Decorative Koi are primarily bred in Japan and shipped to remainder of the world. Several years of selective breeding had resulted in development of different vibrant ranges of Koi but all will require the same water requirements. They are fairly sturdy fish and can endure poor water conditions but not for extended durations. If you are severe about Koi keeping, then continuous great water quality is should to preserve your Koi at their peak condition. A pond for keeping Koi has more rigid requirements compared to a regular garden pond.

Pond Size

Most Koi sold are young Koi and averages from 20 cm (yearlings) to about 50 cm, Koi can grow to as large as 1 meter in length. When Koi are judged at Koi programs, size and bulk is one criterion. Koi require area to thrive and some Koi specialists have claimed that growth rate is proportional to pond size and volume of water per Koi.

Just like in aquarium fish keeping, a larger volume of water or pond would also offers more stability in the water condition. Often, this is restricted by offered area for your pond and typically not by expense. I am unsure about other countries, but in Singapore, my pond contractor has actually informed me that I can have a somewhat larger (or smaller) pond for the very same price (like buying a shirt!). The pond measurements should be at least that of a king-size bed if you are planning to keep 9 Koi (each about 70 cm long). Think me, when you are bitten by the Koi-keeping bug, you would not wish to stop at 9! For this reason, you need to choose the largest pond that you can fit into the readily available space in your garden or home.

Oxygen level

Koi requires oxygen and so does the bacteria in the biological filter. Liquified oxygen level of 8 mg/liter in water temperature level of about 25 deg C is almost perfect since it is almost at saturation point. I used a water test set to determine this. Note that plants (including algae) in the water likewise utilize oxygen during the night. Plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen just in the day, throughout photosynthesis. Some type of aeration in your pond design is a must. Oxygen is absorbed by the water when it can be found in contact with air. Any method to increase the user interface location in between the pond water and air would be excellent. This can be achieved through use of a waterfall, fountain, venturi pipe water return system or air pumps that create streams of bubbles in your ponds.

Temperature level

There is a need to keep the water cool, specifically throughout summer season or if you reside in hot, bright nation like Singapore where the everyday temperature varieties from 25 deg C during the night to 34 deg C in the day. Warm water does not bring oxygen as well as cool water. In any case, some shade would benefit the Koi. I have checked out Koi getting sun-burnt from lengthen direct exposure to direct sunshine.

Pond Depth

Pond depth ought to ideally be at least 1.2 meter or about 4 feet. Pond area is typically limited by the area offered in our house or garden. A much deeper pond would permit for higher pond volume per unit pond surface location. A much deeper pond would likewise assist keeps the water cooler in hot, warm weather condition. Thus, a deeper pond is good for the Koi growth however one needs to bear in mind the proportion of the depth versus size of the pond.

pH level

pH is a step of the acidic or fundamental (alkaline) nature of a option. Typical tap water or fresh water ought to have pH level of 7. Water with a lower pH level is deemed acidic while alkaline water would have higher pH. Chalk, limestone, coral or seashells dissolved in water will produce higher pH. It is essential to maintain the best pH level for the right kind of fish. For example, African cichlids which originate from Lake Malawi requires high pH and a rocky environment, while South American tetras and cichlids which stem from the rivers of Amazon need low pH. Low pH or abrupt drop in pH level eliminates Koi and lots of other fishes. It is usually better to have pond water for Koi at with slightly greater pH (7.4 is perfect. Not more than 8.0). Water test set can be used to determine pH. Many Koi keepers, myself included, put coral and seashells in their filtering system to preserve or buffer the water from abrupt pH level modifications in their Koi ponds.

Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate

Fish produces ammonia as a waste product and a excellent filter system need to be provided to eliminate this ammonia from the water. The germs in the filter will transform the ammonia to nitrite and then from nitrite to nitrate if a biological filter is utilized. Nitrate is relatively less harmful to fish and Koi than ammonia or nitrite. Perfect levels of ammonia and nitrite should be zero or near zero and this can be accomplished utilizing a good biological filter system. Nitrate level ought to be less than 25 mg/liter. I used a water test set to determine nitrate and nitrite levels. The only method to decrease nitrate is through partial water changes. Water plants to take in the nitrate but might not entirely remove all nitrates from your pond. Excessive nitrates may lead to algae bloom and turn your water green. Koi needs to consume routinely and consumes a lot to keep their bulk and grow to their max potential. This implies a lot of waste matter is produced and have actually to be processed by the purification system. A guideline is that the size of the filter system should be one-third of your pond size. Specially designed, all-in-one filter system readily available commercially may have the ability to attain the very same impact with a minimized size.

A much deeper pond would enable for higher pond volume per unit pond surface location. Whether you have a little backyard water garden with just a few goldfish or a large, official Koi pond filled with enormously big Koi fish, proper pond maintenance is absolutely vital to accomplishing the crystal clear lagoon that every yard hobbyist dreams about. Aside from the obvious dangers fundamental in including brand-new Koi purchases to your pond without enough quarantine protocols, over time this can result in your pond becoming harmful to Koi due to bad water quality. A quality pond purification system is arguably the most essential part to guarantee gleaming clear pond water which is healthy for Koi fish and other pond occupants. Planting mint along the sides of the pond will also assist keep the pond tidy as the roots spread out into the pond.