Things You'll Need:
- pH testing kit
- Distilled water
- Plants
- Leaf netting
- Outdoor valve filter
- Holding container
- Fish net
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Step 1
Keep the pH levels in the goldfish pond fairly stable. The levels will fluctuate, but maintaining an even pH is important for the health of the pond life. If you use the same water source every time you fill the pond, the pH will stay roughly uniform. Kits are available for testing pH levels. Safe pH levels for goldfish fall between 6.6 to 8.4, with an ideal range between 7 and 7.8. If your home water is too high or low, you may need to use distilled water to increase or decrease the levels.
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Step 2
Prevent sudden changes in water temperature. While goldfish can handle temperature changes, sudden spikes or dips can stress the fish. Use as much surface coverage, such as plants and lily pads, on the pond as possible. More surface coverage causes the water temperature to change more slowly.
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Step 3
Include hiding places and coverage on the pond for the fish. This allows your goldfish security from attack, which will keep the stress levels of your fish low. Leaf netting can also be used over a pond to prevent predators from getting at the fish.
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Step 4
Filter water that you are adding to your goldfish pond to keep the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels in the water low. Filters can be attached directly to outdoor water valves, providing a filtered hosing system.
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Step 5
Don't have too many fish in the pond, which will decrease oxygen levels. Have one fish for every three to four square feet of the water's surface area.
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Step 6
Clean the goldfish pond annually to provide the cleanest environment and keep the pond attractive. Catch the fish with a net and place them in a holding container, empty the water from the pond, spray down the whole container, and return the water, fish and plant life to the pond.
