What equipment do you need for a goldfish pond?

Cartoon goldfish putting equipment up on a high shelf

Running a pond can vary in levels of maintenance, depending on the type of pond and its inhabitants. However, any successful pond requires key pieces of equipment.  There is much more to keeping the occupants of a goldfish pond happy, healthy and thriving than just adding water, plants and food! Vital equipment such as filters … Read more

Goldfish Pond Size: Choosing a goldfish pond size

Two cartoon fish measuring pond size

When constructing the goldfish pond, you need to choose what size you want the pond to be. 

There are certain size constraints you should definitely abide by, such as depth of at least 3ft to prevent freezing and having a large surface area to provide better gaseous exchange within the water body.

However, the length and width can vary depending on a few things, these include: 

  • Amount of goldfish
  • Filtration size
  • Cost of running and setting up
  • What breeds of goldfish you want to keep
  • Maintenance

The volume of water is just as important as the space provided for your goldfish, as the amount of water a pond can hold contributes to its water quality. 

A pond with a relatively low volume of water means that it will become polluted with nitrogenous waste much faster.

Contrary to what some may think, more water actually means less maintenance not more, as it takes much longer for water quality to deteriorate in a larger volume.

This makes calculating the volume of water in your pond important in deciding how many fish you want to keep, as more fish means more food, more waste and more ammonia.

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The Different Types of Goldfish Ponds

Two cartoon fish pointing at different goldfish ponds

Once you know where you want to place your pond, it is time to decide what type of pond you would like to build or place there. Remember, the location you choose can add restrictions on the type of pond and what fish you want to keep in there.

The various types of ponds can be distinguished by the way they are structured, the use of materials, shape and size, function and design taste.

Every pond is different; however, the most common types of ponds follow the same rules and methods of ensuring they are secure and safe to house fish.

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Where to place a goldfish pond

Man dragging trolley with goldfish in water

If you have a yard or garden, and wish to add a decorative pond, one of the first things you must consider is where to place it. 

Location is a huge factor in the success of an outdoor pond and depending on where you decide to place it can influence its ecology in different ways.

Choosing the correct location can make the act of keeping a pond a much easier and more enjoyable experience. 

However, different setups may have different requirements, so the first thing to consider is what type of pond you wish to keep.

The location can limit what you may be able to put in your pond. Factors such as pond size, light intensity, wind/inclement weather and depth can all decide what you can keep in your pond, and how much maintenance you will have to perform.

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Goldfish know their classical music!

Cartoon of a goldfish dressed as a music conductor

Here’s some surprising information for you! Did you know that goldfish can be trained to tell the difference between different pieces of classical music?!

We’ve already debunked the three-second memory myth and explained that goldfish can hear sound. Well now, researchers have successfully trained a group of goldfish to tell their Bach from their Stravinsky!

Read on to find out how they did it…

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Water Wisteria

Water Wisteria plants in an aquarium

Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is found in its natural habit in the marshlands of the Indian subcontinent. Confusingly, it is not related to the land-based plant of the same name. Wisteria has attractive lacy-looking leaves, which range in color from light to dark green. The color of your plant depends on your tank conditions. Wisteria … Read more

Water Sprite

Water Sprite

Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is an aquatic fern found in many places around the world. It’s often found rooted in muddy areas on the floor of lakes and ponds.

It is a soft leaved green plant with numerous fronds, which make for perfect cover for smaller goldfish and newly hatched fry.

While Water Sprite is usually planted into the substrate of the tank, it can also be left floating freely.

The plant has a fine and delicate root structure and gets its nutrients from the water rather than the substrate. It generally grows to around a foot tall.

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