The fish in the photos are the exact fish you receive when you order
Autumn is a key transition period for pond care—your goal is to prepare both your fish and the pond ecosystem for the colder months ahead
As water temperatures drop, fish metabolism slows.
Switch to an easily digestible, wheatgerm-based food when temps fall below ~10°C.
- Feed less frequently—only what fish can eat in a few minutes.
Manage Falling Leaves
Leaves are one of the biggest autumn challenges.
Use a pond net to catch falling leaves before they sink.
- Regularly remove debris with a skimmer or net.
- Decomposing leaves release harmful gases and reduce water quality.
Clean the Pond (Lightly)
Avoid deep cleaning, but do some maintenance:
- Remove sludge from the bottom (don’t overdo it—beneficial bacteria live there).
- Trim and remove dead or decaying aquatic plants.
- Clean filters and pumps so they run efficiently into winter.
Care for Aquatic Plants Different plants need different treatment:
- Cut back dying foliage from marginal plants.
- Move tropical plants indoors if they can't tolerate cold.
- Hardy plants can stay but may need trimming and repositioning deeper in the pond.
Maintain Oxygen Levels
As temperatures drop:
- Ensure pumps or aerators are still running.
- Consider adding an air stone or small fountain to keep oxygen circulating.
Check Fish Health
Autumn is a good time for a quick health check:
- Look for signs of disease or parasites.
- Treat any issues early—fish immune systems weaken in colder water.
Monitor Water Quality
Test for ammonia, nitrites, and pH.
- Cooler temps slow down beneficial bacteria, so water quality can fluctuate.
?? Note for Sydney / Mild Climates
In places like Sydney, winters are relatively mild:
- Fish often remain semi-active, so feeding may continue lightly.
- Ice is rarely an issue, but debris and water quality still matter.
- Filtration systems should stay running year-round 24/7.
To learn more about shipping live fish, visit this page. If you want to know how to properly acclimatize your new fish, read the blog. If you're looking for high-quality food for your koi, we have it here. before your fish arrive match your pH to ours 7.8 Read the blog do i need to quarantine my new fish get the answers
