December 6, 2019
We can get you the best Backyard Ponds in Houston
When it comes to backyard ponds, the majority of us think that we can only keep koi fish, but that is not entirely true. A pond adds a unique aspect to your garden. It improves the atmosphere of your outdoor space, providing you an excellent habitat for wildlife and can even add value to your property!
All of these other species can not only thrive in your backyard ponds, but they can even provide a healthier ecosystem.
Best animals to keep in backyard ponds
Koi / Goldfish
You probably had a Goldfish as a kid in a glass bowl, but goldish and Koi’s are ideally suited for a pond ecosystem. They are resilient and can handle low water temperatures. Therefore they are ideal for new pond owners. But don’t think of Koi / Goldfish as only gold-colored. You can find them in a large variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, blue, white, and black; some even have all these colors in a calico pattern.
Goldfish can grow up to 14 inches in length and are exceptionally hardy. Koi, on the other hand, can grow between 15 inches and 36 inches long. Their resilient nature allows them to thrive in smoldering summer temperatures (As long as there is good circulating water) and yet survive in frigid winters. They can eat almost anything, from commercial food to leftover salad and vegetables.
More exotic goldfish do not fare as well in chilly weather — the Black Moors fish, which sport a gorgeous, vibrant black color or the Lionhead goldfish, which are white and orange — featuring a bubblehead and round body that makes them a real visual attraction. You can house them during winter in tanks, returning them to the pond when more temperate weather arrives.
Mosquitofish
The mosquitofish is actually closely related to the guppy. They may not have the colorful appearance of Goldfish or Koi, but they are uniquely beneficial in their own way. They are just as resilient as Koi and Goldfish when it comes to water temperature. But what makes them a useful fish, is the fact that they eat, you guessed it, mosquitos larva. They have proven extremely effective in mosquito control programs. Aside from mosquitos, this fish also dines on beetles, mayflies, mites, and other insects.
A bonus to this species is that they eat algae. This type of fish is not only a fun addition to your water feature, but it can help keep your pond healthy.
Rosy Red Minnows
Resilient to extreme weather, just like the other fish, we have mentioned. Even if the surface of the pond is frozen, you can still see them swimming underneath. They are an excellent choice for new pond owners. Rosy Red Minnows can eat Koi and Goldfish food, in addition to algae and insects, just like the mosquitofish.
They are a great choice to have alongside Koi and Goldfish.
Because they are so easy to keep, they are often sold in pet stores as food for other pets. So as a cautionary note, don’t buy these fish from just any supplier. The ones used as feeder fish are kept in over crowned tanks and usually are plagued with parasites and other illnesses — not the best thing to introduce into your healthy pond.
Plecostomus fish
This is a well-known bottom eater as well as a good algae eater. If your pond is less then 24 inches you will need to protect them from weathers under 50 degrees. The bigger they get the more resistant to the cold. The good news is that these Pleco fish grow very fast and can reach up to 8 inches within 10 months.
Snails
When it comes to snails, you must know precisely what kind you can introduce in your pond. It all depends on the vegetation you have. For example, if you have water lilies, don’t add a snail species that will eat them! Once again, we are here to help with your selection!
The advantage of snails aside from their unique appearance is that they can also keep your pond healthy by eating away the excessive algae.
Frogs
While you may not need to add them, they may arrive on there own, frogs will compliment your pond. They are amphibians, so you will see them inside and outside the water!
They eat insects, so they can prove to be a very beneficial critter to have around. Especially if you have a vegetable garden!
One of the most enticing aspects of frogs is they sing at night. One of the best ways to fall asleep is when you are being serenaded by frogs.
Just like snails, you have to be careful about which type of frog you introduce in your garden pond. Not all species are well adapted and introducing an invasive species can be very detrimental to the wellbeing of your back yard pond. Just a warning, frogs can be very noisy during mating season.
Ambiance Backyard Ponds
We have extensive experience in building and maintaining Back Yard Ponds. We help you design and implement a beautiful water feature in your back yard. Our knowledge of pond ecosystems will benefit you when it comes to populating your pond with life!
Contact us today if you have any questions!
