|
Choosing,
Introducing and Feeding the Fish
The most exciting step in the
development of your pond may be stocking it with beautiful and tranquil
fish. Choosing the type of fish can be a fun decision, while interdicting
them to your pond requires some general rule to be followed.
Choosing The
Type of Fish
There are two major categories
of fish that are ideal for your pond: Koi and Goldfish. Both are
cold-water fish available in wide varieties that will add life and color
to your pond.
Koi are considered the "king" of
pond fish; in recent years their popularity has grown to extraordinary
proportions. Koi hobbyists have cultivated their passion into a worldwide
network of clubs, breeding shows, and publications.
The Koi's appeal relates to its
gentle nature, dazzling colors and patterns, potential size, and
life-span, which may last as long as 70 years. Japanese-bred Koi are
considered superior, and are priced accordingly.
Goldfish are considered the ultimate
beginner's pond fish. They are generally less expensive than Koi and come
in an amazing array of colors. They are extremely adaptable and hardy,
capable of handling many adverse conditions. Goldfish swim at all levels,
and enjoy planted and rocky environments.
You should purchase your fish
from a reputable source. Closely examine the fishes' health, making sure
that the fishes' movements are fluid; it is alert and interested in its
surroundings; and that it enjoys regular, slow use of both gills when
breathing.
Introducing
the Fish
Check with your retailer for
specific instructions on introducing your fish to your pond. You should
take into consideration your fishes' potential size, and remember that
overcrowding your pond may jeopardize oxygen content. A general rule of
thumb is to allow three gallons of water per inch of fish.
GENERAL
FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS
Feeding Goldfish and Koi in an
outdoor pond is not difficult. Once the fish have learned to associate
your presence at the edge of the pond with feeding, they will rush to you
to be fed, crowding and jostling with each other at the water's surface.
Once they really get used to you, they will take the food right from your
fingers. As you get closer to winter, and the water gets colder, you will
notice your fish eating less food. When the water temperature drops to 50°
F and below, your fish will eat very little or stop feeding altogether.
The Wardley Corporation, a division of The
Hartz Mountain Corporation, manufactures a variety of nutritious
growth-producing food products for your pond fish, including:
Wardley® Pond™ Ten Pellets™ - Floating
Food Pellets for all Pondfish: A nutritionally balanced food formula for
all pond fish that is highly digestible and specifically designed for the
energy needs of Koi and Goldfish.
Wardley® Pond™ Ten Stix™ - Floating Food
Stix for all Pondfish: A highly digestible and eagerly accepted balanced
food formula that is light in weight and heavy in nutrition, supplying the
energy needs of Goldfish and Koi.
Wardley® Pond™ Ten Flakes™: An excellent
supplement food fortified with small whole shrimp and is a highly
nutritious food for both goldfish and koi.
Wardley® Premium Koi Growth™ - Floating
Growth Fool Pellets: A high protein food specifically tailored for the
higher energy needs of rapidly growing you Koi.
Wardley® Premium Koi Color™ - Floating
Color Enhancing Food Pellets: A highly digestible formula designed
especially for the energy needs of adult Koi.
The natural color enhancers assure that Koi attain their vibrant
reds and oranges.
Wardley® Premium Koi Staple™ - Floating
Wheat Germ Food Pellets: A superior wheat germ based maintenance diet that
is rich in Vitamin E and designed to meet the year-round energy
requirements of adult Koi.
Wardley® products are available at home
improvement, lawn and garden centers, pet specialty stores, supermarkets,
and mass merchandisers nationally.
|
