If you’re looking to add a beautiful water feature to your backyard, consider an outdoor pond with fish. Not only do they add beauty and serenity to your outdoor space, but they also add value to your home should you ever choose to sell.

Today, we’re going over everything you need to know about keeping fish in outdoor ponds. From choosing the right fish for backyard pond installations to seasonal maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Considerations for Keeping Fish in Outdoor Ponds

When you think about fish in outdoor ponds, it’s important to know what to consider. Do you have enough space to support fish? What should you feed them? Which fish are right for your climate and backyard pond installation? Fish in ponds will thrive when you are mindful of the most important factors.

Factors to consider for keeping fish in outdoor ponds include:

• Choosing the right pond fish
• Creating the optimal environment
• What to feed your fish
• Maintaining water quality
• Cleaning pond water with fish in it
• Seasonal care specifically for fish in ponds
• Being aware of pond fish health, disease, or parasites

Choosing the Right Pond Fish

When it comes to choosing the best pond fish, it’s important to select species that are adapted for outdoor living and will thrive in your climate. Goldfish and koi are popular choices because they are hardy fish for outdoor pond installations that can survive in varying climate conditions. 

Putting fish in outdoor ponds means you need to provide enough space for that species, as well. Backyard koi pond ideas, for example, should be a little larger to accommodate the slightly larger size of these fish. Fish like goldfish or the Golden Tench, however, are ideal for small pond ideas as their size isn’t problematic.

Creating the Optimal Pond Environment

There are a number of things to consider when creating the optimal environment for keeping fish in outdoor ponds vs. indoor tanks, such as:

• The right pond location
• The right water depth
• The right size for pond filters
• The right plants to improve oxygen

To create a healthy environment for fish in outdoor ponds, you need to choose the right location for your water feature. In many cases, a pond should be situated in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight each day and is protected from strong winds. The pond should also be deep enough to provide adequate space for your fish to swim and thrive.

The optimal environment while keeping fish for outdoor ponds also requires attention to filtration. Pond filters are essential for maintaining healthy water conditions and should be the right size for the volume of water in your pond. Additionally, adding the right plants can help with filtration by absorbing excess nutrients and providing oxygen for fish in ponds.

The environment for fish in ponds doesn’t stop at what’s under the water. Homeowners also need to consider pond landscaping ideas surrounding their water features. Native plants in the region provide better protection than invasive species. Furthermore, creating a full landscape for your pond adds to the overall look of your water feature and may even help protect fish in outdoor ponds from predators.

What to Feed Your Fish in Outdoor Ponds

Keeping fish in outdoor ponds also means you need to know what to feed them. Some fish species may be able to thrive off of natural algae buildups or any bugs that may land in the water. Others, however, may require regular feeding of fish food to survive and thrive.

Some examples of what you may feed fish for outdoor ponds are,

1. Commercial fish food pellets: These are what most people think of when it comes to feeding fish. There are different sizes and formulas depending on the type of fish you have like Koi or Goldfish.
2. Frozen or live food: Certain fish in outdoor ponds may thrive on live or frozen food like shrimp, krill, or bloodworms.
3. Vegetables: Some species, like Koi, are herbivores and fare better on a diet right in plants. While not thought of as the “usual” fish food, lettuce, peas, spinach and watercress are beneficial. Note: Be cautious as these may cause issues with filtering systems depending on the size.
4. Insects: Certain species enjoy insects like mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers.
5. Algae: Like we mentioned above, some fish in outdoor ponds can thrive on algae buildups. Even though it’s not very appetizing looking to the human eye, it’s typically high in protein and a great supplement to your outdoor fish’s diet.

Feeding your pond fish the right food is crucial for their health and well-being. Avoid overfeeding your fish, as excess food can lead to poor water quality and potential health problems. As a general rule, feed your fish only what they can consume in a few minutes. Pond fish providers will be able to provide guidance on what kind of food your fish need.

Maintaining Water Quality

Maintaining water quality is arguably one of the most important considerations for keeping fish in outdoor ponds. Filtration isn’t the only way of keeping the water just right. Regular testing of water pH as well as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are essential for keeping a safe environment for your fish. Changing the water during seasonal maintenance is another important way to maintain a healthy environment for your fish.

Cleaning Pond Water With Fish In It

Cleaning pond water with fish in it requires special care. It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that can harm your fish. Instead, consider using natural methods such as adding beneficial bacteria or using a pond vacuum to remove debris from the bottom of the pond.

To clean an outdoor pond with fish you should:

1. Use a pond net to skim the surface of the water and remove any debris (leaves, twigs, etc.)
2. Remove the water feature pump, plants, and decorations from the pond
3. For a full pond draining, remove your fish and put them in a safe container
4. Clean the bottom of the pond, removing any debris that has settled there
5. Remove overgrown algae from rocks or the basin of your pond
6. Clean the pond filter and pump to keep the water clean

If you remove the fish from your pond for a full-drain cleaning or deep cleaning, be sure to do so gently. When fish are stressed, they become more susceptible to illness or disease. Additionally, be sure to reintroduce them to the pond gently to avoid shock.

Seasonal Care Specifically for Fish in Ponds

Seasonal care for fish in outdoor ponds involves making adjustments based on changes in weather and temperature. During the winter months, it’s important to keep a hole in the ice to allow for gas exchange and prevent the buildup of harmful gases. In the summer, homeowners should monitor water temperature and provide adequate shade to prevent overheating. You also need to keep an eye on water levels due to higher evaporation rates during the hot summer months.

Seasonal care should also include cleaning pond water. A full drain and cleaning is part of backyard pond maintenance and is most often recommended before major season changes (i.e. before summer or before winter).  When draining and replacing pond water, move fish over to a large tub filled with the old pond water in order to prevent them from experiencing shock. Fish in outdoor ponds are susceptible to shock if new water is too cold, too warm, or any of a number of changes. Reintroduce them to the clean pond slowly and give them time to adjust.

Pond Fish Health, Disease, or Parasites

Homeowners must also monitor for health, disease, and parasites when keeping fish in outdoor ponds. Common issues that can arise include: 

• Parasites
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections

These ailments can stem from water cleanliness, debris in the water, chemical levels, and even water temperature. If you notice any signs of your pond fish acting strangely, it’s important to take action quickly.

Keeping fish in outdoor ponds adds a wonderful additional element to your water feature. They add to a diverse environment and create a unique backyard space. By choosing the right fish and considering all the important factors we’ve outlined here, you can create a healthy and beautiful environment for your fish to thrive. Ready to get started planning fish for backyard pond ideas you have? Check out the NVS Waterscapes Project Planner and submit the plans to us. One of our water feature installation professionals will be in touch to bring your dream to life! 

If you have any questions about the process in general, shoot us a message on our contact form.