Choosing fish for your pond

• Comets (goldfish), shubunkins and koi are the hardiest choices.  Fantails, oranda and other fancy fish are not as hardy and are not fast swimmers, making them easy prey for the blue heron and other predators
• Remember that your fish will grow, so do not overstock your pond.  One inch of fish per square foot of surface area is plenty, so plan ahead, they will get bigger!
• A new pond should be treated with start-up bacteria and run for at least two weeks before adding fish.  This time period is necessary to allow your biological filter to begin to establish a beneficial bacteria colony
• Purchase fish only from a reputable dealer that follows good quarantine procedures
• Float your new fish in the pond for about 1/2 hour, then open the bag and add some pond water.  Wait about 5 minutes, add more pond water, wait another five minutes, finally release the fish into their new home.  Do not put the water from the bag into your pond, just the fish
• Your new fish may hide out and not eat for several days as they become acclimated, this is normal behavior