Feeding Koi and Fish
Types of Fish There are many types of fish that are suitable for your pond. Ornamental fish such as Koi, Shubunkin, and Comets (goldfish) are beautiful hardy fish that do well with the change of season. Some pond owners stock their ponds with native fish or game fish, such as bluegill, bass, northern pike, etc. For more information on Fish and pond life see our Livestock section. Preparing The first step in preparing your new pond for fish is to remove the chlorine from the water. Chlorine in the water can burn the fish gills and possibly kill your fish. Operating the filter system for at least 3 days to a week will allow the chlorine to dissipate through the waterfalls. If you are anxious, and wish to add your fish sooner, you can purchase dechlorinator from our Online-Store. Properties supplied with well water do not need dechlorination treatment. Feeding Koi We like to feed our koi several times a day during the summer months with a good quality All Season Koi food in spring and fall, we suggest only feeding in the morning, with a Spring and Fall food so that the food is digested before the seasonal cold nights make it harder for the fish to digest the food. In the winter months we don’t feed koi at all, though many of the game fish would still eat readily. Both koi and game fish will readily eat bugs and algae in the pond all year round. |
Fish are a popular addition to the pond, they help add life, color and personality to your water feature. Not only are they beautiful but can help balance your ecosystem as well. Fish, such as Koi will eat certain algae and help keep it under control. Most fish will also eat mosquito larvae and insects that are out of reach of the skimmer, especially game fish. With a little luck, your fish spawn and allow you to witness first-hand the life-cycle of your ecosystem. Occasionally fish will find their way into the skimmer. This usually occurs for the first week or two. Simply remove the fish and place them back into the pond. The fish will quickly become adjusted to the current created by the skimmer and will no longer swim into it. If you have newborn fish, a temporary screen can be placed in front of the skimmer opening in order to prevent them from entering, but you will have to clean it often to keep the screen from getting clogged and starving the pump of water.