How Should I Add Koi or Goldfish to my Backyard Pond in Rochester New York (NY) ? Introducing koi and goldfish to a pond can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some steps to follow:
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Backyard Koi Pond Maintenance | Rochester New York | NY| For many Rochester (NY) homeowners, a backyard koi pond is a beautiful and peaceful addition to their landscape. However, some pond owners may find themselves facing a range of issues, from algae blooms and water quality issues, to difficulty keeping their fish healthy. If you’re having trouble maintaining your koi pond, it may be due to the way the pond was built or designed. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we understand the challenges that come with owning a koi pond. We also know that many pond owners may not be aware of the underlying causes of their maintenance problems. So, we’ve compiled a list of common koi pond issues, and what you can do to solve them naturally.
Solution: Plant aquatic plants that absorb algae forming nutrients. Don’t overfeed your fish and additionally, a high-quality biological filtration system can help to remove excess nutrients from the water that may be feeding the algae. Draining and cleaning the pond annually is also recommended.
Solution: If you’re experiencing water quality issues, you may need to install a new biological filtration system, additional aeration, plants and/or make changes to the way your pond is structured. Do not overfeed or have too many fish. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you identify the cause of the problem and provide a tailored solution that will work for you.
Solution: To keep your fish healthy, it’s important to have a proper filtration system in place. The benefits of adding a waterfall go beyond aesthetic appeal. Adding a waterfall to a pond is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy pond exogen levels. A waterfall can provide an additional source of biological filtration for your pond, promoting healthy growth and cleanliness. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we are dedicated to helping pond owners solve these and other common problems. We can design and build a new pond that will meet your specific needs, or make changes to your existing pond to improve its performance and beauty. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE What Is An Ecosystem Pond?|Rochester|New York|NY The basic goal behind an ecosystem pond is to take an otherwise closed body of water and turn it into its own thriving Rochester (NY) mini “ecosystem.” In nature, streams and rivers and the resulting pools of water along the way are constantly renewed with fresh, clean water, allowing them to support life while flushing toxins away down the stream. Unless you are lucky enough to be blessed with a natural stream or source of water on your property, you won’t have the luxury of a naturally renewing water source. You have to find another way to keep your pond water clean and free of toxins. Through proper planning and the selection of appropriate filtration equipment, this is actually easier to accomplish than you might imagine. A complete ecosystem pond consists of a biological filter and skimmer which combine to form a unique filtration system. Other necessary components are pond liner and underlayment, a re-circulating pump and plumbing, rocks and gravel, aquatic plants, fish and beneficial bacteria. Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links: How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas Planning A Pond Renovation? What Should I do with my Pond in the Fall? Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
How To Get Pond Fish To Eat Out of Your Hand|Rochester|New York|NY Want your fish to eat out of your hand? The key is to be consistent, Feed your fish at the same time each day and from the same spot. After a few weeks in your pond, they will be conditioned to you feeding them. After a complete season, you will have them eating out of your hand. Give Your Pond or Water Feature Some Much Needed Care! Outdoor ponds and water features require routine maintenance for ongoing performance, functionality, and enjoyment. Relax and reap the benefits of your water garden while Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls handle all the upkeep. From seasonal maintenance, leak detection, water clarity issues to rejuvenations Acorn can help. Some Helpful Links: How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas Planning A Pond Renovation? Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi? RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCEWhy Are My Koi Eating My Pond Plants|Rochester|New York|NY It could be that they are hungry! The first item to note is how many fish you have. If the fish are competing for food, they will eat everything they can get a hold of... including your plants. If you have the proper ratio of fish (one inch per square foot) and they are still eating your plants, try feeding them a little more fish food. Fish much prefer fish food and pellets to plants, and if given the opportunity, will eat the fish food instead. And finally, keep in mind that koi are inquisitive fish and explore their surroundings with their mouths. If you catch them rooting around the base of your waterlilies, try using larger rocks around the base of the plant so the fish can’t move them and destroy the planting Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCEIs The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me Can Warm Temperatures Have An Impact On My Koi Fish Or Pond?It’s July in Rochester (NY) and the summer heat may have you questioning the water temperature in your koi pond. Although Koi can survive in up to 90 degrees F. it doesn’t mean they’re healthy at that temperature. Make sure your pond has plenty of circulation and oxygenation with waterfalls and/or deep aeration to protect your fish from the heat. How Will Aeration Help My Pond?The addition of deep aeration in the summer will help turn over the entire pond including warm surface temperatures and cool bottom temperatures which will help cool the pond. Once summer is over, the aeration system should be changed to shallow water. This will help keep an opening in the ice and provide a slightly warmer temperature for your fish on the pond bottom. Waterfall aeration will help add oxygen to the pond encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria which also helps keep the water clear. Some Helpful Links:RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCEIs Wetland Filtration Right For My Koi Pond|Rochester|NY|New York|near Me ![]() Having water clarity problems or thinking about upgrading your Rochester NY pond? You may want to consider adding a wetland filter. A constructed wetland or bog filter functions similar to biological filter (waterfall filter) except there is an up-flow system that recirculates the water underneath and a shallow, plant filled area with gravel to help bacteria colonization. It mimics a natural wetland and provides crystal clear water quality. If wetland filtration was a car, think of it as the Tesla. The addition of a properly installed constructed (bog) wetlands will make any pond look natural and beautiful. Did you know more plant and animal life is associated with natural wetlands than any ecosystem in the world? By adding a wetland you are not only improving your ponds health but also adding to the diversity of nature. Constructed wetlands can be installed on new water gardens or added to an existing pond! Check Out The Water Clarity Of A Wetland Filtration System On This 6' Deep Koi Pond!Some Helpful LinksRENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCECan I Feed Fruit ToMy Koi?|Rochester|New York|NY It can be fun, although not necessary to give your pond fish a summer snack from time to time (not more than once a week). Koi in particular will enjoy watermelon, grapefruit, orange slices, and even Honey Nut Cheerios. Be sure the fish are active before feeding and only toss in a VERY small amount of any snack (the amount the fish can eat right away) since old food is not good for your pond. In particular, peas will sink to the bottom of the pond. Some Helpful Links: How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae 5 Critical Summer Fish Pond Tips Planning A Pond Renovation? Learn More About Pond Filtration Systems Project Showcase Koi Pond Installation For Michelle & George How to Attract Birds & Butterflies to Your Pond RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCESummer Pond Maintenance|Rochester|New York|NY As we approach summer in Rochester (NY), there are three things to remember about your water feature to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links: Small Backyard Pond Ideas 6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night Planning A Pond Renovation? Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it? RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCEWhat Is The Importance Of Cleaning My Fish Pond This Spring?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me Spring is here in Rochester (NY) and we recommend that your pond receive a full cleaning at least once or twice per year by Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls to help maintain its low maintenance and beautiful appearance. Failure to perform an annual clean out could result in increased maintenance or fish health issues not to mention possible increased repairs for your pond or pump. |
It’s mid-December and most of Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) is covered in snow. Many of us are seeking refuge by drinking hot chocolate and watching football curled under comfy blankets. At the same time, our thoughts turn to warmer days and dreams of dangling our feet in our wondrous water gardens as we listen to the birds sing and watch toads and turtles sun themselves on the pond rocks. | Cabin Fever |
Winter is a great time to dig out water gardening books and start planning new things for this year’s water garden. Much like veggie gardeners turn to seed catalogs for the upcoming growing season, water gardeners delight in planning the addition of new fish and plants for the pond. |
Add a New Waterfall
Most pond owners install a water garden in their landscape so they can enjoy the sound of running water. Chances are you have a waterfall to create this soothing sound, but why stop at just one? Aquascape has made it easy to add a waterfall to your existing pond with the creation of its new Waterfall Spillway. Designed specifically to retrofit into existing features, the waterfall spillway makes it easy to add multiple waterfalls to your feature. |
Introduce Finned Friends

Children love to feed them, cats and dogs enjoy watching them, and you’ll enjoy being greeted by them every time you visit your pond.
Splurge on Plants
New varieties of waterlilies become available every year and some are simply downright breathtaking. Look into adding some tropical water lilies for extra color & extended bloom time. You might also want to try your “blue thumb” at growing the lovely lotus. This majestic plant becomes the focal point of any water garden and can also be grown in aquatic containers placed on a sunny porch or patio. |
Create Interest With a Fountain
A variety of fountains and spitters are available for adding a new dimension to your water garden. Whether you choose a stylized patio pond or charming resin frog spitter, there’s a decorative option for every budget and taste. Not only do fountains and spitters add a whimsical or elegant touch to the waterscape, but they also help provide delightful sounds in the garden and help to keep the water moving. Turn Your Dreams Into a Reality |
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds.com/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
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NY|Pleasures Of Koi Fish In Rochester|New York|Near Me
Koi and other pond fish make great outdoor pets … even learning to eat right out of your hand, if you’re patient! When you have a water garden of your very own, you’ll grow to love your fish as much as you love your cat or dog!
An Eskimo Kiss is shared over a trickle of koi food koi pellets. Fido might look like he’s snarling, but he actually adores the koi fish and watches over them every chance he gets. Learn more about feeding koi. |
Butterfly koi seem to lack some of the body size of regular koi, but the overall fish can run as long as 36 to 40 inches in the right pond with plenty of food. They are graceful and pleasant to watch swim. |
You simply can’t ignore this koi fish face! He may look like a Grumpus-Ala-Bumpus, but this Japanese koi is actually quite pleased with his pond |
The Joy Of Baby Koi
When koi and goldfish spawn, they produce thousands of eggs but very few actually survive and grow up into baby fish. Koi are egg “scatterers,” meaning they generally deposit their eggs on the bottom of the pond or in plants.
After a couple months the babies are about an inch long and may start eating commercial food. In order to “bulk” them up, look for a food that has high protein content. Depending on the pellet size, it may be necessary to crush them in order for the babies to eat the food.
By the end of summer you’ll have to decide whether to bring the babies inside or let them over-winter in the pond. If you decide to let them over-winter outside, they may or may not survive because they don’t have enough fat reserve to tide them over.
If you decide to bring them in, make sure you have a large enough tank with adequate filtration because they will continue to grow inside.
Another thing to remember is that if your pond babies continue to survive year after year, sooner or later they are going to get big and could overcrowd your pond. If you plan on keeping some of the babies, understand that eventually you may have to get rid of (cull) some of them.
Watching the baby fish grow up is fun and the whole process is a great learning experience for kids and adults, alike.
How many koi fish do you have in your water garden, and have you named them?
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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5 Tips For Feeding Pond Fish|How Much Food Should I Give My Koi|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Don’t worry too much about this; just sprinkle a little food in the pond and move back. After a few minutes, they will take an interest and eat.
1. Be Consistent
2. Serve High Quality Food
3. Variety is the Spice of Life
4. The Five Minute Rule
Remember, however, that larger fish need more food than small ones, so they may take a look at your plants for a snack. Not to mention the fact that if you are not feeding your fish, you are missing out on another whole level of fun that your pond has to offer.
5. Choosing the Best Fish Food
Fish are adapted to the consumption of others in their food chain, so fish proteins are the best for fish. When you look at a bag of food and the first ingredient is wheat, is that the best choice for your fish? No, wheat protein is not equal to fish protein so keep looking. You should look for fish or other aquaculture proteins as the first ingredient in a decent diet for your koi and goldfish
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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How To Add Fish To A Pond|Pond Clean-out|New Fish|Koi|Goldfish|Rochester|New York|NY|Near Me
During Shipment, Fish Are Under Extreme Stress. It Is Very Important To Follow These Instructions Closely.
If the pond fish are purchased locally and not transported for a long period of time, you can help acclimatize the fish after floating by opening the bag and adding approximately 20% pond water by volume.
We also recommend adding Aquascape Pond Detoxifier to the water contained in the bag as well as to the pond itself. Pond Detoxifier will neutralize any ammonia produced by the fish during transport, regenerate damage to the mucus membrane caused by netting, and reduce stress during acclimatization.
Be careful not to leave the fish in the open bag for too long as available oxygen will quickly be consumed. If you have an air pump you can also drop a small air stone into the open bag to ensure proper oxygenation.
After approximately 30 minutes, your fish are ready to be introduced to their new home. Scoop the fish out of the bag using a soft mesh net and release them into your pond. Discard the remaining water.
Never just dump the fish from the bag into the water. This will cause extreme stress and can even cause death if the difference in water temperature and chemistry is extreme.
The fish will probably head for the bottom of the pond and stay there until they become familiar with their new surroundings. Don't be alarmed as this is quite normal.
Fish should be fed on the 2nd or 3rd day after introduction.
Build & Maintain Your Fish (KOI) Pond With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls – Call Today! 585-442-6373
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Do Koi & Pond Fish Sleep?|KOI Fish Habits|Rochester|New York|NY|Near Me
Fish Actually Sleep
They Sometimes Get Stressed Out
They Have Teeth, My Dear
Boy Or Girl?
Hear, Hear!
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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What To Do When Your Fish Pond Freezes Over|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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How To Protect Pond Fish And Koi From Heron|Rochester|NY|New York|near me
Heron, Stalking A Pond
The floating Alligator is just convincing enough to keep the Heron from swooping in on your oasis. Just be sure to keep the head and body exposed and free from tangling in your plants. These options toward him all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist.
Pond Predators In Rochester NY
Pond Plants Are Also A Great Measure Against Attacks
For example the lily will show great pad size around this time of year, keeping a healthy cover over your friends. Grasses give extensive root systems for fish to hide in and will give a healthy appearance well into the fall season. Remember, keeping your fish friends happy and healthy is easy with some creativity and a few spare moments. |
ScareCrow

The water will turn on for a couple of seconds and is usually enough to annoy whatever predator may be present. Our clients have had great success with this device in the past!
The Scarecrow doesn’t distinguish between predator or human, so you can watch your friends, family, and even us if we are maintaining your pond get shot by a stream of water! Funny!)
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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When To Stop Feeding Pond Fish & Koi| Rochester NY
You've enjoyed the summer relaxing next to your Rochester NY water garden and now the time has come when the leaves start littering the ground and our ponds.
The nets are also going over the ponds, but your fish are still swimming around and there is still time to enjoy your pond. So, the most popular question I receive this time of year is: What is my fall fish feeding protocol and when should I stop feeding them?
Even though it's fall and the temperatures are falling a well balanced diet is still important for your fish. When pond temperatures fall below 60-degrees, your fishes’ metabolism and digestive system begins to slow down, which inhibits the ability to digest protein effectively. Investing in a pond thermometer will help you determine when to change the eating regimen of your beloved finned friends.
Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food has been scientifically formulated to provide quality nutrition to all pond fish, including goldfish and koi. The inclusion of spirulina and wheat germ helps make the food easier to digest at colder water temperatures. Feeding your fish the proper food will help ensure your fish survive their winter slumber.
So in conclusion you should still be feeding your fish, but feeding a well balance fall formulated food once the water temperatures reach 60-degrees. We recommend you stop feeding all together, once water temperatures reach 50-degrees.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
Some Helpful Pond Links:
How Much & How Often I Should Feed My Koi Pond Fish|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
How Much Should I Feed My Koi Pond Fish In Rochester New York (NY) ?
Spring Is Here, When Can I Start Feeding My Pond Fish Again?
Rule Of Thumb For How Much To Feed Your Fish
Why Do I Need To Be So Careful About Feeding My Fish
Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food will pass directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. Watch your fish closely during temperature changes and it is better to under feed them a little than over feed them.
Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat.
Build & Maintain Your Koi Fish Pond With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester NY – Call Today! 585-442-6373
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Author
Landscape Designer / Pond Contractor, Tom Warmerdam has been designing, installing & maintaining koi ponds, water features, patios, landscape lighting & creating outdoor living area paradises all around Rochester, New York (NY) for over 30 years. His company Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls was awarded by Aquascape Inc. as one of the top 100 in North America in 2014. He has been attending conferences at Aquascape headquarters every year since 2004 in Chicago, Ill to maintain his Certification(Certified Aquascape Contractor) status.
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