Should I Have Fish in My Pond?

 By Danielle Robinson

     When people first start hearing about ponds, they typically want just the water garden and not the fish that can come with it. Most of the people who start out not wanting anything to do with fish in their garden are the main ones who become fish lovers. So before you try to convince yourself why you shouldn’t have fish, maybe you should hear some reasons why you should.

     One of the main reasons why you might not want to have fish in your pond is because of the high-maintenance that comes along with it. Well here is a little secret; having fish in your pond can in fact help your pond’s ecosystem and reduce the maintenance you would need to do in order to take care of your watergarden.  Since fish are apart of the food chain in the pond by eating things such as bugs, plants and algae, their waste can actually help fertilize your plants. Which can create beautiful flowers and lilies to add to your scenery. Beneficial bacteria can also use the fish’s nutrients as food.

      The best thing about having fish in your watergarden is that they are easy to take care of. You can leave them outside in your pond all year round, and you don’t have to feed them if you don’t want to.  They can pretty much take care of themselves and adapt to their environment, but chances are when you have fish in your watergarden you will become attached to them. 

      If you have a small child who would like to have a pet, but you feel as if they are just not ready for them. Having a fish in your pond can definitely satisfy your child’s craving without the responsibility. Your child will be able to bond with your fish as well as even name them accordingly. Some fish can even be trained to eat right out of your child’s hand, which can be a memory for your child that is everlasting.

      Many people love to watch their fish swim and play around in the water. Another fun thing about having fish is seeing all the different colors and sizes that they come in. Some fish can grow as large as three feet. You can have some of the most beautiful fish in the world right in your backyard. Just imagine yourself swimming in your pond with your fish right beside you. It can be quite an enjoyable experience.