There's a lot of work that goes into developing a garden pond, especially if you plan on stocking or breeding fish, like Koi. With all the financial investment involved in designing, building and stocking ponds, the last thing you want to happen is a sudden and abrupt fishkill.

Good, thorough maintenance must be practiced when tending fish of any species, though each individual species will have its own garden pond needs. Some fish require a greater oxygen level in the water, so they may require more expensive aeration systems in your ponds. Other fish, like the Koi breeds, actually need a habit designed specifically for their breed.

The majority of people stock their backyard ponds with fish that are bright and colorful, obviously to relax while sitting by the wayside, watching them swim about. While the bright colors of some fish make them wonderful to watch, it also makes them easy prey for some of the predators that can lurk in your neighborhood, like cats and large birds of prey.

Your garden pond may be a sanctuary to you, but a large crane or seagull won't have an issue swooping in to nab a fish or two.

Any kind of ornamental and colorful fish, like a Koi or fantail goldfish, will need to have deep-water areas in habitat ponds. These dark, shadow filled depths give them a place to hide from natural predators. It also provides them with a place to cool down if the sun is beating down into your yard and garden pond.

The environment can provide a good escape for them as well, so a nicely constructed habitat is essential to keeping your fish happy. It's important to craft an underwater environment in your garden pond that mimics the natural habitat of the fish within. By introducing large plant life and other underwater flora, you are providing more shelter for your fish. You're also reaping the added benefit that comes from adding organic plant life – filtration and aeration. While it's minimal, it has a profound effect on the quality of the water. The right plants in ponds provides necessary oxygen, and will aid in aeration.

While equipment is available to assist in the natural process of aeration in the habitat you've created, you still need to deal with the issue of waste. A garden pond filtration system is necessary to keep the water free of harmful bacteria and other organisms found in standing, stagnant water. If left unchecked, ponds will quickly become overgrown like a giant Petri dish. Installing a proper, professional filtration system can help your fish live long, healthy lives in your streams and ponds.

To supplement your filter and aeration system, focus on plants that are appropriate to the area and climate where you live. While some states have environmental protection legislatures in place that prevents the use of some common plants, there are still many plants that can be added to a garden pond. Check with your local EPA for information on approved and banned plant life on residential and commercial properties.

Always keep in mind that your garden pond is a watery world where environmental quality is an important factor for the fish who inhabit it. If your home wasn't decorated, was disorganized, and every surface was filthy, you would likely get a bit depressed. Treat your fish and their home, as you would want to be treated. After all, no matter how humble, there is no place quite like home.