How to Choose between Goldfish and KOIWritten by Brett Fogle
Many people have asked us over years "Should I add goldfish or KOI (or both) to my pond? The answer is "it depends."Goldfish are better suited to smaller water gardens and ponds, in 50 - 500 gallon range. Goldfish are extremely hardy and easy to care for, which makes them perfect choice for new pond owner or water gardener. KOI Feeding KOI, on other hand, require a little more knowledge and better water quality in most cases, than goldfish and are better suited to more experienced pond keeper. KOI generally thrive best in ponds over 500 gallons (the bigger - better.) This is becuase KOI can grow quite large and therefore require more water in pond for proper biological breakdown of waste. KOI are also more expensive (and harder to replace) than goldfish, so this should also be taken into account before filling your new pond full of KOI fish. More considerations... Goldfish are an excellent choice for average water garden that is usually also full of a variety of potted plants. Lilies, Lotus, Iris, and submerged annuals - these all do well in a water garden pond with goldfish. Goldfish will not disturb plants, and will enjoy playing around under lily pads without disturbing plants.
| | Pond Salt for Health FishWritten by Brett Fogle
The important question of whether or not to add salt to your pond is often confusing for beginners and forgotten by experienced pond-keepers. To newbies and pro's alike we have this to say: "Add Salt Today to Keep Fish Doctor Away" True, there are some negative effects of higher salt levels on plants in pond, but overall we think it is absolutely very best thing you can add to your pond in terms of keeping your fish happy and healthy. Salt acts as a natural 'stress coat' and essentially thickens slime coat on fish's body - which is it's own natural defense system against bacteria and parasites. Salt is also very effective in killing bacteria and parasites in pond. When added in proper doses, salting your pond can dramatically reduce threat of disease affecting your fish. It's just like with humans - we are always exposed to common cold cells in their body, but can usually resist if their immune system is strong. Similarly, pond fish and KOI are always exposed to some degree of parasite and bacteria presence in pond, but by keeping their immune system strong and their slime coat thick, you shouldn't have any problems. Pond fish actively maintain a natural balance of electrolytes in their body fluids. Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium are removed from water by chloride cells located in gills. These electrolytes are essential for uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide and ammonium across gill membranes. The lack of electrolytes can cause serious health problems to fish. Pond Salt is an all natural salt, providing essential electrolytes fish need to survive. Pond Salt is not just a table salt ( sodium chloride ). It is made from evaporated sea water. Evaporated sea water contains necessary electrolytes pond fish need.
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