Okay, you’re happy with your garden pond design and you’ve finished your pond installation. Now you might want to think about introducing fish to your pond.

Follow these steps to introduce fish to your garden pond.

Step 1

Once you have transported your fish home safely, float the still-sealed bag on the pond. If the pond is in the sun it is best to cover the bag while it is floating to keep the bag cool. Also, the fish will be less stressed in a darker environment.

Step 2

Float the bag for 20–30 minutes to allow the water in the bag to adjust to the temperature of the water in the pond. Then open the bag and let in some pond water  – about half as much as was already in the bag – re-tie the top and allow to float for another 20 minutes. This will allow the fish to get used to the water chemistry of the pond.

Step 3

Untie the bag and open it. Allow your fish to find their own way out of the bag and into the pond. If they are reluctant to leave the bag you may need to gently tip them out. Make sure that no little fish are stuck in the corners of the bag. The fish will hide for a day or two. This is quite natural in their new environment and there is no need to feed them, yet. After the fish come out of hiding you can begin feeding them once a day.

Now, relax and enjoy your garden pond. And if you need additional information on building or maintaining your pond we recommend the e-book “How To Build Your Own Garden Pond“ available at www.FishpondTips.com