How to Keep Your Fish Healthy in 2012

What you might not realize is spring is the most crucial time for your koi and goldfish. During the winter, your fish are very low-maintenance. They’re metabolism slows down, they don’t eat and they lay dormant at the bottom of your pond. But as soon as warm weather approaches, it’s time to step back in.

By going dormant all winter and not eating, your koi fish can have a compromised immune system. This makes them more susceptible to contracting disease from bacteria and parasites breeding in your backyard pond.

Until your water reaches a constant 70 degrees F, your fish will not have developed a full immune system. This is why proper backyard pond cleaning is essential.

As soon as spring approaches, you need to start getting out your pond supplies and doing a thorough cleaning of all areas of your pond. This includes cleaning pond filters, pond liners, pond pumps, plants and rocks.

Once your pond is thoroughly cleaned, your goldfish and koi will have a much stronger chance of survival. Even with depleted immune systems, if your fish are habituating in an environment free of bacteria, scum and sludge, they will be safe and sound.

Don’t be intimidated by the task of a pond cleaning. Think of it as a way to start an entire season of enjoying your backyard pond while also enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

Need help with your spring cleaning? Check out the Pondliner.com Backyard Pond Spring CleaningGuide.

*Photo courtesy of dboy via Flickr.

How to Clean Up After a Storm

There is nothing worse than a dirty koi pond. And if there is rain in your forecast, all you can do is cross your fingers and hope Mother Nature decides to be kind.

But, what do you do if the storms come anyway? How can you quickly and effectively clean your pond after the storms have passed?

If you notice that your pond is constantly looking dirty, there are a variety of common reasons this could be happening:

1. Your plants are dying and you are not properly cleaning out the debris
2. Mother Nature took her chance to wreak havoc on your pond surface
3. Crevices in your pond liner are hiding dirt and sludge
4. Your rocks are hiding bacteria and muck

So, is it hopeless? No! The answer to a dirty pond is easier than you think. The number one way to help your pond stay healthy, clean and beautiful is by investing in a quality pond filter. If you are experiencing issues with the cleanliness of your pond, it’s time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of your current pond filter.

The better your pond pump works, the cleaner your pond will be. A pond filter is designed to clean out all the sludge and debris that occurs from storms, dead plants and other issues.

It’s really that simple! Make sure you only buy the very best pond filters for your pond so you can spend more time enjoying your backyard water garden and less time watching the forecast. 

*Photo courtesy of Slawek Puklo via Flickr.

Acclimate Your Fish in Just 3 Simple Steps

When purchasing new fish for your backyard pond or water garden, it’s important for you to understand how to properly acclimate your fish to their new surroundings. While this may sound complicated, you can easily and effectively put fish in your pond by following these three simple steps:

1. Perform a clean sweep of your fish pond – By deeply cleaning your rocks, waterfall, pond filters, pumps and other equipment, you can speed up the process when it comes time to add fish.

2. Start Your Pond Filters – Once you have thoroughly cleaned and filled your pond, replace your filter to ensure it is properly working when you add your fish. It may be helpful to install new filter pads and add chemicals to clean bacteria. Once everything is in order you can begin running your pond pump.

3. Test your water – It’s important that you have your pond water balanced before putting in your fish. Use a test kit to check the levels of pH, nitrate and ammonia in the water.

That’s it! Now it’s time to add your new fish. Once you have your water perfectly filtered and tested, it is safe to add your favorite aquatic fish. Be sure to choose fish that are low-maintenance and that suit the size pond you have.

*Photo courtesy of Martin Pettitt via Flickr.

The Four Easiest and Four Hardest Fish to Keep in Your Pond

When choosing the right fish for your backyard water garden, it usually comes down to preference. However, it may be helpful for you to explore the types of fish that are the easiest to maintain and the hardest to maintain in a backyard pond.

There are a wide variety of fish you can choose to have in your backyard pond, and many of your choices will depend on the size of your pond and climate in your area. Learning as much as you can about a fish species will make it easier for you to find success with any fish you choose.

Decide for yourself if you are up for a challenge, or looking for fish that will sustain with little maintenance by checking out our list of the four easiest and hardest fish to keep in your pond.

Four Easiest Fish to Keep in a Pond

1. Goldfish
2. Koi fish
3. Golden Orfe
4. Mosquito Fish

Four Hardest Fish to Keep in a Pond

1. Red lobsters
2. Killifish
3. Blue Channel Catfish
4. Pingi Logsucker

Understand that this list is not comprehensive and that you may find ease at keeping any of these fish. There are many factors that should go into choosing fish for your pond. Take the time to learn more about fish species before you decide so you can make the best choice for your fish pond.

*Image courtesy of JoshBerglund19 via Flickr.