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Four Seasons of Pond Care
Water Garden Plants
Pond Fish
Water Barrel Gardening

 

 

SHERIDAN GARDENS NURSERY, INC

 

Burbank Store

817 N. Hollywood Way

Burbank, CA 91505

(818) 841-8845

www.sheridangardens.com 


Pond Fish

The two most popular types of pond fish are Goldfish and its family members; Koi.  Over 120 varieties of Goldfish have been recorded.  Among the most popular: the common goldfish.  In addition to gold, there are other colors available-Yellow-gold varieties are known as Canaries, white ones are called Pearls and spotted or blotched ones are referred to as Orioles.  Other popular varieties are Shubunkins, Fantails and Comets.  Koi are a type of Carp and a very popular because of their large size and brilliant colors.  The fish can be black, white, yellow, blue or red.  Many varieties feature a combination of several colors.  For example, Taisho Sanke is a pure white Koi with distinct red and black markings.

fish.jpg (15622 bytes)Food is available in pellet and floating stick form.  The pellets are manufactured in various sizes to suit the size of the fish.  They will float for a time; when the pores fill with water, they will sink.  Floating sticks are light weight air encapsulated sticks that float for a longer period of time due to the air trapped inside them.

Because fish are cold blooded, their nutrition and activity is affected by the temperature of the water.  The lower the temperature, the less active the fish and the less frequently they should be fed.  During hot summer days, feeding is recommended three times per day.  When water temperature is in the 60-70 degree F. range, two feedings each day are optimal.  At 50-60 degrees F., cut back to one feeding.

It is essential to fish health that the pond be maintained to provide an environment in which fish can thrive.  A poor environment can weaken the fish, leaving them particularly susceptible to attack by parasites and disease.  To help keep the pond healthy, check pH frequently.  Most pond fish require a pH that is mildly alkaline in the range of 7.5 to 8.0.

fishdiseases.jpg (84757 bytes)All fish require oxygen to live.  Good water movement is essential to a healthy pond, as it aerates the water allowing oxygen to dissolve in the water. Ammonia, nitrates and other chemicals can adversely affect the health of your fish.  There are tests and treatments available to identify and control the presence of these and other dangerous chemicals.

From the Water Garden and Pond Buyers' Guide