5 Things You Need To Do Before Introducing a New Fish Into The Pond

Introducing a new member to your backyard aquatic habitat is a rather slow process, but a necessary one. There a number of reasons, from the risk of diseases and parasites spreading in your pond, to simply losing your new fish to the shock of the new environment.

A New Member of The Family – How to Introduce a New Fish Into The Pond?

If you have decided it is time to have a new fish join your family there are several steps you should follow. You must not forget that the new fish is not accustomed to the ecosystem of your pond. Also, there is a chance the new fish may not be in the best health condition.

The first step you should take is “quarantine” your new fish for several weeks and keep an eye out for any signs of parasites and diseases. If during the time of quarantine your new fish has no health issues, then it is time to take it to the pond.

Before you release it to the pond check the water quality – is the pH in your Pond on a good level, is the water treated, are the levels of ammonia and nitrates in the acceptable range? These are all important factors that you should usually check on regularly. Some find it best not to feed the old fish for a couple of days, so the pond’s water can be cleaned and balanced, and ready to welcome the new fish.

Now, before you open the bag of your fish, put it for around 30 in the water. Pour some of the pond’s water in the bag a few times so that the fish can adjust itself to the water temperature and chemical conditions gradually. Be careful so you don’t spill any of the bag’s water into the pond.

Carefully transfer your fish into the water using a big enough net. Once your fish is in the water, you should keep an eye on it. Some fish tend to jump out of the ponds since they are stressed from the environmental change and not entirely adjusted to the chemical balance.

The hardest period, however, is the next 24 hours. During that period you should not feed the fish, no matter how much it “begs” for food. Then you will have completed the acclimatization process.

If you need further consultation or help with pond maintenance and care, please contact our team.