Coldwater & Pond Fish Care

Coldwater fish are some of the hardiest and longest-lived pets you can keep. With the right pond or tank, they’ll thrive for years. Below is a quick guide to the most popular species we stock at Wakeykoi & Aquatics.





Water Quality



  • pH: 7.0–8.5 (keep it stable)
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: always 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: below 40 ppm
  • Oxygen: high, especially in summer or with sturgeon






Koi Carp



  • Size: Up to 90 cm
  • Pond size: 2,500+ litres (ideally much larger)
  • Feeding: Quality koi pellets, wheatgerm in cooler months
  • Note: Sensitive to water quality — strong filtration essential






Pond Goldfish (Commons, Comets, Shubunkins)



  • Size: 15–30 cm
  • Pond size: 1,000+ litres
  • Behaviour: Peaceful and hardy, great in groups
  • Note: Year-round pond fish, very resilient






Orfe (Golden & Blue)



  • Size: 40–60 cm
  • Behaviour: Fast, shoaling fish — keep 3+
  • Pond size: 2,000+ litres with good oxygenation






Tench & Grass Carp



  • Tench: Bottom-dwellers, peaceful, 30–50 cm
  • Grass Carp: Plant eaters, 50–80 cm — need very large ponds
  • Tip: Best for big, well-planted ponds






Sturgeon & Sterlets



  • Size: 60–150 cm depending on type
  • Care: Require cold, very clean, highly oxygenated water
  • Feeding: Only sinking sturgeon pellets
  • Note: Not suitable for beginners or small ponds






Fancy Goldfish



  • Temperature: 18–24 °C
  • Tank size: 90 litres minimum for the first, +45 L each extra
  • Diet: Sinking pellets, blanched veg (peas, spinach)
  • Note: More delicate than pond goldfish — best kept indoors






Quick Tips



  • Test water regularly
  • Feed little and often, only what’s eaten in 3–5 mins
  • Don’t mix delicate fancies with fast single-tail goldfish
  • Add new fish slowly and quarantine where possible





For more advice, visit us in store at Wakeykoi & Aquatics Ltd, Himley, or check our full range of printable care guides.