If you have a garden and you have space for a water pond, surely you would rather have fish there than in an aquarium. Fish recreate better in a natural environment than under four glass walls. However, ponds need certain requirements so that the fish can live in good conditions. Plan size, depth, filtration, and location well It is the basis of a stable and healthy pond all year round.
In this post you will discover the characteristics that the pond needs and how to choose the best fish. Do you want to learn all about it?
Necessary characteristics of the pond
The dimensions of the outdoor pond must be adequate to ensure a comfortable stay for the fish. Just as when we set up a fish tank and consider its size, the same thing happens in the pond. Each type of fish we introduce will require more or less space. The larger the volume, the more stable the water quality will be. against temperature changes and pollution peaks.
In a pond the most important measurement is depthBecause we can't protect them well from temperature changes outdoors, depth is crucial. In the event of more severe cold weather, fish can take shelter at the bottom of the pond, where temperatures are more stable. Otherwise, a shallower depth will make it easier for them to be affected by the temperature. As an absolute minimum, 80 cm They help to cushion the cold; however, to winter without problems, in climates with frost it is recommended reach 100–120 cm at the deepest point and create different terraces for plants and shelter.
The minimum depth you must have an outdoor pond is 80 cmThis allows the fish to be resistant to frost and unexpected drops in temperature. If your area experiences harsher winters, prioritize reaching 120 cm to ensure a stable layer of water beneath the ice and leaves shadow zones for summer.
The next variable to consider is size. Each fish of about 10 cm in length needs 50 liters of water. Therefore, whenever your fish grow larger or you want to add more fish, you should know the limitations of the pond. Keep in mind that there are species with high bioburden (such as carp and goldfish) that require more volume than their size suggests: for a koi, we recommend at least 1.000 liters per specimen and for 10 cm goldfish some keepers use 300–500 liters per fish when the pond is communal, to keep the water stable.
An important aspect to protect them from the sun and cold is the incorporation of aquatic plants. These plants provide a good shade and create a micro food for them. The best plants are water lilies and water lettuce. Combine floating, riparian and oxygenating plants to filter nutrients, provide shelter, and compete with algae. It creates platforms or "shelves" at different depths to accommodate different plant species and provide refuge.
In addition to size, the location It is key: choose a place with morning sun and partial shade During the hottest hours, keep the pond away from deciduous trees to minimize leaf fall. Make sure the pond doesn't receive runoff containing fertilizers or pesticides from the garden.
La filtration and oxygenation are the heart of the system. A filter with a stage mechanics (sponges, brushes) retain particles, and the stage biological (porous media) hosts bacteria that transform ammonia and nitrites into nitrates. A good practice is move 1–2 times the pond volume per hour. Add a waterfall or aerator To improve gas exchange; in summer and with large fish, an air diffuser is almost essential.
Control the water parameters with regular testing: undetectable ammonia and nitrite, low nitrate, stable pH according to your fauna (often 6,8–8), and suitable hardness and temperature. Don't take water clarity as a guarantee of quality.; there are crystal-clear waters that are poor in life or lack oxygen. During the first few months, accelerate the maturation of the filter with beneficial bacteria and avoid overloading de peces or food.
In winter, be sure to keep an ice-free zone for gas exchange (with aerator or surface antifreeze) and do not disturb the bottom: fish rest in warmer layers. In summer, prioritize shade, extra oxygenation and avoid feeding during the hottest hours.
How to choose your fish
A pond is governed by rules of survival similar to those of a pond. Aquarius. It must be taken into account which species de peces is going to be introduced. The first thing to keep in mind is the size and number de peces we want to have. Depending on the size, you will need a larger or smaller volume of water. Define your bioburden and design the pond and filter accordingly; not the other way around.
Once we have decided the size and number, we must look at the behavior of each species. There are very territorial and aggressive fish that can present problems with their companions. There are also some that can be eaten other species or their young. Gregarious fish need a group (at least 5–10 individuals, depending on the species) to reduce stress and display natural behaviors.
One aspect to take into account are the basic needs of the type of fish that we want to put. For example, if we search tropical fish, The water temperature must be above 20 degreesIf the climate in our region has lower temperatures, the fish will die. Obviously, we can't have a saltwater pond, or if we do, it must be extremely well cared for. If you want to keep tropical species outdoors, consider heated ponds or very controlled warm seasons and have a transfer plan indoors when the temperature drops.
It's highly advisable to have a backup aquarium in case any of the fish get sick or are breeding. In either case, we can isolate the fish in question so that it doesn't affect the rest or the survival of the offspring. A small quarantine tank It is also useful for observing new fish before introducing them and avoiding introducing parasites (such as carp lice) or viruses (such as koi herpesvirus) into the main pond.
Consider the compatibility Between species: Avoid combining very large and voracious fish with small species that can prey; align your choices by temperature range, pH, adult size and feeding habitsIf you plan to mix more than two species, seek advice and plan visual refuges with plants and rocks to minimize stress.
Examples de peces pond
As mentioned before, it is important that we choose wisely which species de peces We are going to introduce it into our pond. Until recently, the most common thing was to choose koi fish for its longevity and durability. However, nowadays, In some countries and regions, their possession or marketing may be restricted. due to exotic species regulations; always check local legislation before purchasing and avoid releasing them into the wild.
Although these oriental fish are wonderful and widely known, there are many other species that are ideal. The most recommended are those with greater resistance and adaptation. The conditions in ponds are not as artificial as those in aquariums. If a fish is taken from its habitat and introduced into an aquarium, it will have to adapt. In aquariums, the adaptation process is faster because the characteristics of the ecosystem where it lived are recreated in the smallest detail. This is not the case with a pond. Here, the conditions are those of the environment, so it is important to select carefully.
Then I'm going to give you a list of five very hardy and long-lived fish for ponds. They also have the advantage of being able to coexist well with each other. We've rounded out the list with popular, native species that fit into many well-planned ponds.
Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio, nishikigoi varieties)
From white, red, and black patterns to pearly scales, koi are the great icon of the ponds. They can reach up to 100 cm and several decades of life with good nutrition and water quality. They require generous volumes, minimum 1.000 liters per copy, deep pond with excellent filtration and ideal temperature between 20–24 °C (never below 4 °C in winter). They are sociable and trusting fish; they feed on specific bars or pellets with the correct proportion of protein and fat. Since there is no clear satiety, avoid overfeeding. Compatible with robust goldfish, tench or roach if volume permits.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) and varieties (comet, shubunkin, sarasa)
Classic, hardy, and easy to keep, goldfish come in dozens of varieties and colors. They reach 20–35 cm depending on variety and care, with life expectancies of 20–30 years or more. They do well in ponds with a depth of at least 100cm for wintering and water between 16–24 °C. keep small groups (minimum 3) and offers generous volume per specimen, especially in active varieties such as shubunkin and comet. They are omnivorous, burrowing in the bottom in search of food and coexisting well with species with similar requirements.
Tench (Tinca tinca)
With crepuscular and nocturnal habits, it is a peaceful fish that prefers sandy or muddy bottoms and dense vegetation where it can take refuge during the day. Very resistant to low oxygen levels, it can reach 20–40 cm (more in exceptional conditions) and live 15–20 years. keep groups of 5 or more, with abundant vegetation and deep areas; tolerated temperature of 12–26 °C. It feeds on mollusks, invertebrates and plants. It coexists well with peaceful species.
Gardí or rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
A gregarious silver bird with very striking red fins; it likes riparian areas with vegetation. Achieves 20–40 cm and can live 15–20 years. It is mainly phytophagous, so it can eat tender plants; plant robust species with thick leaves. Keep groups of 10–15 and monitors parasites such as carp louseIt is winter-hardy and tolerates cold seasons well.
Motherless crucian carp (Leucaspius delineatus)
Small, bright and very peaceful, he lives in banks near the surface between riparian plants. It measures 6–9 cm (females up to 12 cm) and lives 3–4 years. keep banks of 10 or more, with shaded areas and vegetation. It feeds on zooplankton, mosquito larvae and dry foodIdeal for adding dynamism to the upper layers of the pond.
Golden barbel (Barbus semifasciolatus)
This fish is quite small. It barely reaches 7 cm. However, it is very long-lived (it can live up to 7 years). These fish do not tolerate low temperatures well, so in winter it is necessary to move them to a home aquarium. Provide them with groups of 6 or more, vegetation, and refuge areas. They appreciate warm, well-oxygenated waters.
As for their behavior, we can say that they are quite peaceful and only require small communities. If you want to keep golden barbs, you will need to buy at least six. To improve their well-being, keep stable water quality and avoid very large companions.
Chub (Leuciscus ides)
This fish is known as Cachuelo. These fish can live up to 20 years If they are well cared for, they don't need other fish to thrive in the tank, nor do we need to worry about temperatures. These fish come from the north, so they are already accustomed to the cold. In large ponds, they are active and hardy, ideal for mid- and upper-level fish; they offer good oxygenation and filtration, as it generates a certain biological load.
Corydora pepper (corydora paleatus)
Do you remember the corydoras? They are the perfect fish clean bottomIn this case, they'll help us keep the pond bottoms clean. They're a little less long-lived than the species seen previously, but their lifespan is long enough for us to grow fond of them. They can live up to four years. They prefer temperate temperatures. groups of 6 or more, fine substrates and shelters to prevent barbel injuries.
To ensure their well-being, it is best to acquire six specimens to live in a small community. water without ammonia or nitrites and feeding that reaches the bottom (sinking tablets).
Bream fish (Abramis bellows)
This fish can live up to 17 years and reach sizes up to 80 cmThe drawback of this type of fish is that as they grow larger, they become more aggressive and unfriendly. It requires very large ponds, with a large swimming surface, soft bottoms, and shelters. It's best to keep them with similarly sized companions to avoid predation or excessive competition.
goldfishCarassius auratus)
The well-known golden carp or kite fish, is one of the most common fish in pondsThey are chosen for their color and ease of breeding. They are small (only reaching 20 centimeters). They are so long-lived that specimens have been recorded living up to a century. Varieties such as Shubunkin and Sarasa They are especially active and showy.
This is a peaceful fish that won't cause any problems or require other members of its family to live. Given its ease of care, it's generally advisable to acquire more than one cometfish. Avoid overcrowding and provide oversized volume and filtration to keep them healthy and growing properly.
Other interesting species for large, well-filtered ponds include the sterlet (small sturgeon, for experts), the shubunkin as a particularly hardy variety of goldfish, and small gregarious ones like the rodeo, minnow or stickleback in suitable ponds. Before purchasing any, check requirements, compatibility and regulations.
Pond fish feed
Pond fish need food that's easy to digest and as comfortable as possible. If you have different species of fish in your pond, it's important to know the right proportions to feed them. Each fish needs a specific amount of food to meet its needs. The best option is to have fish that have similar needs and that, in turn, they do not have problems due to their behavior. Offers suitable pellet sizes to the size of the mouth and alternate foods to cover all needs.
The best food For fish it usually costs about 8 euros. It has enough to feed a dozen de peces for a time.
By planning wisely, choosing compatible species, and taking care of water quality, a pond becomes a living, stable, and beautiful haven year-round. Invest in Generous volumes, effective filtration, adequate vegetation and a measured diet, and you will enjoy de peces healthy, vibrant colors and clear water without complications.