure growth. Be sure to feed your fish the highest quality food for
overall pond health.
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| Your Green Pond |
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May's Green Pond Reminder: Throughout the summer, it is important to conserve as much water as possible in your yard. One option is to use rainwater reclaimed in a water barrel, or piped directly into the pond as a way to conserve. However, test your pond water regularly to ensure optimum water quality. When rain is scarce and water restrictions are in effect during the summer, this is a great way to top off your pond.
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| Adding Fish to Your Pond |
Have you been dreaming about adding fish to your pond but aren't sure where to start? Fish will be one of the best additions you will make to your environment. They add so much joy to the lives of pond owners. But remember, there are a few rules-of-thumb to keep in mind when choosing and adding the fish to your pond:
- When choosing fish, the common goldfish, comet goldfish, Koi and shubunkin are the hardiest choices for a pond. These are good choices for the new pond owner. Fancy goldfish, such as fantails and lionheads, are not as hardy and are more easily preyed upon.
- Choose fish from a reputable dealer. Reputable dealers will acquire their fish using quarantine procedures. Quarantining does not necessarily mean fish are diseased; it is important to rest them after being transported. After transport, fish will be stressed and more prone to illness.
- Fish should be added to a pond that is established and has a filter that has been running for at least two weeks. It is important to wait for this time period to allow the beneficial bacteria to colonize.
- Be sure to not overstock your pond. Your fish will grow, so keep in mind you should allow for no more than one inch of fish per square foot of pond surface area.
- Help the fish to acclimate to the pond by placing the bag in the water for at least 30 minutes so that the water in the bag
gradually matches the temperature of the pond. DO NOT pour the water from the bag into your pond, as the water may contain some contaminants that you don't want in your pond. Rather, pour the fish into a net. Then immediately place the fish into your pond. Fish will tend to hide, but after a few days the fish will eventually come out to feed.
- Enjoy your new pets!
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| Keeping Tabs on Water Quality |
The one question we receive most from pond owners is how to rid the pond of algae. Cloudy, green water does not have to get in the way of your enjoyment this pond season. There are a few simple ways to help your pond water stay clear and healthy:
- Filtration is critical to maintaining water quality.
Filters must be kept clean to ensure it does not stagnate and prevent the nitrifying bacteria from converting ammonia and nitrite into nitrates.
Poorly maintained filters will quickly deprive the biological media of oxygen, leading to a build-up of dissolved waste (nitrite is particularly likely to rise).
Regular cleaning of mechanical filter media is recommended.
- What you feed your fish directly impacts filtration
and the quality of the water. It is important to recognize that a source of waste in a pond is the food being used. The digestibility of a diet depends on the quality of
ingredients and manufacturing processes used to make it. If a diet is not well digested, not only will the fish receive less nutrition but greater amounts of solid waste will
be produced. Feed your fish the highest quality food you can.
- Use a UV clarifier. Suspended, microscopic algae are so tiny that they pass
through even the finest filter. To combat this potential problem, add a UV clarifier which uses ultraviolet light to destroy the reproductive ability of algae. The
dead algae then clump together in particles large enough to be removed by the mechanical filter. Be sure to change your
UV clarifier bulb after every 12 months of use, usually
in the spring (if using the UV only five to six months a year, replace bulb every two years).
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Color Up Your Pond
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
 Spring has arrived here in Pennsylvania, and as the fields begin to show a blanket of green, my mind starts to think of new plants for my pond.
This year, I think I'll try some water lilies. They are a true "pond plant," come in a wide range of colored blooms and are the most beautiful
flowers in aquatic gardens. The outstretched leaves float as circular patterns on the surface of the water, providing shade, which aids in
reducing algae growth. Many water lilies are hardy, and others are tropical only, so check with your local water gardening center. Some bloom
at night, but most will provide a colorful spiked bloom during the day. They are easy to grow; however, they prefer deeper water and do not like
rapidly moving or splashing water. They also do well with fertilizer such as
TetraPond LilyGro to promote growth and color. So try a lily this year, and if you do, send us a photo for all to enjoy. Happy water gardening!
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| Visit www.TetraPond.com Today: |
- LEARN: For more information and frequently asked questions about building your pond and pondkeeping.
- DREAM: Become inspired by our Pond Gallery of photos submitted by pondkeepers (like you!) across the country.
- CREATE: For a step-by-step video guide on how to design, build and care for the perfect water garden, visit www.tetrapond.com.
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