If you’re thinking of setting up a fish pond, congratulations! You’re in for hours of enjoyment and relaxation as you watch your gorgeous fish swim around.
But first, you’ll have to set it up! So, what do you need to create a gorgeous, healthy pond? What are the essential items? What do your fish need to thrive and keep healthy? Let’s check out what a pond needs:
An aeration system
The benefits of aeration
One thing your ‘fin-tastic’ friends definitely need is oxygen. Any plants in the water, as well as your actual goldfish, require an oxygen-rich environment to thrive. This is especially true during the warmer months of the year when oxygen levels get pretty low. Aeration also helps keep your pond clean by preventing harmful bacteria from building up.
Another benefit of moving the water in your pond around via aeration is that it keeps your water at a consistent temperature. This means your fish can stay at the temperature they need and are used to anywhere in the pond.
Different types of aerator
You have several options for aeration. The first is subsurface, surface, or diffuser aerators. You install these devices in some regions of your pond to release bubbles or use a propeller for inconspicuous aeration. Different aerators are suited to specific shapes and sizes of ponds.
Then there are waterfalls and fountains. These aerators spray water and produce movement and turbulence in your pond to get oxygen. They are also quite decorative and pretty to watch!
Cleaning tools
Supplements and additives
Of course, you can’t rely on aeration to keep your pond in tip-top condition. Algae and harmful bacteria will always build up, despite all your best protective measures. That’s why a water quality test kit is a good idea. This way, you can spot and tackle problems early.
Another way to prevent harmful bacteria buildup is to use supplements. This way, good bacteria help slow down the growth of harmful bacteria in your pond. The beneficial bacteria also provide health benefits to your fish as it stamps out other bacteria.
Pond tools
Then there are tools like pond skimmers and pond vacuums. These tools remove the debris and sludge that build up in any pond without disturbing your fish too much. You could even invest in a UV clarifier to reduce algae in another non-invasive way.
Fish food
And obviously, your fish need food that’s nutritious and delicious to eat! But, of course, all fish are different, so they need unique things from their food. One thing’s for sure, though – all fish need plenty of protein and the right vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and fighting fit.
Take a look at Aquaris saver sets if you want the right food and care products for pond fish. Aquaris offers everything you need for koi and other pond fish to thrive, including easily-digestible and high-quality food, paired with natural pond care products to keep your pond clean and healthy!