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Various
Water Garden Measurements |
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Ontario Water Garden Newsletter |
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ONTARIO
WATER GARDEN SOCIETY |
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Allowance for Fish Stocking Level The information above does not take into account 'stocking level' of fish. The first consideration here is what kind of fish do you have. It is generally accepted that Koi are dirtier (waste wise) than goldfish and therefore require a better filtration system. I have not seen any kind of ratio of how much more is required for a quantity of Koi over the same quantity of goldfish. One of the big factors here is that Koi grow so much bigger and a bigger fish produces more waste. I will go into this more below where charts make it very clear that doubling the length of a fish adds a lot more than double to the overall size. High stocking levels take different Koi practices over the conservative approach. It requires top-notch filtration system and more attention to all kinds of details. Calculating effective volume is never an exact science and when it comes to stocking levels, there are no golden rules that apply to all ponds. I have seen rules for fish that include no more than 100 in. per 1000 gallon with a 1-% increase in effective volume for every inch over 100. This rule just said 'fish' and I assume this means goldfish. Another rule seen for Koi - if the total "fish length" is more than 32 inches per 1000 gallons then an extra percentage must be allowed. By example a pond of 500 gallons could contain 16 inches of fish, but if the stocking level was 32 inches then a 50% increase would need to be applied - thus meaning that the filter and pump must cope as though the pond is 750 gallons. Both of these rules only take into account the current size of the fish. You need to plan for the future. Goldfish often get to around 10 in. and reproduce very easily. Koi often get into the 24 - 26-in. range or larger but do not reproduce as easily in a water garden pond. Other rules seen are - for one lb. of Koi per 400 gallon, one lb. per 500 - 2000 gallon, one lb. per 100 gallon in a highly controlled pond and 1 in. of Koi per square foot of surface area. Two additional stocking formulas are: 1) -These derivations are the gallons needed by the fish to feel comfortable with reasonable filtration. For home care of fish, wherein the hobbyist wants to know how many fish to keep in a pond and expect reasonable health and growth, try this formula.
Account for each
fish and record its length in inches as accurately as possible
(measured from tip of nose to tip of tail). Example. A person is just starting out, and they have 20 fish of a seven to eight inch length.
Sum it = Roughly
150 inches of fish. Another person has obtained 5 large Koi, all thirty inches in length. The sum of the inches is also 150 and the final minimum analysis yields a 1,950-gallon pond for these five lunkers. Ideally, a 3,900-gallon facility would be provided. As these numbers are based on current size, they would need to be revised as any material increase in length occurs. Overstocking can lead to slower growth, (especially with goldfish) and consistently sicker fish 2) Another measure of stocking density is gallons of water per pound of Koi. To determine your stocking level, you'll need to take inventory of your pond. If it is not practical to actually weigh your fish, measure fish in inches as above. Also note whether the fish is normal, skinny, or fat. A very skinny fish may weigh 25 - 50 % less than a normal Koi. A very fat fish may weigh 25 - 50 % more than normal. Now, using the chart below along with the build of your fish, estimate the weight of each fish. Fish Length (inches) - Weight (ounces)
Listed below are (very rough) stocking densities for a range of situations - select the situation that is appropriate for you.
1 gal: 1lb high
density fish farm So, now that you know your stocking density (total weight) and the density level you're targeting, you can determine if you are overstocked or not. For example, you determine you have 560 oz. of fish (35lb.) and have decided on a medium density pond. So, at 100 gallon per pound you will need 3,500 gallons. If your pond is smaller than 3,500 gallons you are overstocked and if it is over 3,500 you still have room for growth. Hopefully, these scenarios will put your pond's requirements into perspective.
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