FISH CARE In Carlisle Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg & Hershey PA
Fish Specifics
- Ornamental, fresh-water goldfish and koi are available for aquariums, water gardens, and koi ponds.
- Fish come in a wide variety of sizes, depending on seasonal availability.
- Goldfish varieties include: Comets, Shubunkins, Fantails, Moors, Orandas, and other fancy goldfish.
- During the summer season, various stores may offer other ornamental varieties suitable for your pond.
- Goldfish and koi are able to breed by the time they reach 5-6" in length.
- Goldfish and koi grow in relation to their nutrition, water conditions, and are also affected by their genetics.
- Jumbo fish will get large, regardless of tank size. Goldfish can grow to be 10-12" in length. Koi can get to sizes in excess of 24".
- Check out Butterfly Koi. These koi have the long, flowing fins, with the beautiful markings of koi (typically 10-15" in length).
- Both goldfish and koi thrive in temperate water conditions.
- Dormancy occurs during the winter, once water temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. This is also the point at which they should stop being fed.
- As long as the pond does not freeze to the bottom and an air hole is provided on the pond's surface, your fish will survive the winter. Healthy water is critical to fish health. Keep your pond filtered both mechanically and biologically.
Introducing Fish to Their New Home in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg & Hershey PA
There are a few steps you should take before introducing the fish in too your pond in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg & Hershey PA .
Pond Thermometers are necessary to check your pond's water temperature. Whenever you are transferring
fish from one area to another, check the water temperatures of both areas. They should be within a few degrees.
Pond Thermometers are necessary to check your pond's water temperature. Whenever you are transferring
fish from one area to another, check the water temperatures of both areas. They should be within a few degrees.
Acclimating your Fish
Upon arriving home, make sure your pond water is dechlorinated. To avoid shock to your fish, float the fish bag on the pond's surface for approximately 20 minutes, add some pond water into the bag, and wait another 20 minutes before releasing them (minimize the amount of water from the bag being transferred into pond). This will allow the fish to become acclimated to any temperature and water quality differences in their new homes!
Newly introduced fish may immediately hide due to the stress of travel and new surroundings. Minimize initial feeding and treat your pond as you would normally. |
|
Fish Feeding Tips
|
Fish do not have to eat every day. Give your fish what they will eat in 2 - 3 minutes per feeding. Higher temperatures increase the metabolic rate of fish. Although fish may be fed once a day, they enjoy several feeding times. Be careful; excess food becomes nutrients in the pond that may readily be used by algae. Stop feeding when the water temperature dips below 50 degrees F. Remember to check your pond thermometer! If you feed from a consistent location, your fish can be conditioned to be rather friendly. Store fish food in a cool, moisture-free environment in an air-tight container. In early spring or late fall, when temperatures range from 50? F to 65? F, use Koi Balance™ LoTemp™ Fish Food.
The Aquascape line of floating koi and pond fish food provides nutritionally complete and balanced formulations designed to meet the nutritional requirements of your pond pets. Developed under the guidance of a top koi veterinarian, these unique foods are scientifically blended from the highest quality protein sources, digestive enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins. These blends provide excellent taste, have low ash content and are highly digestible, resulting in increased nutrient absorption to support growth, maintain health and color, and reduce waste in your pond. |