| Although you may have favorite tropical fish | | | | to introduce them to the pond. This is a |
| for your indoor aquarium, when it comes to | | | | multi-step process, and a bit more involved |
| setting up an outdoor pond you may have to | | | | than adding them to an aquarium. First, float |
| adjust your selections a bit. What works | | | | the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This |
| inside may not work outside where the | | | | allows the temperatures to come up and match |
| environmental conditions can be harder to | | | | in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the |
| keep under control. Let's take a look at some | | | | bag and add some pond water to the bag and |
| of the more popular pond fish for outdoor | | | | reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 |
| habitats. | | | | hours or overnight. Finally, after checking |
| | | | the overall health of the fish, you can |
| * First, before you even think about putting | | | | release it into the pond. |
| fish into your pond you should make sure that | | | | |
| you turn on the pump and filtration device | | | | * Based on what fish you chose, be sure to |
| and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days. | | | | introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to |
| This allows for everything in the pond to | | | | help them feel more at home. An added benefit |
| neutralize out and also lets you test your | | | | is the plants will also help to balance out |
| equipment. Better to find out before you put | | | | your pond ecosystem. Again, don't crowd the |
| your expensive fish in the pond that | | | | pond out with plants but make sure that you |
| something isn't right! Don't forget to test | | | | have enough to help reduce algae and provide |
| the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days. | | | | a habitat for the fish. You may also find |
| | | | that over time Mother Nature may also add |
| * Next, the golden rule of thumb is you | | | | some of her own plants to the environment! |
| should allow 24 square inches of pond for | | | | |
| every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp | | | | * Finally, with your new pond up and running |
| are two of the more popular outdoor fish that | | | | and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish |
| people place in ponds. However, if you want | | | | are reacting. Some will take to their new |
| to spend a little bit more money you can also | | | | home with ease, while others will require a |
| look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi | | | | longer getting acquainted period. The simple |
| which can add some welcome variety to the | | | | truth is some fish just don't do well |
| pond. | | | | outdoors, and you may find that you have to |
| | | | change your plans as you learn what species |
| * Once you've made your selection it's time | | | | work well outside and what don't. |