Tropic Bay Water Gardens Frequently Asked Questions

It is very important to have the water in your backyard fish pond at healthy levels since not only are you feeding the fish and the plants, but also taking care of the water that everything lives in.

At Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville, MD we have all the materials from start to finish to help you set up your backyard fish pond. We are the largest aquatic garden center in the country. If we don't stock what you are looking for, we can definitely get it for you. Our selection of Koi, pond supplies, and plants is likely nothing else you've ever seen.

Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville, MD provides pond pumps, pump accessories, pond filters, pond sterilizers, aeration supplies, pond construction and pond maintenance supplies, koi fish (American and Japanese), pond medications, and fish food, along with water testing supplies and decorative garden items and pond plants to enhance your koi pond in Davidsonville, MD.

When preparing for your pond, first you will need to determine how big you'd like your pond. Installing a bacteria tank and some kind of circulating water is your next step. Cover your newly dug hole with your liner and install your water pump and water filter. Add rocks to your koi pond to keep your pond liner in place and create hiding places for your koi. Finally, you can start to add water lilies and aquatic plants to the pond to create a serene and natural habitat for your koi. Koi ponds can be a nice enhancement to your yard.

Japanese koi are grown in and imported from Japan. Domestic koi are bred and grown here in the States. Genetically, there really is no difference between the two. However, it is thought that domestic koi are better acclimated to the viral, bacterial, and parasitic environment found in the United States. Domestic simply means they originate from your country of origin. Therefore, if you live in Japan, domestic koi ARE Japanese koi. Most domestic koi usually grow about 12 to 15 inches long. Japanese koi usually grow 22 to 26 inches in length. Jumbo-sized koi grow up to 34 to 36 inches long. 

Not sure which kind of koi would be best for your koi pond? Reach out to Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville, MD to learn more! We love visitors from all over the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland (DMV) Metro region.

• Remove your UV bulb during the fall and winter to extend the life of your bulb. 
• Lay a net across your pond to prevent most leaves and sticks from falling into the pond.
• You can use a Pondmaster De-Icer to help keep your hibernating pond fish alive.
• You can use a thermostat to help determine whether or not the water will be reaching a steady 45 degrees to help feed the fish in your koi pond.

1. Clean debris and leaves
2. Check water quality
3. Inspect and clean equipment
4. Trim and maintain aquatic plants
5. Slowly begin feeding your koi
6. Check for fish health
7. Boost beneficial bacteria
8. Monitor for algae growth
9. Aerate the pond
10. Plan for predators

For more details, please see our page on tips to prepare your koi pond for spring.