Ponds are a beautiful addition to any outdoor area. They are a great way to house fish and water plants. Depending on the position of your pond will determine what you can keep in it.

Fantailed goldfish varieties are good in less exposed areas, such as ferneries, where they are less exposed to the elements.

Comets, shubunkins and Murray River Rainbow fish will tolerate most conditions from freezing up to 30C+.

Ponds in direct sunlight will always have more algae growth, so position your pond in a semi-sun area. Lots of plants in and around the pond will help shade it and minimize algae. Make sure no fertilizers are able to blow or wash into the pond as this is toxic to fish.

Overfeeding is also a huge issue. Ponds are a natural environment and usually become a mini self sufficient eco system. Bugs and mozzie larvae become great food. Algae is a fantastic diet, as most fish are vegetable eaters. Feeding is only necessary if there is no natural food available and then only sparingly.

You should never have to clean out the whole pond. Always have your filter running 24/7 if you have one and clean it in some of your pond water as needed. Siphon or scoop gunk and sediment from the bottom, only when you need to.

Add conditioners each time as needed. If you just need to top it up, just add water ager only.

If you want to have potted pond plants make sure they are potted in gravel only as dirt or fertilizers may poison your fish.