Most of the fish sold in pet stores are tropical varieties.In cooler temperatures, there are many beautiful and interesting species.The coldwater fish are great for beginners since they are hardy and can be kept in a room temperature aquarium.Coldwater species can be kept healthy and happy in a garden pond with proper care.
Step 1: Determine the needs of the species you plan to keep.
Some coldwater fish have the same requirements.Before you set up a habitat for the fish, you need to find out what they need in terms of space, food, and tankmates.goldfish need at least 30 gallons of tank space for one common goldfish and another 12 gallons for each additional fish.They need a plant-based diet because they are herbivorous.White cloud mountain minnows can live in schools of 8 to 10 in a 15 US gal tank.The fish need a mixture of food.
Step 2: For your tank size, purchase a power filter.
A filter is needed to keep your fish healthy.The water can be aerate with the help of the filter.Check with a fish specialist at your local pet store to find out which filter will work best for your tank.Chemical, mechanical, and biological filters are the best.A healthy balance ofbacteria in your aquarium can be promoted by using the filters that clean out solid waste and unwanted chemicals.goldfish produce high amounts of waste.Good mechanical filtration is important for the health of your fish.
Step 3: The gravel will be added to the tank.
Choose gravel that is specifically sold for use in fish tanks, since gravel from your yard or driveway may be contaminated with chemicals that are hazardous for your fish.If you plan to keep loaches, make sure the gravel you pick has smooth edges.Gravel that is too sharp can hurt your fish.In addition to making the tank look more natural and attractive, the substrate can also provide a good anchor for aquarium plants and other décor.A dwelling place for beneficialbacteria can be found on the Substrate.If you prefer, you can use sand instead of gravel.If you want to grow live plants in your tank, soil is a good choice as it is easy to clean.
Step 4: You can put decorations in your aquarium.
The decorations look pretty and give your fish places to hide.Make sure the decorations are free from sharp edges.Artificial plants, hollow fish logs or caves, and pieces of driftwood are other options.If you want to avoid introducing hazardous chemicals to the tank, make sure to choose decorations that are designed for use in fish tanks.If you want to add artificial plants to the tank, rinse them in clean water.
Step 5: For a more natural aquarium, add coldwater live plants.
Live plants look beautiful, offer places for your fish to hide, and help oxygenate the water in the tank.java moss, Cabomba, and water cabbage are good plants for fish tanks.Marimo moss balls are easy to keep.Some types of fish like to uproots and eat live plants.Pick species that are safe for plant-eating fish in your tank.If you have a goldfish, you can keep plants such as duckweed, hornwort, or java fern.
Step 6: An artificial light source is needed to light the tank.
If you keep your coldwater tank out of the sun, it will warm the water too much and cause the algae in the tank to grow.Choose an artificial light source that is built into the lid of the tank.If you want to mimic a natural day-night cycle, keep the light on for only a few hours during the day and then turn it off at night.It is possible to get a light with a timer.
Step 7: The tank needs to be filled with clean, dechlorinated water.
If you use tap water, you will need to dechlorinate it by using a water conditioner or allowing the water to sit in an open container for 24 hours.You can purchase a water testing kit at your local pet store or bring in a sample to make sure that your water is free from chemical contaminants and has a healthy pH balance for your fish.Coldwater fish do best in water with a pH of 7.To find out what the healthiest water levels are for your fish, research their needs.
Step 8: The tank's temperature should be between 61 and 75 F.
Unless you keep your home very warm or very cool, most coldwater fish will do fine in a tank kept at room temperature.The tank should be kept away from drafts and heat sources, and the water should stay within an acceptable temperature range, if you put a thermometer in it.If your tank gets too hot, you can buy an aquarium chiller.Aquarium chillers are more expensive than heaters, with many costing $200 or more.
Step 9: 25% of the water in the tank should be changed every week.
Regular partial water changes are required to maintain the health of your tank.Remove 14 of the water from the tank and replace it with clean, dechlorinated water.Add water with the same temperature and pH level as you removed it.Depending on the size of your tank and how many fish you have, you may need to change the water frequently.If you have a lot of small fish in a tank, you may need to change the water frequently.
Step 10: You should give your fish a few small meals a day.
It's a good idea to know the needs of the fish you plan to keep.Feed your fish no more than they can finish in 4-5 minutes, as a general rule.Check to make sure you are getting the right kind of food for your fish because coldwater fish can be omnivores.If you have more than one species of fish in a tank, you may need a variety of foods to meet their needs.
Step 11: A pond can be built.
There are many coldwater fish in garden ponds.The number of fish you plan to keep will affect the size of the pond.You should research the needs of your fish before you build a pond.You will need a pond with a capacity of at least 150 gallons per fish.You'll need around 30 gallons per fish for a goldfish pond.If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, your pond should be at least 3 feet deep.This depth will help keep the pond from freezing.You can build your own pond or buy a premade one at a garden supply store.If you don't want to build the pond yourself, consider hiring a landscaping professional.
Step 12: The partially shaded area is where your pond should be.
Coldwater fish may become overheated if they are exposed to direct sun most of the day.Overgrowth of algae in your pond can be caused by too much sunlight.There is a good balance of light and shade in the garden where your pond is located.Your fish may be sluggish if your pond gets no sunlight.Plants, rocks, and other ornamentation can shade the pond if you can't find a shady spot in your garden.
Step 13: Add décor to your pond.
Rocks, decorations, and plants can be added to your pond to make it more attractive.Put in any large decorative objects first, then put in some aquarium or fish pond sand.The sand is an anchor for plants and décor.Sand, rocks, and decorations can be used in fish ponds.It is possible that objects not designed for this use could harm your fish.If you add water plants to your pond, make sure they are safe for your fish to eat.
Step 14: The water should be cool and oxygenated.
Air pumps can help keep your pond cool.Oxygen is distributed through the water to allow your fish to breathe.A pump designed for the volume of your pond is a good buy.You can buy a pond aeration pump at a garden supply store.You may need more than one pump for large ponds.Air stones and other aeration ornaments can help diffuse the air from your pump.
Step 15: For the size of the pond, buy a filter that is appropriate.
A fish pond needs a filter to keep the water clean and healthy for your fish.This is important for goldfish, which produce a lot of waste.Make sure the capacity of the filter works with the volume of your pond.If you want to build your own pond filter, you can either buy it from a home or garden supply store.
Step 16: Every 1 to 2 weeks, do partial water changes.
Without regular water changes, your pond water will quickly become dirty.Only 25% of the water can be removed from the pond.You can replace what you remove with clean, dechlorinated water.When you refill the pond, try to use water that is the same temperature and pH level as the water you removed.
Step 17: If the pond is hot, add cool water slowly.
If it's a hot day and you notice your fish gasping for air at the surface of the pond, you need to act quickly to cool the water down.If you remove 20% of the water from the pond, you should replace it with clean, dechlorinated water.If you want to avoid a rapid change in the water temperature, add the cool water gradually and in small amounts.The fish can be harmed by sudden temperature fluctuations.Adding shade and turning up the air flow on your aeration pumps can help cool the pond.
Step 18: If you expect long periods of freezing temperatures, you should install a pond de-icer.
Coldwater fish can tolerate low water temperatures, but they will die if the pond gets too cold.If you expect to have periods of freezing temperatures that last for a few days, install a de-icer in your pond to keep it from freezing over completely.De-icers can be purchased from home and garden supply stores.A good aeration pump may be enough to prevent your pond from freezing over if your area only experiences short periods of freezing weather.If your pond is frozen over, you can break the ice by setting a hot tea kettle on the surface.Many species of coldwater fish, such as goldfish and koi, can be found in the warmer pockets of water close to the bottom of the pond.The water can be as cold as 40 F.
Step 19: The cooler months are a good time to reduce the amount of food you serve.
You'll need to change your feeding pattern if you want your fish to eat more as the water cools.Feed your fish no more than once or twice a day, and only give them food if they are hungry, if the water temperature drops below 59 F.They can eat in about 2 minutes.Once the water temperature drops below 50 F, your fish will stop eating.Try to give your fish a small meal twice a week, but stop if they don't like it.Coldwater pond pellets are easy to digest during the colder months.