Garden ponds how many fish

No pond owner wants this! Read on to learn more about how many fish per gallon you should have. Too many fish per gallon can overload the pond with ammonia and make your fish sick. It would be like getting into a crowded elevator and needing to stretch your legs. They also may breed and cause the pond to become overfull. When deciding on the amount of fish your pond can hold, keep these factors in mind:. A pond with mechanical and biological filtration and aquatic plants will better sustain fish than ponds without them.

If you want more fish you can add filtration and aeration so the pond can support them. Here are some basic rules determining how many fish your pond can sustain:. But how many pond fish is too many fish? It is a question I am asked frequently, and an important one. One of the first things to learn about ponds is that they are an ecosystem that can easily be thrown off balance.

Overstocking your pond with fish can result in:. The widely accepted equation to determine how many pond fish to add to your pond is 10 gallons of water per inch of fish. When calculating, you will measure the fish from the mouth to the base of the tailfin. But keep in mind, when you buy fish they will probably only be a few inches long and will want to give your fish room to grow. In the right environment koi can reach lengths greater than 48 inches 4 feet.

The size of your pond, the amount of fish you stock, as well as how much, and how often, they are fed will affect how big they get. From the same family as goldfish, but have bright red patches on a white background. Very useful bottom feeders, clearing up any uneaten food etc. A golden variety is often available. Orfe can grow up to 40cm 18in and prefer to be kept in shoals. They are useful surface feeders, keeping the insect population in check.

Blue Orfe are sometimes available. Should not be kept in smaller ponds or where there is no pump, as they require plenty of oxygen. Stocking levels will vary depending on filtration and husbandry however a general rule for stocking is 25 cm of fish per square metre of surface area or 55cms per litres volume. When stocking your pond, keep in mind your fish will continue to grow and breed.

It is possible to introduce a few fish into your pond 48 hours after it has been installed and filled with the use of a suitable de-chlorinator. However we recommend waiting for about 4 weeks after the pond has been planted to give it time to settle and mature. This creates a more natural environment for your new fish. For latest offers, new arrivals and inspiration to your inbox. By subscribing you understand that we will process your personal data in line with our Privacy and Cookie Policy.