How to Care for Goldfish in Small Garden Ponds

The goldfish is of the most common fish used in garden ponds. Goldfish are easy to keep in ponds because they adapt to different pond conditions. They are also bright in color, making them easily seen from above. If your garden pond is small, though, take precautions--many goldfish in a small pond can cause living conditions to become less than suitable.

Things You'll Need

  • Pond filter
  • Goldfish food
  • pH test kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your pond filter once per month to make sure it is running properly. If the filter stops working, the ammonia or nitrite levels will begin to rise. Ideally, you want these numbers to remain at zero in order for the fish to stay healthy.

    • 2

      Measure the surface area of your small garden pond. According to Water Garden, you can have one goldfish for every 3 to 4 sq. ft. of the pond's surface area. Any more than that will not only decrease the oxygen levels in the pond, but it will also increase the ammonia and nitrite levels.

    • 3

      Feed your goldfish only as much food as they can eat in the span of five minutes. Pay attention during the first week so that you can begin to gauge how much food that is. Keep a chart until you get the hang of things.

      Note: You can feed your goldfish two times per day in the summer, but your goldfish won't need to eat that much in the winter. Once per day, or even every other day is fine.

    • 4

      Keep track of your pond's pH level. Test the pond water once each week with a test kit (you can get them at pool supply stores). An ideal pH for goldfish to live safely is 6.6 to 8.4.