Do I need a big pond to have fish?
How big it is will determine how many fish it can support. No water feature is too small, but if your pond is tiny, you might only be able to have two or three small fish.

What is the difference between goldfish and Koi?
Goldfish and Koi are selections of carp, but from two different families. Goldfish are mutations from crucian carp and Koi are from common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Koi tend to move through the water at a more relaxed, peaceful speed than goldfish.

Does it make any difference what type of goldfish or Koi I choose?
There are lots of kinds of goldfish and Koi with a wide variety of markings, body shapes and types of fins. The fish are there to enhance your water feature, so choose what looks best to you.

Why don't you see other kinds of fish in water features?
There are several other varieties of fish that would do well in our area, but they aren't brightly colored. Once in the water, it is very difficult to see them, so they add little or nothing to the beauty of your water.

Are there common mistakes made when adding fish and other creatures to water ponds?
The top three mistakes are stocking the pond too quickly after filling it, putting in too many fish at once and overstocking. You can save yourself lots of money and frustration by adding a few inexpensive feeder goldfish first to make sure your water is ready.

How early in the season can I introduce fish?
In our unpredictable climate, it is best to wait until mid-May to add fish to your water. Koi and goldfish can tolerate cold water, but sudden drastic changes can be stressful and potentially fatal.

How many fish can I put in my pond?
The amount of surface water you have will determine how many fish your pond can support. The rule is a body of water will support as many fish as can fit head-to-tail across its average diameter. If you add additional air by using a pump or air stone, you can add more fish.

Can I get them locally or will I have to order through the mail?
While mail ordering fish seems like an impossibility, it can be done quite successfully, but buying them locally is far easier on you and the fish. Take the time to look over all the fish where you shop (watch for signs of diseases or illness) and ask about a guarantee. It's fun to pick out the exact fish you want.

How do I get my water ready for fish?
Ideally, the water should be in your pond for several weeks before you introduce any fish. Check in your area for a fish store that tests water or buy a home test kit. Various factors can affect your fish, including pH and the levels of chlorine, floride, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Chlorine will evaporate in a few days, but some of the other chemicals will not, so it is important to have the water checked before adding fish, especially if you use city water. That sounds like a lot to worry about, but luckily most of it will never cause you a problem.

Will I need to test my water very often?
Test your water before you introduce fish and then monitor it every few weeks throughout the season. Watch your fish for signs of problems. If they seem lethargic, have a slimy appearance, rub up against objects underwater or spend very much time gulping air at the surface, there is probably a problem. You can buy a test kit that will enable you to check the pH, nitrites and nitrates.

What causes the water to change?
The nitrogen cycle occurs naturally in water as fish waste, uneaten food and plant materials decay. When something disturbs the natural cycle, such as too much fish waste, there can be harmful buildups. Fertilizers washing in from surrounding lawns and gardens cause problems, too.

Should I put in a filter and recirculating pump?
Pumps and filters will enable you to keep more fish and plants and keep your water healthier.

Do I need to have plants if I want to have fish?
Plants play a role in the nitrogen cycle, using nitrates as plant food. If you don't have plants to help balance the pond, you will have to monitor the water more closely.

If I pick out a pretty young Koi with markings and color I really like, will it continue to look the same as it grows?
Often as the fish grows, markings will change. While the fish seldom totally change their color, color is greatly affected by what you feed your fish. Koi foods usually contain color enhancers.

Do I need any special equipment if I'm going to have fish?
Unless you are going to try to maintain more fish than the water will support on its own, you don't need any special equipment. Filters and aerators are optional, helping keep the water healthy and oxygenated.

What, and how often, should I feed my fish?
Because the fish are captive in an artificial environment, it is important that you provide a high quality food designed for captive fish. For larger fish, you can buy a pelleted food. For smaller fish, you can use flakes. Try to feed them on a regular schedule (daily or two-three times a week), giving them as much as they will eat in five minutes. How much they will eat will vary according to how active they are, how cold the water is and if they are growing.

Besides fish, what else can I add to my water?
Frog tadpoles are great, especially bullfrogs. As adults, they will probably leave your pond in search of companions and a more natural setting, but they are fascinating to watch as they change and they are great scavengers. Some snails are good for ponds too, but be careful because there are a few varieties that can damage your plants.

How do I over winter my fish?
Unless you have a very deep pond and the ability to keep part of the surface open during the winter, it is unlikely that the fish will winter successfully outdoors.

How could I keep the water open?
There are inexpensive heaters used to keep stock tanks from freezing sold at farm stores and they do a good job.

Can I bring my fish indoors?
You may want to try bringing in a few fish and keeping them in a large, unheated tank for the winter. Be sure to keep the water circulating and give them plenty of room.

Can't I take my fish and let them loose in a local pond that is deep enough for them to overwinter?
It may be tempting, but please don't do it. It is illegal and can cause problems in that habitat for years to come. If you can't winter them indoors, you may want to check with local fish dealers to see if they can use them.