When Should I Feed my Pond Fish?

Here are some general feeding habits that you can use during the year when feeding your Koi and Goldfish Food.

Not only will your pond fish be healthier from being fed correctly but your pond in general will benefit and you will have less maintenance.

Do not over feed your fish as your filter will have to work harder then necessary and organic matter can build up on the bottom of the pond. Which can cause problems with water clarity, algae and even health problems?

Degrees °F are based on water temperature. The one way to assure that you are feeding your fish correctly is using a thermometer.

Note for Spring: Before feeding water temperature should be consistently above 50°F.

Below 50°F: Fish should not be fed as they are unable to correctly digest pond food at these temperatures. The metabolism of a pond fish slows down and the ability to properly digest its food decreases. This can lead to illness or even death. Even if it warms up for a couple of days and your fish seem active don't feed your fish.

50°F - 60°F: Feed once every three to four days in the morning as that is what it will take for the fish to digest the food. Do not exceed the amount of food fish will eat within five minutes. An easily digestible food like wheat germ should be used during the spring and fall season.

60°F - 65°F: Feed once every couple of days.

65°F - 70°F: Feed up to once daily. Do not exceed the amount of pond food your fish will eat within five minutes. An easily digestible food, wheat germ, should be used.

70°F - 85°F: Your fish will have a higher metabolism and can be fed 2 to 3 times daily. You can now feed your fish a high protein diet. Again do not exceed the amount fish will eat within five minutes.

Note for winter: If you find your fish are not eating when the water temperature is below 55°F you may stop feeding your fish at that time. Don't worry your fish will not starve. They have been building up a reserve of fat throughout the summer.