Variety of Ponds to Choose From
Stocking your pond with pond fish is a bit more involved than grabbing some of your favorite fish and throwing them in. There are several things to consider in making sure the fish you choose will thrive. You'll need to take thought for the surrounding climate as well as conditions inside the pond itself. Responsible pond management will require you to match the pond and the fish properly, so that both will survive and be healthy.
Size is important in different ways for different fish. Take koi fish, for example. Since this ornamental species grow quite large, you'll need to be sure the pond is also large, so they won't become overcrowded or suffocate. Even though koi start out small, you'll still need about 100 gallons per fish. A deeper pond is also essential, since predators can reach koi at upper levels but can't get at them if they swim deeper. If you have a shallow pond, proper management might dictate that you choose something smaller for your pond fish instead, such as goldfish.
Stocking a pond also involves choosing the right kind of plants and creating the right environment. You'll never have a pond completely free of plants, but not every kind of fish eats them. That means that with goldfish, for example, that don't eat plants, you might choose slightly fewer than for koi, which do. Another thing to consider is climate and temperature. In a climate where you can't prevent the water from freezing over even with a heater, then it might be wise not to have a pond at all. Pond fish can't survive without oxygen and frozen water would effectively cut it off.
Koi fish ponds are very popular at the moment, but goldfish serve just as well in shallower or smaller ponds. Another interesting type of pond fish is the Orfe, which is also a type of carp. They might not need as deep a pond as their cousins the koi, but because they swim quickly and in schools, they might need a much longer pond instead. There are many different permutations of fish and types of ponds, so the wisest course before stocking yours is to consult with a good supply store to get the best advice.
Matthew McMillan is a leading expert in the genital wart removal. His works are regularly featured in online health publications on matters relating medications of genital warts. For more information on genital warts cream, visit TreatmentForGenitalWarts.com.
Mail this post
December 30 2009 10:11 pm | Reader Articles
