How to Care for Gold Fish Ponds

People have been keeping goldfish ponds since China's Tang Dynasty. Initially a luxury for royalty only, goldfish ponds now offer beauty and splendor to the gardens of people from all walks of life. These beautiful, yet hearty members of the carp family are easy to care for in a pond environment. With a few easy steps, you can keep your goldfish healthy and your pond beautifully maintained.

Things You'll Need

  • Fountain or waterfall
  • pH test kit
  • pH-altering chemicals or baking soda
  • Pellet food
  • Filters
  • Garden hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your goldfish are getting enough oxygen by studying their behavior. If the dissolved oxygen level is too low they will gasp for air at the surface. Goldfish tolerate much lower oxygen levels than other pond fish species, but levels can still drop too low especially in warm weather. To increase the oxygen level, disturb the water with a fountain, pump or waterfall.

    • 2

      Keep the pH level in your pond between 7 and 9. The lower the pH level the more acidic the water. It's very important not to let the level drop too low or your goldfish may die. Test the water periodically with a pH testing kit. Simply place the testing strip into the water then compare the resulting color with the chart provided. Adjust the pH level with store-bought chemicals or raise it by adding baking soda.

    • 3

      In warmer weather, feed your goldfish small amounts two to three times per day. Feed smaller fish flake food and larger fish pellets. It's important to feed them only as much as they can eat in 5 minutes to avoid overfeeding. If allowed, goldfish will eat too much, impairing their health and causing excess waste.

      As the weather cools, gradually start feeding your fish less, and when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees F, stop feeding them altogether. Goldfish are cold-blooded and don't actively feed during the winter months. To help them build up a healthy reserve, make sure to feed them high protein food during the summer.

    • 4

      Clean filters whenever they clog by dismantling them and rinsing them off with a hose. You may need to do this weekly, or less, depending upon the number of fish in your pond and the time of year. During warmer months, goldfish produce more waste than in cooler temperatures.