Will pond lights hurt my koi fish? | Long Valley, NJ

We've talked about how pond lighting and outdoor lighting in general is the most underutilized addition to many landscapes, however will pond lighting affect our fish?   We are asked this quite frequently throughout the year when a hobbyist is interested in adding this wonderful feature to their existing or newly created koi pond.  Do you think adding lights to your pond could harm your koi/pond fish?  

Will koi pond lights hurt your koi fish? 

We're just going to lay it out here, the answer is no.   
We have installed hundreds of pond lights with no ill effect on fish at all.   There are really two major area's of concern when we are asked this question.   The first is, don't my fish need to sleep?  The second is, won't my fish be more susceptible to predators?  These are both valid concerns, but neither is a reason to avoid adding beautiful pond lighting.   

Will the lights affect my fish sleep habits? 

Do koi and other pond fish even sleep?  Honestly we have no idea, I do know they don't have eyelids to close, but neither do many other creatures on this earth.  I can say for certain though that they do "rest".  All animals need some kind of rest, and each and everyone has their own way of doing so.  
Koi are very active in the evenings, which would be the time we have our lights on.  We also don't typically leave them on all night, so with that being said your fish will be just fine.  I can assure you, your fish will get their rest with pond lights or no pond lights.  The lights will not affect your fish resting habits, and you'll get to enjoy your pond throughout the evening.  You may even spot a frog or two swimming around with your fish friends. 

Will pond lights make my fish easy targets at night for predators? 

This is a valid concern!  As it turns out, we have never seen or heard of anyone losing more koi or pond fish to predators at night due to lighting.  Many of our clients have lighting with no increase in fish loss due to predators, we really don't feel as though this is a concern at all.  

What's the verdict on pond lighting? 

You should just do it!  It's truly magical when you have lights correctly placed in your koi pond.  No words can describe how fascinating it truly is to watch your fish in the evenings swimming around with the frogs.   It's UNBELIEVABLE! 

Related Links:

• Why add underwater lights to my koi pond or water feature?
• Where should I put my new koi or fish pond
• ​What is a pondless waterfall or disappearing waterfall?

A Frog’s Dream Aquatic Services is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Morris County New Jersey (NJ) Hunterdon County New Jersey (NJ) Somerset County (NJ) and Warren County (NJ). Fish and Koi Pond Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and  Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily inspiration.  Receive #TheWeeklyRibbit for weekly water feature tips and a fun video. ​​​​