20. Stocking Capacity for Your Pond
Understanding stocking capacity for your pond is an important part of maintaing your water garden. Observe fish frequently for signs of distress and disease. Many factors influence the health of your fish, including proper feeding. We have listed some of the common disease problems you may encounter. Recommended treatments follow in Solution 18. We have also included nutrition information and seasonal feeding schedules to ensure year-round health of your pond fish. Remember that your fish are trapped in the environment you create for them and you should take great care to make that environment healthy and safe.
As you stock your pond with fish, there is a general rule to follow in relation to numbers. Under normal water conditions, stocking capacity should be 1″ of Comets, Shubunkins, and Goldfish for each 3-5 gallons of water. If you are keeping Koi, your stocking capacity will be reduced to 1/2″ of fish for each 3-5 gallons of water.
Stress and Stocking Capacity
The first stage in treating stressed or diseased fish is the addition of AquaLife Complete. AquaLife Complete helps restore the fishes’ natural slime coat. If the fish are still eating, a probiotic and vitamin supplement such AquaLife Bio Pro Plus Probiotic Health Supplement should be added to the food.
The next step is to make sure that you are feeding the fish a good variety of nutritious foods. AquaLife Koi Select ASF Premium food is a specially blended all-in-one formula that meets the nutritional needs of Koi and pond fish for all seasons (ASF= All Season Formula). AquaLife Koi Select ASF Premium is a balance of high quality ingredients in scientific ratios that provide maximum digestibility, vigorous growth, and color enhancement for all seasons. This premium formula contains wheat germ to facilitate digestion and absorption of minerals and trace elements. Sound nutrition is essential to maintain balanced growth, general health, and reproduction as well as the first line of defense against disease. AquaLife Koi Select ASF Premium Food is rich in spirulina and montmorilanite clay for color enhancement in all feeding seasons.
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Sm Pellet 8 oz
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Med Pellet 8 oz
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Sm Pellet 2 lb
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Med Pellet 2 lb
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Sm Pellet 4.5 lb
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Med Pellet 4.5 lb
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Sm Pellet 9 lb
Koi Select ASF Premium Koi Food, Med Pellet 9 lb
If disease problems arise in large ponds and it is feasible, quarantine fish away from the pond during treatment. This will prevent any disturbance in the pond’s biological filter activity. Saltwater baths are commonly used as a treatment against disease but care must be exercised. Saltwater and medication baths are also an alternative if the fish in question can be caught easily. Dye treatments and higher levels of salt concentrations can affect plant growth. If treatment of fish is not feasible outside of the pond, make sure the treatment is safe for the other plant and animal inhabitants of your pond.
We cannot be responsible for fish loss due to treatments outlined on this site. We encourage you to buy healthy livestock from reputable dealers, observe fish carefully at regular intervals and test your water frequently for problems.
•• Prevention is always your first line of defense against disease. ••
