Anyone who has space in their property can have a fish pond. But the challenge is not in constructing it but in maintaining it. According to experts like Helpusfish, a healthy pond depends on structure, size, fish breeds, vegetation, oxygen levels, filtration, and much more. Let’s discuss a few simple tips to maintain a healthy fish pond.
Choosing the Right Fish
You need to create a healthy balance while putting the fish in your pond. Stocking your pond with fish you like to eat and catch is not going to help. To create a balance, you must have both forage and predator fish.
The type of fish in your pond also depends upon its size. Your pond is overpopulated if it has more than 10 fish for every 100 gallons of water.
Good Aeration System
Lack of oxygen in your pond can kill your fish. There can be many reasons for this. An excessive number of decaying algae and weed increases the bacteria, which use up most of the water’s oxygen.
The oxygen level drops during the winter due to lack of sunlight and in summers due to stratification. The best way to keep the oxygen levels constant is through aeration. An efficient aeration system will help keep your pond healthy. You can choose between bottom-up and surface aeration systems.
Proper Conditioning
Pond conditioner can reduce sludge and muck in the pond and clear water. Clear pond water is vital for the fish to see and catch the insects floating on the water. Clean water will have the right oxygen level and provide a healthy environment for the fish to thrive.
Aquarium Experts from Helpusfish believe that getting a natural pond conditioner is a good option instead of herbicides or algaecides, which have harmful chemicals. Also, try to keep your livestock away from the pond as their fecal matter can contaminate your pond.
Clean Unwanted Vegetation
To keep your pond healthy and suitable for the fish, you need to remove unwanted vegetation frequently. Too much vegetation can deplete oxygen levels and increase ammonia levels. However, you must keep some for the production of the oxygen. Use a weed cutter to remove the vegetation and avoid using any chemicals physically. Putting amur fish is a good option as it can consume the excess foliage.
Pond Cover for Fish
A fish cover is essential for the breeding and reproduction process in the pond. Whenever a fish hatches, it needs a shelter to hide and feed. Having a cover or structures made in your pond will improve reproduction.
A fry can stay in the cover until it is a few inches in size. This way, it will get a chance to grow and survive. Natural covers such as tree branches, small trees are the best type of cover. The natural cover also attracts insects, a food option for the fish.
It’s essential to feed your fish regularly but be careful not to overfeed them. They should be able to eat the food within 2 to 5 minutes. Keep a check on the number, too, as they will breed and multiply.
Regular pH check is also necessary for the health of the fauna and flora in your pond. It will help if you create a balance of alkalinity and acidity.
