Maintaining Pond Fish
If you design your pond such that it is a comprehensive eco-system, pond fish can live by getting most of their food from insects, plants, and debris from the bottom of a pond. Ornamental ponds (i.e. those which have a clear bottom and a minimal number of plants) and incomplete ponds (i.e. those with incomplete eco-systems) present a challenge for those who want fish. For ponds with incomplete eco-systems, the pond fish's diet will need to be supplemented with pre-packed fish food, dried flies, ant eggs, or shredded shrimp. These pond fish will need to be fed at midday, and they should be given just enough so that everything gets eaten and no scraps are left.
Maintaining Pond Fish- Routine Jobs
Aside from feeding fish, a regular care routine will also be required.
- At regular intervals, pond fish will need to be inspected to ensure that they are healthy, with no unusual behaviour or skin discoloration. Use a pond net to inspect the pond fish.
- Ensure that the pond does not get over-run by invasive flora (e.g. algae) or invasive wildlife (e.g. snails).
- Ensure that your pond oxygenator is fully-functional. A fountain, waterfall, or pond oxygenator are usually used to oxygenate ponds. In the event of an emergency, a manual hose spray can be used to help oxygenate the pond water.
- Top up the pond water in the summer. Ensure that the water introduced into the pond isn't chlorinated and is properly pH-balanced.
Maintaining Pond Fish- Potential Problems
Fish Lice
Pond fish infected with lice will have clearly visible lice hanging onto their bodies. Use a small brush dipped in paraffin to dab at and ultimately remove the lice, then dip the fish in a special fish antiseptic. Consult your vet.
White spots
These tiny parasites will attach to pond fish and will look like grains of salt or sand. If you catch the disease in its early stages, you can use a proprietary cure that involves treating the fish in an isolation tank. Consult your vet.
Fish ulcers
This disease will show up in pond fish as bloody spots, rotting fits, or swellings. This disease is rampant and difficult to treat. It is recommended that the offending fish be removed and destroyed to prevent spread of the disease.
Fish fungus
The most common types of pond fish fungus are mouth fungus and cottonwool fungus. Remove the infected fish and place them in an isoluation tank. Small fish usually die, but larger fish can usually be treated with medication. Consult your vet.
Maintaining Pond Fish- Proper Cover and Shelter
Fish need cover and shelter from the sun, and to hide from potential predators. When plants die in the fall, replace the plant cover with alternatives, such as old drainpipes, ceramic pots, bricks, or tiles.
Next: Winterizing Pond Fish
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