How to Ensure a Fish-Friendly Water Feature

When it comes to fish, not all water features are created equally. If you plan to have fish living amongst a water feature, there are a few important considerations to make before finalizing your plans. Here are some of the most important things to remember when designing a fish-friendly water feature.

Try to Avoid Turbulence

A common staple of water features is fountains and waterfalls. While beautiful, these can often create excessive movement in the water that can be stressful or damaging to fish. Thus, when designing a fish-friendly water feature, try to avoid any elements that exert a lot of force. Rather, slow-moving fountains and gentle waterfalls are revisions that are much more likely to keep your fish happy and healthy.

Protect the Pump Inputs

One of the largest dangers to fish living in a water feature is the pump inputs. Fish are naturally curious creatures, and they are often attracted to the mechanical aspects of a water feature. A chance encounter with a pump input can be a deadly occurrence for a small fish. There are a few ways to protect from this danger. First, always cover pump inputs with “basket” tips, which diffuse the force of the suction. Second, try to locate the tubing behind a rock where it is difficult for a fish to access.

Make Sure There Is Enough Space for a Fish-Friendly Feature

The single biggest mistake made when designing a fish-friendly water feature is not providing enough space. Overcrowding a pond or container can cause dangerous toxins to build up that can injure or even kill your fish. Further, providing plenty of space to swim is key in making sure your fish stay healthy. A general rule is that for every inch of fish you have, provide at least two gallons of available water. But if you are unsure, always err on the side of caution. If you have any questions or need advice in designing a water feature, a trustworthy Las Vegas irrigation repair company is always available to help.