Water, Plants & Fish

Before the addition of your fish it is important to stabilize the water. This can be achieved with a few easy steps.

• Clean out your pond before the addition of water. Remove all dirt and other contaminants and if necessary fill with water and pump dry. Wipe clean with a clean cloth.
• Introduce plants into the system with adequate oxygenating plants in relation to the pond size. Leave to stabilize for 2 – 3 weeks and do a pH test. The amount of oxygenating plant is dependant on the size of the pond and the type of plant introduced so consult your supplier.
• The water should be pH neutral or slightly alkaline, pH 7 to 7.5. Fish can tolerate a slight alkaline condition but are not as resilient to acid situations. Take the water sample in a clean container to your pool shop or aquarium supplier for testing.
• When adding fish, let them float on the water in the plastic bag or container until there is a temperature stabilization. Take care, in hot weather, not to leave them for too long as they may cook. About 5 to 10 minutes is suitable.
• The number of fish needed in the pond is dependant upon the size of the pond and the type of fish so consult your supplier on this.

When you are developing a water garden you are creating a total environment. The number and type of fish, the amount and type of plants, the amount of shade and the size of the pond should all be in harmony. If you achieve this, you will have an easily maintainable pond with few algae or other problems.