How to Add Fish to a Garden Pond

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Adding fish to a pond garden is a great way to add enjoyment to the garden pond experience. With these step-by-step instructions, you will be able to add your fish safely so they can live long and healthy lives.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fish
Water treatment
Measuring cup
Fish net

Step1

Make certain your pond is large enough to house fish. It should be at least two feet deep for most fish or three to four feet deep for most koi.

Step2

Visit a pet store or pond garden store and select fish that are hardy to your area. Add only two or three fish at a time and choose fish that are approximately the same size so they can live together harmoniously.

Step3

With the fish still inside the bag from the store, place the entire bag inside the pond and allow it to float for 10 minutes so the water inside the bag can gradually become the same temperature as the water in the pond.

Step4

Remove the bag and add 1/2 cup of pond water to the bag to further help adjust the temperature and to help the fish get acclimated to the bacteria in the pond water.

Step5

Reseal the bag and allow it to float for another ten minutes.

Step6

Remove the fish from the bag with the net and release them gently into the pond.

Tips & Warnings

Slowly acclimating your fish to the pond water is necessary in order to prevent shock from sudden changes in water temperature.
Prior to making a fish purchase, talk with a local lawn and garden expert or pet store to be certain the fish you select are hardy to your area and can survive through the winter.
Adding plants to the pond is a great way to create an inviting environment for your fish, but be aware that fish will eat some plants. In this case, you may need to put a mesh cage around the plant.
If the pond has been newly constructed, allow it it to filtrate and aerate for at least two weeks before adding fish.
Wait at least one hour before feeding your new fish so they can get adjusted to their new environment.
Having the proper depth for your pond is crucial because your fish need to be able to get well below the frozen ice during the winter.
Don't dump your fish into the pond directly from the bag, as this can transfer disease from the fish store into your pond.