Koi Care Basics Blog

Koi pond kits are probably a good choice if you are installing your own Koi pond and if you are new to the Koi keeping hobby.

They should include all the necessary components and instructions that you need to successfully install and maintain your pond.

Koi pond kits can be found online and at most home improvement stores. You can install the kit yourself, or you can hire a landscaper to do it for you.

They come with either pre-formed hard plastic shells, or a more flexible plastic that can be moved into the shape of your choice.

Your koi pond kit should include the filtration and aeration systems. If it doesnt it will be necessary to add these systems in order to keep your fish healthy.

Koi pond kits make setting up your own koi pond so much easier. Most of them come with a liner, filtration equipment, tubing, water treatment chemicals and more.

lf you are new to the Koi pond experience, you will want to make sure that your kit also contains thorough instructions. Buying an additional manual on Koi and Koi pond care is a good idea that will help you in the long run.

Be aware that if you want a more permanent pond you will need to install a concrete lined pond at some point. This is a much more involved and expensive process, which explains the popularity and attraction of Koi pond kits!

The filter is the heart of your Koi pond and Koi pond filtration is the single most important function performed in your pond! It is what keeps the water clear and healthy for your fish.

One surefire method for having a Koi pond that fails is to spend all your hard earned money on installing a beautiful pond and then trying to save money on your filter.

A Koi pond filter serves two purposes. First, it serves as a mechanical filter that removes the organic waste produced by your fish along with anything else in the pond that would cloud the water.

Secondly, it serves as a biological filter by converting the ammonia produced by the fish into nitrites and eventually into nitrates which are less harmful to your Koi. Some filters are very high maintenance and require constant attention while others are quite easy to maintain.

The first thing you need to know when it comes to Koi pond filtration is that you can never have too big a filter. When selecting a filter, choosing one that is slightly large for your pond can turn out to be a very wise investment!

In my next post I will discuss some different types of filters and the pros and cons of each. Filter selection is one of the most important choices you will make when designing your Koi pond so make sure to do your research before you purchase!

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

Just how important is shape in your Koi pond design? The answer is that it’s much more important than many people realize.

Sometimes people will get overly creative with the shape of their pond. This creates many problems they don’t realize until it’s too late.

The consequences of some of these rambling designs become noticeable only after the pond is built and filled with water.

They find that it is very difficult and time consuming to keep these types of ponds clean.

Many times the pond is shaped so that it has “dead” areas where  water doesn’t circulate properly. Organic debris such as leaves, twigs and grasses will collect there and eventually sink. Then this debris will begin decomposing at the bottom of the pond.

The bottom contour of the pond is another important part of your Koi pond design. Flat bottom ponds will need frequent vacuuming to keep them clean.

If you want to build a pond that is as “maintenance free” as possible then you need to pay close attention to both the shape of the pond and the inside contour, right from the edge of your pond all the way to the bottom drain.

You want to contour the bottom of the pond so that, through gravity, debris makes it’s way along the bottom towards the drain.

A well designed pond shape and contour can save you many hours of  work and provide a healthier environment for your Koi through proper Koi pond design!

You can find out how to plan for a well designed Koi pond in my Ebook “Koi Care Basics” available at KoiCareBasics.com.

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

Even if you are having your pond installed professionally you need to have a grasp on some of the basics concerning Koi pond building. There are practical considerations that must be kept in mind!

Among prettiest aquatic fauna, Koi fish are member of the ornamental species of lovely Japanese fish, Carp or common Carp. This species is also known as Cyprinus Carpio. The Japanese have been taming these attractive fish for a long time and they are believed to be symbols of friendship, love and good fortune. Koi pond building can also be an artistic expression of ornamental design. There are, however, practical considerations that need to be kept in mind!

With time and advent of great technologies the tradition grew all across the world for people to tame these striking fish. This leisure pursuit was combined with a desire for beautiful backyards/gardens.

Hence, it has become the hottest gardening today. No modern garden is complete without a Koi pond. Koi ponds are believed to be a wonderful relaxation tool. After spending an exhausting or stressful day, everyone wants an opportunity to relax. Nothing is more relaxing than passing time your beautiful garden and feeding pretty Koi fish.

If you too are tempted with the idea but don’t know how to build a Koi pond … scroll down and learn some of the most important things you need to know about Koi pond building-

· The first guidelines on Koi pond building deals with a decision on some of the most important parts of the pond. This includes includes size, area, design and number of fish that you want to keep in your pond.

· You also need to understand the key to keeping your Koi healthy in the pond. Your pond will need to be be deeper than a gold fish pond or regular water garden. Normally the water garden and Gold Fish ponds are shallower than the Koi Fish pond. Koi grow very fast and become quite large. Therefore they need more room to maintain a good water quality. A standard Koi pond is always deeper and larger than other types of garden ponds. The minimum depth should be not less than 3′ and if you increase it more, it will be better for the health of your lovely pet.

· A good Koi pond is always made above the ground level, as it ensures a complete protection of the fishes that are inside the pond. On average, people keep the edge of the pond minimum 6 inches above the ground while professional Koi keepers keep the height at least 18 inches.

· The filtration need is another important part of Koi pond building. Koi fish are among the most delicate fauna on the planet and they can not cope with non-filtered water. Hence, Koi ponds should be always filled with clean water. People use many different types of biofilters to provide a clean water to their pets. These biofilters are available in different sizes and ranges. Do your studying and be sure choose the right type and size for your pond.

· Knowledge of perfect water chemistry is also considered extremely important. You need to know how to test your water daily and make adjustments to keep the water chemistry stable.

Building a Koi pond is not too much of an ordeal apart from digging the pond area. Just make sure to keep all the most important components in mind when you undertake Koi pond building!

It is important to know what symptoms to look for when protozoa or parasites invade your fish and how to treat them. If left untreated they adversly affect Koi health.

We will start by covering some of the more common types of protozoan disorders.

In Chilodonella the entire body of the fish is covered with a heavy slime coat. Treatment for Chilodonella requires the use of Metronidazole or quinine sulfate..

When Koi health is affected by Eimeria your fish appear emaciated and have sunken eyes. To treat them you must make a medicated food with either tetracycline or oxytetracycline and feed this to them once a day for 10 days.

Another comon protozoal disorder is Ichtyobodo (Costia). Koi that are affected with this disorder have small areas on their bodies that have a blue-gray tinge that looks like excess mucous. Treat these fish with a fungicide/protozoacide dip/bath treatment in the water or quinine sulfate.

When ICH (Ichphyophthirius) strikes your Koi will appear to be covered in white sand or grit and some fish breathe heavily. These fish need to be treated with quinine sulfate or copper sulfate

When Koi health is affected by Heteropolaria (Episapylis), the fish can be seen flashing (Flashing is a fish behavior characterized by rapid, glancing contact with a solid object in an effort to displace an external parasite or other irritation, so called because the light colored underbelly of the fish is thus exposed to momentary view.) and rubbing on objects in the pond, even in the spring when they don’t have any visible signs of the disease. Then in the summer they develop ulcers and bacterial infections.

Usually, if you have treated your pond for parasites and your Koi are still flashing, then Heteropolaria is the cause. Treat this Koi health issue with quinine sulfate and then treat the secondary bacterial infections.

Hexamita, also known as Hole-In-The-Head Disease, is indicated when your Koi exhibit erosions on their heads and gill plates. In severe cases the disease follows the lateral line. The preferred treatment for this disease is the use of quinine sulfate.

Finally, in Trichodina, symptoms include heavy breathing, the fish have a heavy slime coat and appear to have round, flat parasites on them. This protozoal disease should be treated with a fungicide/protozoacide dip/bath treatment in the water.

Next we’ll discuss how parasitic disorders affect Koi health.

When the problem is Gill Flukes, also known as Dactylogyrus, the Koi will gasp for air at the top of the pond. They also sometimes flash, rub against objects in the pond and their gills may develop bleeding. To cure this disorder you need to treat your pond water with an anti-parasitic powder. Treat secondary problems, if there are any after the flukes are gone, with an antibiotic product.

In the case of Anchor Worms, or Lernaea, your Koi will exhibit small pimples on the skin or reddened areas with a white threadlike worm sticking out. To treat Anchor Worms you need to treat your pond water with an anti-parasitic powder.

When Koi health is affected by Fish Lice (Argulus) the fish will have small, round clear to white objects stuck all over them. Your Koi will flash and scratch against objects. Again you should be treating your pond water with an anti-parasitic powder.

If your Koi are infested with Leeches you will see flat and thin brown objects stuck all over the body of your fish. As before treat your pond water with an anti-parasitic powder.

A Tapeworm infestation will cause your Koi to have swollen bellies even if they have not been fed in a couple days. While there is no suitable treatment for severe bloating you can treat for Tapeworm with an antiparasite powder.

In summary you need to be vigilant about keeping a close eye on your Koi and also be aware of what types of treatments are appropriate for different conditions. This article is not meant to replace the advice of a liscenced veterinarian. It is intended for informational purposes only. If you are ever unsure about the cause and/or proper treatment of your fish, make sure to contact your veterinarian so that you can ensure optimal Koi health.

To learn more about Koi health, Koi keeping and Koi ponds visit my website.

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

What is the optimum Koi pond alkalinity level?

Generally levels of 50-170 are what is recommended although some Koi keepers are keeping their pond levels even higher at around 180. The reason for this is that alkalinity will decrease over time as the good bacteria in your pond consume bicarbonates which slowly decreases alkalinity.

Alkalinity can also be referred to as carbonate hardness or German carbonate hardness. It is the measure of the concentration of the capacity a solution has to neutralize acid without changing pH. It both maintains and controls water pH. Koi pond alkalinity level can be measured in parts per million of calcium carbonate (ppm of CaCO3), milligrams per liter (mg/L), grams per cubic meter or degrees (dKH).

Test kits measure alkalinity as carbonate hardness or dKH and often in degrees of German Hardness (odH).If you want to convert German Hardness to parts per million (ppm) you can simply multiply by 17.

In spite of the fact that that a pH of 7.4 is best for Koi fish it can be a good idea to keep th pH level a little higher. pH levels can crash quite quickly when your alkalinity (KH) begins getting lower than 80 ppm. Since alkalinity is the buffer that helps maintain pH it is important to test it regularly. You may find that it’s better to keep your Koi pond alkalinity level above 100 or 120 pm. It will give you a bit of a buffer zone to help maintain your pH.

There are several ways that you can add alkalinity to your pond. One way to do this is through water changes. This can help introduce new minerals and can also increase alkalinity. However, if you have softer water it’s alkalinity can be less than 80 ppm. You can increase both the pH and KH by adding Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to the water. One third cup of baking soda per 1000 gallons of water will raise the KH level by 25 ppm.

Make sure that you take care not to raise the KH level more than 25 ppm a day. If you do it will cause undue stress to your Koi. An exception to this is if you are losing fish to a pH crash. A pH crash is when the pH level hits 5.5 or lower. In this case you have nothing to lose by adding a bit more baking soda to the water.

Water doesn’t have to have a high pH to have high alkalinity. Alkalinity is related to the dissolved amounts of calcium, magnesium and other compounds in the water. This is why alkalinity tends to be higher in hard water as opposed to soft water.

There are various reasons that Koi pond alkalinity level will decrease over time.

Decreases occur naturally over time due to bacterial action which produces acidic compounds which combine with and decrease alkaline components.

Ponds with fiberglass construction or vinyl liners tend to exhibit a higher decrease in alkalinity over time and might need supplementation to help them maintain proper levels. Alkalinity can be raised by adding calcium carbonate, oyster shells, concrete blocks, egg shells or limestone.

High alkalinity can be prevented by routinely changing out the water if the water you are replenishing with has a lower alkalinity than the pond water.

An established pond usually maintains an equilibrium in it’s pH value if you keep it clean by removing sludge and any organic materials before they have time to decay. Scheduled water change outs (i.e. 10% / week for small ponds, less for larger ponds) can also help maintain proper pH and Koi pond alkalinity level.

You should definitely purchase a test kit and use it on a regular basis!

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

Many think that the the Koi fish originated in Persia, Eastern Asia and China. Wild carp are called Koi by many Japanese. The term itself was later applied to all carp, both wild and colored.

The Japanese now call the wild carp “magoi”, and colored and inbred magoi are called Koi. Koi that are bred for color are called “Nishikigoi” which means colorful cloth (nishiki) and carp(goi). The depiction of the Koi fish is also one of the most popular and beautiful of the Japanese tattoo symbols.

Surprising to many Westerners is the large amount of ancient myth that surrounds the Koi fish and their elevated status in the Orient. Their glorious colors and color combinations may contribute to these tales. The colors include silver, gold, white, yellow, orange, black and even calico.

Some legends say that Koi fish can climb waterfalls bravely. They also say that if the fish has been caught, it will lay on the cutting board awaighting the knife without a quiver. In Koi symbolism this has been likened to a samurai warrior facing a sword.

This theme dates back to ancient China where a legend tells of how any Koi that succeeded in climbing the falls on the Yellow River at a point called Dragon Gate would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend the Koi became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

Eventually the fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it became Koi symbolism for the annual Boys’ Day Festival in Japan. In this festival, colorful streaming Koi flags are traditionally displayed for each member of the family.

The various colors of the koi fish represent each of the family members. Black Koi symbolism stands for the father, the red and orange Koi symbolize the mother, blue-and-white Koi flags stand for the son and the red and pink Koi flags stand for the daughter.

In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, the Koi fish symbolizes many of the same characteristics such as courage, the ability to attain high goals and the strength that enables one to overcome life’s difficulties.

Many people are drawn to Koi fish art for the colors and meaning hidden within. Koi tattoos have become more popular in recent years. People believe that the placement of the fish on the human body is symbolic.

They think that if the Koi is swimming down the body it symbolizes that the person is trying to overcome hardship, while if it is swimming up the body it means that the person has already overcome many of the hardships in their life.

Buddhist monks say that humans “swim” through the “ocean of suffering” without fear like a fish swims through water. Thus, many people view the Koi fish as the symbol of how we should persevere in life. According to tattoo websites, Koi symbolism represents good fortune, prosperity and riches. Also the Japanese feel that the depiction of this fish on the human body represents male strength.

In Japan Koi symbolism represents perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. The strongest Koi will swim upstream until it reaches the final waterfall where it vaults into the mists and becomes a water dragon.

Based on that legend the Koi has become a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
Others say it means good luck and good fortune especially in China where seven golden Koi represent good luck. Another example of Koi symbolism is that the larger the Koi, the richer you are. This probably stems from the fact that large specimens are very expensive.

It has been said that if you are determined and don’t conform to what society expects, you are like a Koi swimming upstream against the current. Koi symbolism represents yin and yang in ponds. Normally there is a balance of one black to nine gold.

Koi are referred to as “living jewels” or “swimming flowers”. The positive attributes associated with Koi fish have made them popular choices for body art, jewelry and paintings for centuries. If you look into oriental art you’ll find many beautiful examples of the Koi symbolism.

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

You have your dream home along with a wonderful garden that enhances it’s beauty. But… you want to make your garden even more beautiful! How about the idea of enhancing it with a small Koi pond?

Koi fish are an ornamental variety of domesticated Common Carp or Cyprinus Carpio. Also known as Japanese Carp, these pretty fish are known as symbols of love and friendship. You can find Koi in a multitude of colors, including white, black, red, yellow, blue, cream and silver.

It is an old Japanese tradition to tame these fish in small ponds. Their homes have always been beautiful and wonderfully embellished. In the present the Japanese people widely use a small Koi pond in their home garden to decorate it and maintain a positive energy. Koi  are traditionally known in Japan as a ‘good luck charm.’

In addition to increasing the serenity in your garden, these small ponds add to your reasons for spending time relaxing in and enjoying your garden.

Another bonus of a small Koi pond is that building one is not an overly tough task. You can build it in hours without spending huge amounts of money. To make your job even easier follow these simple guidelines…

First, decide on location, where to place the pond in your garden? Selection of a shady is always a wise decision as shade will help moderate water temperatures and provide some cover for your Koi.  You must also select a place where you can easily keep your pond clean and free from garden wastes. You don’t want chemicals or fertilizers to run into the pond since this would be likely to kill your fish.

You should also make sure that the place you have chosen for your pond has easy access to electricity. Electricity will be required for running your filter and water pump.

Size is another important factor, particularly if you are the one who is going to dig the hole. The size of a pond also varies in accordance with the number of fish, and depending on where you live you will also need to make sure your pond is of adequate depth. If winters get below freezing you will need to make sure that a good portion of your pond is a minimum of three feet deep.

To build the small Koi pond in your garden you will need a liner or preformed tub. After digging the hole, you can put the tub in  and fill the dirt around it. This is the easiest way to prepare a Koi pond. But, if  you are using a liner  you must be cautious. Some rubber liners can be dangerous for fish.

The last, but most important component of your pond is your fish! You can have just Koi fish, or even a mix of gold fish and Koi. It is very enjoyable deciding on which colors and types to select and in just a short time they will become beloved pets!

Now your striking Koi pond is ready. If you would like to make it even more beautiful you could place a small wooden bridge over it. This will offer an arresting look to your garden. You will surely be enchanted by the beauty and tranquility of your small Koi pond!

Alan Deacon
KoiCareBasics.com

The key to feeding Koi properly is that feeding Koi depends on the season. Actually, to be more specific, feeding Koi depends on the water temperature.

If you are feeding Koi in heated ponds then they can have a regular, year-round diet. Koi kept in heated ponds do not have to adjust to changes in water temperature.

Feeding Koi properly during the summer months encourages growth, helps in tissue maintenance and repair as well as helping lay down fat deposits and providing nutients that the fish can store for use during the winter months.

When water temperatures are between 64-68 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 degrees Celcius) feeding Koi should incorporate a high protein diet that will promote growth. Conversely, feeding Koi in cooler temperatures involves less protein as it becomes more difficult to digest then. Instead it is excreted into the water, which not only makes feeding Koi more protein a bad feeding plan, but also pollutes the pond water.

You need to assess feeding Koi in the cooler months of fall and spring when Koi appetites are subdued. During this time feeding Koi should involve a change from a high protein feed to a wheat germ based diet that is easier to digest in the cooler temperatures.

Feeding Koi at temperatures below 46-50 degrees Fahrenheit should stop altogether. In these twater temperatures Koi won’t feed at all and will rely on the nutrients that it’s already stored to get it through the winter.

When the weather begins to warm up again and your fish begin seeking out food you can start feeding Koi the wheat germ based diet again. Then begin feeding Koi by gradually mixing in the higher protein summer food as the water warms up.

Amounts for feeding Koi depend on their age and body temperature. Feeding Koi fry is different from feeding Koi adults. When water temperature is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit Koi up to 1 year old eat 5-10% of their body weight, Koi between 1 and 3 years of age consume 5% of their body weight daily and adult Koi (3 years and older) consume 2% of their body weight daily.

A good rule of thumb for feeding Koi is to offer as much food as they will eat within 2-3 minutes at each feeding. When feeding Koi you will notice a big surge of activity at the beginning of each meal, then as they start to get full they will eat more slowly. This is the point at which you should stop feeding Koi.

As far as the frequency of feeding Koi take note that at temperatures of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celcius) feeding Koi should be planned for 2-3 times per day. Feeding Koi in colder temperatures (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-15 degrees Celcius) is only required once per day.

As you can see, it is extremely important to note seasons and temperatures when feeding Koi!

If you are looking for an exceptional Koi food enter “Hikari Koi food” in the search box when you follow this link for feeding Koi!

Alan Deacon
You can learn much more at my site…
KoiCareBasics.com