Common Koi Fish Myths

The number one reason why people get a water garden, backyard pond, waterfeature (CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL) is so they can have fish, DUH. Then they research and ask around and hope they're getting advice that doesn't lead them astray. Don’t let the fears and myths of owning fish keep you from getting a few of your own finned friends for your water garden---know your facts. Take a look below at how Aquascape Inc. has cracked some commonly heard myths about fish in a water-- credit to Aquascape, Inc for all the research and information!

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“Fish will just create more pond maintenance.”

Actually, fish are a crucial part of the ecosystem. Koi reduce algae by feeding on it, and they fertilize plants with their waste. So, fish actually create less pond maintenance if you have the right factors in place.

“Koi cannot live in a pond with rocks and gravel.”

Koi originated in nature, where rocks and gravel cover almost every pond on earth. We build rock and gravel lined ponds almost daily, which have housed perfectly healthy and happy Koi for a few decades now.

“I don’t want to lose all my fish to predators.”

If constructed properly, one can virtually eliminate the risk of predators with a few simple precautionary techniques. Ask us what you could be doing differently to protect your fish! In fact, that is another benefit to having a pond installed by professionals!

“Koi need at least three feet of water to survive.”

95% of the ponds that we build are two feet deep in the center, and the koi are happy and healthy as can be---the freeze zone is 18"! More information on fall/winter "life support" tips can be found by reading this blog.

“I don’t want to be troubled with bringing my
fish inside for the winter.”

Koi are an extremely hardy fish, whose ancestors over-wintered in freezing conditions, and still do. Just keep the water circulating and maintain a hole in the ice and they’ll never know the difference (their DNA is use to it!).

“Koi fish are too expensive.”

Actually, the price of a 4" pet quality koi start at $10 each with show quality koi going for one hundred thousand dollars or more. If you're lucky and your fish are happy, happy, they may give you free baby koi on their own during mating season!

Since fish food is also very inexpensive, how much you want to spend on fish is your decision. Some customers we have don't feed their koi fish at all!

"Koi don't get along with goldfish."

Koi and goldfish can actually live harmoniously together and have done so for decades! We very rarely ever see aggression between these two species beyond mating season and the occasional mean fish.

"Koi are harder to keep than goldfish."

It depends what way you look at it and how hands-on your want to be with your pond. Goldfish for example, produce more waste and more spawn than koi, thereby creating more maintenance for the pond than a koi would. Goldfish do not eat algae and need to be fed, whereas Koi will fend for themselves if they get hungry and fress on algae.  Both fish overwinter the same, however, the size of the fish, species aside, is what matters when overwintering.

So What Now??

Want the fish but don't want the hassle of taking care of them? Dreamscapes offers Spring Opening, Fall Shutdown and even Routine Pond Maintenance packages seasonally! We also carry a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT


Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA