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Garden koi pond Maintenance maintenance tips to keep healthy and clear

blanketweed algae pond maintenance

pond maintenance

Ponds need regular maintenance if they are to provide fish with a
healthy and safe environment.

pond maintenance Problems are most likely to arise in the first year, before the pond
isestablished, and are typically caused by overfeeding or overstocking.

Frequent monitoring and an awareness of seasonal changes will
help avoid the major pitfalls.

Spring checks As fish begin to stir out of their period of winter
dormancy, spent in the depths of the pond, they are very
susceptible to minor illnesses, such as bacterial infections, which
can rapidly overwhelm their weakened immune
systems.

Thorough inspection of individual fish will help identify and treat
illnesses in their earliest stages .

Once the water temperature increases, fish regain their appetites and become

A well-kept pond that has healthy planting and good water quality
is an attractive addition to any garden, and will provide a healthy habitat for pond fish.

a beautiful well maintain koi pond maintenance

 

Seasonal koi pond plant care

Plants around the pond may benefit from a layer of leaf mulch to protect them in winter.

Plants in the pond itself that are vulnerable to freezing weather
must be transferred indoors before the first frost.

Although the winter pond may look bare (below left), the plants can
be returned to the pond in spring and will grow quickly over the summer (below right).

better able to fight infections.This surge in appetite, and the
resulting increase in waste products, causes a rise in ammonia
levels in the water, so now is a good time to maintain and
service filtration equipment.

The beneficial bacteria in biological filters are inactive during cold
weather, and such filters may need to be reseeded with bacterial cultures.

Live and freeze-dried cultures are available from suppliers of pond
equipment.

The addition of zeolite, a chemical that absorbs ammonia directly
from the water, may also be beneficial until the filter is fully functioning again.

Pond fish begin to show spawning behavior in late spring,
when new plant growth provides surface cover for the fish
and for any eggs and resulting fry in the pond.

Check regularly in case any fish have become trapped in reeds or

pond maintenance

 

pond maintenance removing leaves

Removing leaves in the fall is easier if netting is placed over
the surface of the pond.

other plants, or any females have been driven out of the pond by over-energetic males.

During the summer,the increased temperature of the water and
greater activity levels of the fish result in lower oxygen levels.

If not controlled, plant and algal growth also reduces oxygen levels
in the water.

To maintain oxygenation, fountains and other water features
should be left on overnight, or special aeration equipment should be installed.

Preparing for winter

Pond plants begin to die back in the fall, and excess foliage
should be removed.

Falling leaves should not be allowed to accumulate on the surface of
the pond, because they decompose in the water and can harm the fish.

Covering the surface of the pond with netting keeps leaves out of
the water, and allows them to be collected easily.

If there are delicate fish in the pond, or any young from a late
spawning, they should be caught and transferred to an aquarium
for the winter to ensure their survival.

When the water temperature falls below 43°F (6°C), the remaining
fish may enter an almost completely motionless state, and will
not require feeding until spring.

Below around 39°F (4°C),a warmer layer of water will develop in the deepest part of

algal bloom pond maintenance

Algal blooms—sudden flushes of algal growth—can be a problem in warm weather.

Removing any dying or dead leaves from plants around the pond
will help limit algal proliferation.

blanketweed algae pond maintenance

Blanketweed is a type of filamentous alga, which can trap fish.
It should be removed regularly using a stick.

duckweed pond maintenance

Duckweed grows rapidly, and will entirely cover the surface of a pond.

It can easily be controlled by scooping it off the surface.

Regular Pond Maintenance Tasks

  • Check to see if fish are showing signs of ill health or behaving strangely.
  • Ensure that the filtration system, if present, is functioning correctly.
  • Feed the fish, according to their appetite, several times during the
    day, except in the winter or in very hot weather
  • Note the water level in the pond; sudden falls indicate a leak in the pond liner.
  • Check the ammonia and nitrite levels, especially in a newly established pond.

Weekly

  • During the growing season, remove faded flowers of marginals, unless seed is required.
  • Top off the water level in the pond if the evaporation level is high,
    using water treated with a dechlorinating product
  • Test the oxygen levels in the water, especially in hot weather.
  • Check for any signs of plant pests, such as aphids, removing them
    from the vegetation where necessary.

Monthly 

  • Check the nitrate level of the pond water. It should not rise above 50 mg/l.
  • Remove blanketweed so that it cannot choke other plants and pond fish.
  • Prevent any build-up of algae on bridges or decking, which could make them slippery.Remove it by scrubbing the surface of the wood with a clean brush.
  • Watch for any signs of moss growing on the surface of paving or
    stepping stones close to and surrounding the pond.
  • Rather than stocking the pond to the greatest capacity at the outset,
    add further fish gradually over the spring and summer months.

pond maintanance placing encloseur

the pond, where pond fish spend the winter. If there is a submersible pump installed, position it more than 6 in
(15 cm) from the bottom of the pond, and switch off water
features, such as waterfalls or fountains—otherwise, these
will circulate and cool the water by mixing the colder surface
layers with the warm layer below.

In mild areas, a pond heater can help to prevent the surface
of the pond from freezing over in the winter.

It will stop the area around the heater from freezing, allowing
noxious gases produced by decomposing plant matter to escape
from under the ice.

If ice has formed on the surface of the pond, never try to smash it,
because the shock waves will traumatize the fish and may even prove fatal.

Instead, melt the ice slowly by carefully holding a hot saucepan on the surface of the pond.

During the spring, place a net over the surface of the pond
or stretch it across a framework to protect exhausted fish
from opportunistic predators.

Decoys are available to deter birds, but they are unlikely to stop raccoons or cats.

CLEANING OUT A POND

Over time, sediment accumulates in the pond, and plant growth
proliferates, inevitably reducing the area of water that is accessible
to the fish.

At intervals of a year or so, it is a good idea to unertake a major clearout.

The best time is in early spring, because the pond will have time to
reestablish itself in the warm summer months.

If any cases of serious illness have occurred within the pond, it may must disinfection.

Some preformed pond units can be lifted out of the ground to make this task easier.

  • Before starting the clearout, catch the fish and move them to a location where they will be safe.
  • Siphon or bail out the pond water, removing other aquatic life, such as snails or dragonfly larvae.
  • Divide and repot water lilies and marginal plants.
  • Remove the silt using a spade or scoop, and hose out the base of the pond. The used silt can be dumped on flowerbeds.
  • Refill the pond, adding a suitable volume of water conditioner.
  • Allow the water temperature to rise before returning the fish and plants to the pond.

pond maintenance removing the fish

Remove the fish before cleaning, watching closely for small fry;
transfer the fish to a safe container.

pond maintenance re introducing the fish

Re-introduce the fish only after any replanting is complete; allow
the fish to settle without further disturbance.

planted garden koi pond

garden koi pond

The surface of a pond can become choked with aquatic vegetation (top).

Clearingout the pond, by thinning or cutting back the plants and
removing dead matter, provides the fish with a larger swimming
space, and makes the area neater, safer, and more attractive (bottom).

How do I make my pond water clear naturally?
Follow our 7 tips below to help keep your pond water clean!
Maintain a healthy fish population. …
Don’t over-feed your fish. …
Create a proper balance of plants. …
Choose the right size pump for your pond. …
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay. …
Choose proper filtration for your pond.

What is pond maintenance?
Pond maintenance. If you have a pond in your garden, you have to maintain it every now and then. Pond maintenance will differ from time to time, depending on the season. In spring and in summer a lot of maintenance work has to be done. New plants, feed fish, make and keep the water clear, etc.

How do you maintain a pond?
Keep the water chemistry optimum.
Clean Your Pond Regularly. Garden ponds accumulate dirt and debris with time. …
Manage the Nearby Plants. …
Grow Water Plants. …
Control Ice in Winter. …
Control Algae Growth. …
Maintain the Pump, Filter, Lines, and Fountains. …
Troubleshoot and Repair Any Leaks. …
Maintain the Right Water Level.

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The Four Seasons and Your Koi Pond

Your Koi pond will literally come to life at the first of springtime. The life in your pond has spent the previous winter in a proverbial hibernation

The Four Seasons and Your Koi Pond

Spring

Your Koi pond will literally come to life at the first of springtime.

The life in your pond have spent the previous Winter in a
proverbial hibernation, and is ready to come to life at the first signs of warm weather.

This is the perfect time to begin maintenance on your pond before
the fish, plants, and other pond life come back to live from their winter slumber.

As the days begin to get warmer, your pond will start drastically changing.

If you are not careful, you may miss this much needed opportunity to perform maintenance. Generally, watch for temperatures around 50 degrees, as this is the perfect time.

Spring time is a very weak time for your fish, because they have not
eaten for months, and have may be living on a low level of energy.

This cause your Koi to be more susceptible to attacks from
organisms such as bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

This makes Spring the opportune time to take all preventative measures possible.

Adding a large spectrum of treatment solutions will greatly reduce
the amount of disease causing pests and material.

Once the temperature warms up, another dose of this treatment
will ensure that your Koi will be well protected while they
redevelop their immune systems.

Once temperatures warm up, your Koi immune systems will be
effective enough to protect themselves from disease.

learn more about cleaning koi pond in spring

Fall

Fall brings a change to your pond, as the majority of plant life begin to change.

Fall is a time you move all plants that cannot withstand lower temperatures indoors, or in a green house.

Another issue during fall is leaves. Falling debris will have to be cleared more then any other time during the year.

Skimming the pond daily will help maintain a healthy, clear pond. Alternatively, you may want to invest in a pond cover.

Winter

Winter is coming, and this will be the first Winter that you go through with your Koi pond.

Think of Winter as a down period for your pond, as less events happen during Winter then any other time.

However, there are special precautions that you need to take before
Winter arrives, to ensure that your pond and fish survive.

You will need to feed your fish far less during the winter months. Talk with your local pet store to determine how often you should feed your Koi.

Prepare for cold weather by investing in the items you will need during the summer.

Koi have been known to withstand constant temperatures as low 39
degrees, and temperatures slightly lower then 39 degrees, for short periods of time.

When buying a heater, remember to research what size you will
need to adequately heat your pond during the winter, otherwise ice
will still form, causing potentially dangerous amounts of gas in the
water, due to it being trapped under the ice.

In extreme events, it may be a good idea to have an emergency tank inside available.

Summer

Summer is considered one of the best and more vibrant times for your Koi pond.

Temperatures are beautiful, and you are more able to enjoy your
pond then during the cold winter months.

However, by no means, should your maintenance drop during the summer months.

Remembering a few things during the summer months will ensure
that your pond stays beautiful and lively.

During the summer months, the oxygen level in your pond actually decreases.

Proper precautions should be taken, especially if you live in an area
where temperatures stay high for the majority of the year.

If you witness your Koi hanging out towards the top of the water,
and they seem to be gasping for air, this may be a good indication
that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.

Not unlike other situations in life, heat brings on potential parasite and illness.

The majority of parasites are not seeable by the naked eye, so instead, you must watch your Koi for signs of illness.

You may notice strange behaviors in your fish such as rubbing
against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering.

Each symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it is important to watch closely.

If any type of change is noticed, contact your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible.

While some parasites will cause little damage, some illness such as
KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high mortality rate, and should be treated as soon as possible.

learn more koi pond summer maintenance about

How do I keep my koi pond from freezing?
The snow, ice, and surrounding earth will help insulate your pond from the frigid air. 5. De-Icer: If your pond threatens to freeze completely, you may need to install a de-icer to keep at least part of the water above freezing. Your fish will need a few feet of liquid water in the pond throughout the winter.

Are koi ponds expensive to maintain?
Koi demand a large environment, and this can cost a great deal as well. Generally, the ideal size for a Koi pond is considered to be over 1,000 gallons and at least three feet deep. Size: Koi fish need a lot of space.

Can Koi survive winter?
Goldfish and koi are very hardy fishes; they can survive water temperatures as low as 0°C, which means they can survive in the pond during the winter as long as it doesn’t freeze solid and they have adequate water quality and oxygen.

Are koi ponds high maintenance?
While koi fish may be known for their grace and beauty, few know that they are also one of the dirtiest and high-maintenance fish to own. Because they like to root up the pond’s bottom surface, and because they produce a lot of waste, koi pond water can easily become mucky and dingy.

How long can Koi go without food in winter?
During the summer, koi can easily go two weeks without being fed. They will take some small amount of nutrition from bugs, algae, and anything else they can find in the water to eat. Koi can go through the entire winter without eating, and should not be fed if the water temperature is 52 degrees or colder.

Koi are capable of surviving through an entire winter in a frozen pond, provided their water has sufficient oxygen. Poor-quality water will not sustain koi if they are frozenon top, as they will not be able to surface in order to breathe. Survival under ice is possible for koi; many wild populations do so.
Are koi fish hard to take care of?
Koi grow quickly and get very large. Keep mature koi in an outdoor pond of at least 3 feet deep, with at least 50 gallons of water per fish. … If you’re introducing koi to an existing school in an aquarium or pond, quarantine the new fish in a separate body of water for 2 to 4 weeks to be sure they are healthy.
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Your Koi Pond After The Storm

Your Koi Pond After The Storm
Your Koi Pond After The Storm
 
Your Koi Pond After The Storm First off, take time to breath. You pride and joys are probably fine. They may be somewhat traumatized by the whole experience, but
that would be any pet caught in unusual situation.
 
Unless extreme damage was done, their health probably is not an
issue, however their home may be in need of some repairs.
 
You may have been completely prepared for the storm, or the storm may have taken you by complete surprise.
 
Whatever the case may be, you must jump into action as soon as
you physically can to ensure that no further damage is done to your pond.
 
First, you must undo all of your storm precautions to survey the possible damage.
 
If you netted your pond, clear as much debris off the net as possible and remove the netting. Once you removed the netting you will be able to survey the damage and the condition that your fish are in.
 
If high waters were expected and your sand bagged the area around
you pond, as long as the water level is normal, remove all sand bags so that you can easily access your pond.
 
Do not get discouraged if things seem out of place, and it may not be as bad as it originally looks.
 
Once you have removed all netting and other precautions, take time to look at the area.
 
If any debris is present, remove it by skimming and netting.
 
If plants or decorations are uprooted or out of place, replace them to their rightful area.
 
If you find major damage to your pond, it is important to remove your Koi as soon as possible.
 
Proper bagging and transporting techniques may be needed if the
damage done will take a large amount of time to fix, but there are
several temporary options available if damage can be fixed quickly.
 
You may want to consider using a children’s pool to house your Koi.
 
If nothing is available at the time, get into contact with your
local pet store or zoo, as they may have program available to help you house your Koi until maintenance can be done.
 
Once you have decided that only small repairs are needed, then you must focus on the water quality. You water may seem cloudy or murky due to the storm and the amount of extra water from rainfall.
 
If the storm lasted for a long amount of time, you may be facing ammonia issues as well.
 
Test your water for Nitrates. If Nitrates are present, add the proper amount of salt to the water. Typically you would add 3/4 to one pound of salt per 100 gallons of water.
 
However, if your fish are especially shocked by the situation, or
seem to have sustained any type of injuries, it may be a good idea to add more.
 
If you have plants in your pond, it may be a good idea to remove them before adding the salt into the water.
Your Koi Pond After The Storm
 
Your fish should be the most important issue at this point, not your plants.
 
If you are having KH issues (especially if it is below 100) you will want to add baking soda to your pond. Typically you can add 1 cup of unpacked baking soda per 1000 gallons of water. This will protect your pond from a future pH crash.
Your Koi Pond After The Storm related questions
What causes Koi to die suddenly?
The most common causes of fish kills are oxygen depletion, algal blooms (could deplete oxygen or be toxic), pesticide toxicity and disease. By far, the most common cause of fish kills is oxygen depletion in lakes or ponds.
What causes pond fish to die suddenly?
Fish may die of old age, starvation, body injury, stress, suffocation, water pollution, diseases, parasites, predation, toxic algae, severe weather, and other reasons.
A few dead fish floating on the surface of a pond or lake is not necessarily cause for alarm.
Is rainwater good for koi pond?
But, this isn’t entirely so as rainwater is generally too acidic for aquatic plants and fish.
Pollution in the air results in the acidity of rainwater and therefore is only suitable for your pond if it has been filtered first. … Keep a check on pond water and the health and well-being of Koi fish during a rainy period.
Can Koi survive winter?
Goldfish and koi are very hardy fishes; they can survive water temperatures as low as 0°C, which means they can survive in the pond during the winter as long as it doesn’t freeze solid and they have adequate water quality and oxygen.
Why did my koi fish died this winter?
Nitrates are lethal to fish. So, in winter, there are usually two main causes of death for fish.
Oxygen Depletion – With a sheet of ice over your pond, the amount of oxygen in your pond is limited with no free exchange of oxygen like there would be when it’s warmer out
Does rain oxygenate water?
Through the water surface by diffusion. Especially water which is moved by wind and rain absorbs much oxygen from the atmosphere.
By growing underwater plants. Especially so-called oxygen producing plants (waterweed, hornwort and pond weed) can produce huge amounts of oxygen under favourable circumstances.
Should I feed koi in winter?
Stop any feeding of your koi for the entire fall/winter season when your koi pond water drops below 55° F and stays there for ten to fourteen days, day and night.
Once you stopped feeding for the fall/winter season, Do Not feed your koi even if your pond water temperature rises.
Can koi live in a frozen pond?
Koi are capable of surviving through an entire winter in a frozen pond, provided their water has sufficient oxygen.
Poor-quality water will not sustain koi if they are frozen on top, as they will not be able to surface in order to breathe. Survival under ice is possible for koi; many wild populations do so.
At what water temperature do you stop feeding koi?
As water temperature falls below 50 degrees to 41 degrees F, you’ll only feed your koi two to three times weekly.
And as water temperature gets below 41 degrees F, you’ll stop feeding your koi altogether because they should be in hibernation mode at that point.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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keeping a koi pond clean

keeping a koi pond clean

keeping a koi pond clean

Keeping you Koi pond clean should be one of your number one priorities.

A clean pond could mean the difference between you Koi living a
beautiful stress free life, and potentially suffering until they ultimately die.

The water in which your Koi live is not only where they eat, sleep, and feed, but it is also where they use the bathroom as well.

If you do not properly clean your pond, it is almost as if your Koi are living in the bathroom toilet.

The water in your pond should almost be completely clear. Your pond should contain no floating or suspended debris, and the Koi should appear to be floating in air.

If you are unable to see the bottom of your pond, then chances are your pond is not clean enough.

We know that you take great pride in your pond, especially when
you were constructing the beautiful landscape around it, and
picking out flowers that bloom in beautiful colors and have
beautiful smell that are unmatched.

However, no matter how beautiful the landscape around the pond
is, a pond is not successful unless you can sustain beautiful fish within the water.

While ponds are designed to resemble nature, you must remember
that your Koi pond is actually just a really large outdoor fish tank, and that it needs to be treated as such.

Unlike natural water systems, fish tanks need a large amount of care. Filtration systems are needed to maintain water quality, and a
pump system is needed to keep the water moving.

In nature, Koi would not nearly the amount of food that they do in controlled ponds. It is not unheard of for pond owners to feed many pounds of food to their Koi per week.

This produces a larger amount of waste, whether it comes from the
digestion process on the Koi’s part, or the amount of uneaten food that has settled to the bottom and spoiled.

It is important to vacuum the bottom out as much as possible, and
make sure all types of drainage systems are clear and in working order.

Another issue is the fact that your pond is indeed, outside. Being
outdoors, your fish tank faces problems that a normal indoor fish tank would never have to deal with.

Debris can easily find its way into your pond. It is important to skim your pond as much as possible.

No matter if your blame the Koi, yourself, or nature for the pond not being clean, it is important for you to clean it up.

The health of your Koi is at stake if you do not. Even if your water quality is clear, a large amount of debris can cause your Koi stress. Stressed fish are more susceptible to disease and viruses.

Preventing Cleanliness Issues

Above cleaning your pond on a regular basis, adding preventative
measures can also increase the cleanliness of your pond.

Keeping your pond moving is one way to help keep your water
quality up Moving water adds more Oxygen to your water, as well
as potentially keep floating debris for collecting in your pond.

Moving water can be achieved several ways such as waterfalls,
fountains, and pump filtration systems designed to move water.

Another way you can avoid cleanliness issues is by keeping your amount of fish down.

Start by buying smaller amounts of fish as spawning will cause you to have babies in the near future. The less fish, the less waste is involved.

Image result for keeping a koi pond cleanwww.angieslist.com
Follow our 7 tips below to help keep your pond water clean!
Maintain a healthy fish population. …
Don’t over-feed your fish. …
Create a proper balance of plants. …
Choose the right size pump for your pond. …
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay. …
Choose proper filtration for your pond.

Do koi fish keep ponds clean?
While it’s true that bottom feeders like carp (Cyprinus carpio), koi and goldfish feed on algae and insects in a pond, their constant rooting around at the bottom of the pond can create water clarity issues, particularly if the pond has a clay or silt bottom.

How do you clean a  without draining it?
How to Clean a Pond Without Draining it of Water (Best Methods)
Step 1) Skim the Surface for Floating Debris.
Step 2) Clean the Pond Floor with a Vacuum.
Step 3) Supplement with Beneficial Bacteria.
Step 4) Control & Remove Growing Algae.
Step 5) Clean & Optimize Water Filtration.

How do I manually clean my koi pond?
To clean a koi pond, start by scooping out any debris floating on the surface of the pond with a net. Then, use a pond pump to drain the pond except for 1 foot of water so your koi fish can still swim around.

how to clean algae 

Steps
Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. …
Avoid overfeeding your fish to stop leftover food from rotting. …
Remove the algae from the surface of your pond with a skimmer or algae net. …
Add barley straw to the pond to slowly kill the algae. …
Introduce algae eating creatures to your pond.

how to clean with the fish in it

To clean a koi pond, start by scooping out any debris floating on the surface of the pond with a net. Then, use a pond pump to drain the pond except for 1 foot of water so your koi fish can still swim around.

How do you clean a koi pond without draining it?
How to Clean a Pond Without Draining it of Water (Best Methods)
Step 1) Skim the Surface for Floating Debris. …
Step 2) Clean the Pond Floor with a Vacuum. …
Step 3) Supplement with Beneficial Bacteria. …
Step 4) Control & Remove Growing Algae. …
Step 5) Clean & Optimize Water Filtration

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koi pond summer

koi pond summer
koi pond summer
Summer is considered one of the best and more vibrant times for your Koi pond. Temperatures are beautiful, and you are more able
to enjoy your pond then during the cold Winter months.
 
However, by no means, should your maintenance drop during the summer months. Remembering a few things during the summer
months will ensure that your pond stays beautiful and lively.
 
Higher Temperatures Cause Less Oxygen
 
During the summer months, the oxygen level in your pond actually decreases. Proper precautions should be taken, especially if you live
in an area where temperatures stay high for the majority of the year.
 
If you witness your Koi hanging out towards the top of the water,
and they seem to be gasping for air, this may be a good indication
that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.
 
One way to keep oxygen moving in your water is by installing water
features such as waterfalls and fountains. The more the water is moving, the more Oxygen is available to your Koi.
 
If water features are not available, frequent water changes will give
your fish the amount of Oxygen they need to survive.
learn more about pond aerator 
 
Watch For Evaporation
 
Higher heat will cause your water to evaporate at a much higher rate. Pay close attention to your water levels and do adjustments as necessary. Remember, you must remove all chlorine from the water you add.
 
Summertime is Parasite Season
 
Not unlike other situations in life, heat brings on potential parasites and illness. The majority of parasites are not seeable by the naked eye, so instead, you must watch your Koi for signs of illness.
 
You may notice strange behaviors in your fish such as rubbing
against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering.
 
Each symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it is important to watch closely.
 
It is especially important to pay attention to your Koi if they start
developing noticeable spots or changes on their body. They may also knock fins off.
 
If any type of change is noticed, contact your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible.
 
While some parasites will cause little damage, some illnesses such
as KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high mortality rate, and should be treated as soon as possible.
 
Feeding Your Koi
 
To remain healthy during the summer, you fish will need food high in the types of nutrients that they need.
 
During the summer you should feed your fish a food that in low in protein at least one to three times a day.
 
If you fish still seem hungry after feeding, you may want to increase feeding slightly.
 
Feeding your Koi small amounts of food at a time will prevent food from spoiling.
 
If you feed in larger amounts, some food may remain uneaten, and it can spoil in a very short amount of time.
 
Fish will only eat what they need to survive, and will leave the rest. Spoiled food can cause water quality issues if close attention is not paid.
 
Feeding your Koi actually causes less Oxygen content in the water. During the summer this can especially be an issue, as Oxygen levels
deplete in high temperatures.
 
You can remedy this by feeding your fish in the cooler hours of the day.
 
Summer presents a special time to hand feed your Koi. Children are out of school, and the weather is usually perfect for being outside. Get the kids involved as they will remember it for years to come.
Can koi live in hot weather?
Temperature Range. … Even though koi can survive in extremely cold or very hot water, it does not mean that they do well at these temperatures.
This is especially true if the extreme temperatures persist for long periods of time. Koi tend to do well when their water is around 65 degrees or slightly higher.
How do I keep my koi pond cool in the summer?
Protect Your Fish From Extreme Heat
Shade your pond from strong sun rays. …
Add Pond Aeration to help stablize water temperatures. …
Conduct 10% water changes to balance warmer and cooler water temperatures. …
Condition your water with a pond de-chlorinator during water changes. …
Cut back on fish feeding.
What temperature can koi fish live in?
Koi are cold-water fish, but benefit from being kept in the 15–25 °C (59–77 °F) range, and do not react well to long, cold, winter temperatures; their immune systems are very weak below 10 °C. Koi ponds usually have a metre or more of depth in areas of the world that become warm during the summer, whereas in areas that
What is a warm water pond?
In fact, cool water in a pond is more than just aesthetically pleasing. A pond’s water must be cool for the fish and plants to thrive. High water temperatures are unhealthy for a water garden, and can even be deadly. … Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen, while cooler water is usually oxygen-rich.
how to keep a koi pond cool in the summer
best way to cool a koi pond diy. in summer
starting new koi pond in summer
float ice in koi pond in summer
keeping koi pond cold during summer
Posted on

cleaning koi pond in spring

cleaning koi pond in spring
cleaning koi pond in spring
Making sure your pond is ready for the coming seasons should not
take you more then a weekend to complete, and will ensure that
you have a successful water garden for the remainder of the year.
 
Your Koi pond will literally come to life at the first of springtime. The Living organisms in your pond have spent the previous winter
in a proverbial hibernation, and are ready to come to life at the first signs of warm weather.
 
This is the perfect time to begin maintenance on your pond before
the fish, plants, and other pond life come back to live from their winter slumber.
 
As the days begin to get warmer, your pond will start drastically changing.
 
If you are not careful, you may miss this much needed opportunity to perform maintenance.
 
Generally, watch for temperatures around 50 degrees, as this is the perfect time.
 
The maintenance needed on your pond cleaning koi pond in spring will largely depend on what happened during the previous winter.
 
If the previous winter was hard, chances are you will need to
perform more changes, so it may be a good idea to start as soon as you start noticing the weather changes.
 
However, some spring maintenance will have to be completed
every year, no matter how harsh or how mild the previous winter was.
 
Water Quality
 
You may notice that the water in your pond is extremely clear
when the seasons are changing from Winter to Spring.
 
Do not let this fool you, as there are several factors that will actually
cause problems once Summer comes if you do not remedy these issues ahead of time.
 
During the Fall and Winter months, organic material such as leafs
and plant material may have found it’s way into your pond.
 
While the water seems clear at the time, the organic material placed
a large amount of nutrients into your pond, which will cause a surge of algae growth once spring arrives.
 
If algae was not enough, the large amount of organic material in
your pond will start to decompose, and will reduce the oxygen content in your water.
 
Since your water is perfectly clear, it is the perfect time to clear all
of this unwanted debris and slit from your pond. This can be completed a number of ways.
 
1) Hire a pond professional from your local dealer or pet store. They will have the equipment needed to vacuum the majority of the debris and slit out of your pond.
 
While this is a more costly option, you will have the assurance that
the majority of the problem causing material will be removed from your pond.
 
2) If hiring a professional is not an option, you may want to
consider using a fine mesh net to scoop up as much debris as possible.
 
The only issue is most nets will only stir up the slit in your pond, rather then remove it.
Once you have removed unwanted debris, you must then test your water. Winter seems to cause the pH levels to change. At the start of Spring, your pH level should be an 8.
 
This can be achieved by topping your pond off with treated tap
water which is buffered to be slightly alkaline by your local water company.
 
Maintaining your Fish
 
Spring time is a very weak time for your fish, because they have not
eaten for months, and have may be living on a low level of energy.
 
This cause your Koi to be more susceptible to attacks from
organisms such as bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi.
 
This makes Spring the opportune time to take all preventative measures possible.
 
Adding a large spectrum of treatment solutions will greatly reduce
the amount of disease causing pests and material.
 
Once the temperature warms up, another dose of this treatment
will ensure that your Koi will be well protected while they
redevelop their immune systems.
 
Once temperatures warm up, your Koi immune systems will be
effective enough to protect themselves from disease.
How do you clean a koi pond without draining it?
How to Clean a Pond Without Draining it of Water (Best Methods)
Step 1) Skim the Surface for Floating Debris. …
Step 2) Clean the Pond Floor with a Vacuum. …
Step 3) Supplement with Beneficial Bacteria. …
Step 4) Control & Remove Growing Algae. …
Step 5) Clean & Optimize Water Filtration.
How do you clean sludge out of a pond? cleaning koi pond in spring
The way to clean away the sludge is to put in the effort and to use Waste and Sludge Reducer™. WSR™ can help keep your pond looking good and remaining clean for the life inside. Sludge comes from organic materials.
These materials will drop to the bottom, creating a layer over time
Do koi fish keep ponds clean?
While it’s true that bottom feeders like carp (Cyprinus carpio), koi and goldfish feed on algae and insects in a pond, their constant rooting around at the bottom of the pond can create water clarity issues, particularly if the pond has a clay or silt bottom.
What temperature should I feed my koi in the spring?
Stop Feeding Your koi should be in their hibernation mode now and no feeding is necessary. Once water temperature is consistently above 41F degrees, but below 60 degrees, feed with a Wheat-Germ based food. When water temperature is consistently above 59F it is good to change to a Koi Staple Food.
How do I clean my small koi pond?
To clean a koi pond, start by scooping out any debris floating on the surface of the pond with a net. Then, use a pond pump to drain the pond except for 1 foot of water so your koi fish can still swim around.
How To Keep Pond Water Clean Without Filter
Don’t Overstock The Pond. One of the first things to keep in mind when you are not using a filter is to not overstock the pond. .
Don’t Overfeed Your Fish. …
Engage In Regular Water Changes. …
Clean Your Pond Regularly. …
Use A UV Sterilizer. …
Use A Nano Media Reactor. …
Use Pond Dye. …
Have The Right Plants.
How much does it cost to maintain a koi pond?
A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Posted on

building a koi pond How to Create an Eco Environment for Your Koi Fish

building a koi pond

Here’s another video of me installing the tarpaulin trapal cheap alternative pond liner

Koi fish can be a beautiful, colorful addition to a garden, which is
why many homeowners choose to incorporate them into their ponds.

If you are considering adding koi into your landscape, find out how
to create an eco-environment for your koi fish.

Introduce a Circulation System

A circulation system is simply the pumps and plumbing, which are
required to provide the appropriate oxygen levels to effectively care
for both the koi fish and plants.

It will also help you to maintain your pond’s aesthetic appeal, as it will create a cleaner environment.

Install an Effective Filtration System

A filtration system should include both a biological and a mechanical filter.

The biological filter will provide a surface area for the colonization
of bacteria, so that it can remove the water’s excess nutrients.

While the mechanical filter will not only feature the pond pump,
but it will prefilter the water and remove debris along the water’s
surface, and can, therefore, prevent the development of organic
materials on the pond’s floor. By doing so, it will create a healthier environment for all organisms within the pond.

Utilize Solar Power for Your Pond

Reduce your pond’s energy consumption and your household bills
by opting for solar power pumps and filters.

The systems will be powered by natural sunlight, so it won’t cost you a penny to run a clean and healthy pond for your fish.

If you are looking for high-quality, affordable circulation and
filtration systems, visit Water-garden.co.uk.

Add Fish for Natural Maintenance

Many people might believe that fish will create a maintenance
problem in a pond, but they can actually do the opposite.

Fish can actually reduce maintenance in a pond, as they are known
to graze on the string algae and bottom feed along the pond’s floor.

So, if you want to add a pond to your garden, you should ensure it’s bursting with life by adding plenty of fish.

Embark with Seasonal Maintenance

Of course, a pond will need a little bit of maintenance to create a
healthier environment for both your koi fish and the planet.

For example, seasonal maintenance will require you to drain your pond completely.

You will also need to scrub your substrate and rockwork with a
pond scraper, or you could use another algae removal device.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance can be a lot less laborious than seasonal maintenance.

It simply ensures the effective functioning of your filtration system,
and you’ll need to rinse both the biological and mechanical filter. You’ll also need to remove the pump for cleaning.

For example, you should remove each moving parts for cleaning,
and you should lubricate all gaskets.

As ponds are susceptible to limescale build-up, this can cause a
pump to stall or burn out, which can create unhealthy pond.

You must invest in a high-quality pond pump descaler, which
should be free from harmful acetic acid and chlorine additives. Also, don’t forget to check its pipes and tubing for cracks, leaks, and weak spots.

How much does it cost to build a koi pond?

A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including
excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

What is the minimum size for a koi pond?

A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.

Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.

Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.

How much space does a koi fish need?

Koi should be stocked based on a reasonable estimate of their full growth, not on their size at purchase.

Most well-maintained ponds will support 1″ of fish per ten gallons of water.

Though some koi in the largest ponds will grow to 36″, we recommend using an average of 21″.

Are koi hard to take care of?

Koi grow quickly and get very large. Keep mature koi in an outdoor pond of at least 3 feet deep, with at least 50 gallons of water per fish. Young koi can be kept indoors in an aquarium of at least 29 gallons.

Are koi carp easy to keep?

Koi carp produce large amounts of waste, and so adequate filtration is a must in order to keep your fish happy and healthy. Koi carp are cold water fish, and do not generally require a heater in their pond, although if the weather is particularly cold for long periods of time, you may need to rethink this.

How much space do koi need?

Koi should be stocked based on a reasonable estimate of their full growth, not on their size at purchase. Most well-maintained ponds will support 1″ of fish per ten gallons of water. Though some koi in the largest ponds will grow to 36″, we recommend using an average of 21″.

Are koi fish hard to keep?

Koi are cold water pond fish, descended from carp. Koi owners may need to bring their prized koi indoors during the winter to prevent death in frozen pond water. Keep koi in large aquariums for a few months at a time. … That is possible, as long as you do not overcrowd the aquarium with too many koi.

How big does a koi fish pond need to be?

Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons. But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements. Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be. A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.

What do koi need in a pond?

Simply put: koi eat some plants. A koi pond should also be larger because koi get quite large despite the size of the pond, it is recommended that a koi pond be no less than 1000 gallons in volume, the bigger the better. It also needs to have an area of the pond at least 3 feet deep, 4 – 5 may be better.

How often should you feed koi fish?

In much warmer water (76-82), three times per day is not “crazy,”‘ however, you have to be wary of bacterial blooms (cloudy water and low oxygen levels) if you feed heavy and there’s a lot of waste. Fish should be fed for about five minutes per feeding.

Posted on

preventing koi fish overpopulation

preventing koi fish overpopulation

Koi fish overpopulation is one of the hardest problems to deal with when it comes Koi ponds.

Once you have to many fish in your pond, severe problems can
occur, and potentially cause death among your fish.

There are a few ways to help prevent koi fish overpopulation. While you
are never guaranteed that it will never happen to you, following a
few simple steps will greatly reduce you chances.

Do Not Overstock

A common problem new Koi pond owners run into is over stocking.

When you first go to buy your Koi, it may come down to deciding
between a number of Koi that is equally beautiful and playful in the
spirit of saving your pond from over stocking.

Talk with your Koi dealer or Pet Store professional about the specifics of your pond.

You should tell them information about what type of filtration
systems you have, what total size your pond is, and where you are planning on placing your pond.

With this information, a professional will be able to adequately
predict the right amount of Koi you can have in your pond successfully.

Do not worry if this number seems small, because the professional
will also be taking into account the fact that Koi grow fast and get rather large.

Some people run into the problem of not being able to turn down Koi from others.

When accepting fish from sources such as other Koi pond owners,
take into account why they are giving you the fish.

Chances are they are giving away fish because they are having
issues with Koi fish over population as well.

Turning down fish does not mean that you are causing any damage
to those fish, it simply means that their owner will have to find a different person to take the fish.

Once Koi Fish Overpopulation Has Occurred

In the event that overpopulation has already occurred in your
pond, there are several ways of removing babies from your pond.

One way is to stop feeding your Koi the minute you realize that spawning has occurred.

You should stop feeding your Koi for no less then three weeks. Do not worry about your Koi starving, as they will focus more on natural foods if you are not feeding them daily.

This “natural” diet includes their young. Koi are not cannibalistic
animals by any means, but they will eat their young when they are
still eggs or if they are small and resemble insects.

Once the baby Koi actually resemble real fish, and the adult fish
recognize this, they will no longer see them as food, so it is
important to start this process as soon as you notice spawning or babies.

While this is a process of nature, you may still find this method to be cruel or unusual. Another way of removing unwanted babies from your pond is to give them away.

First, check with your local pet store. Many pet stores have
programs in which they will accept unwanted animals and give them good homes.

Some may even pay a certain amount for each fish since they sell them, but do not count of this. Local Zoos may also have programs.

If you know of a local Koi society, you may let them know that you have unwanted babies. Alternatively, you can find a message board or group online and post messages there. Who knows, you may even start another person on a Koi keeping hobby.

Will koi fish eat their babies?

Because koi fry have such small mouths, they need smaller sized food.

Koi fry need to eat liquid or small suspended-particle food for their first few days of life. After that, you can work on feeding your koi fry larger and larger solid foods.

Baby koi can eat food out of your refrigerator, such as hard boiled eggs.

Do big koi eat little koi?

Koi are omnivorous and they may eat Koi fry or eggs, but they will leave smaller fish alone.

Medium, large and jumbo sized Koi are priced on a per fish basis
depending on: size, body conformation, skin luster and color.

How long can koi fish go without food?

Many experienced fishkeepers routinely leave their charges for two
to three days without making any provisions for feeding.

Almost any fish can go that long without fish food (more about that later, as well).

However, if you’re going away for longer, some preparation may be needed.

overpopulation of fish effects

Fish Stocking and Overpopulation. … Fish will start fighting over food source and many fish may become stunted.

Too many fish in your pond can lead to a build up of organic
material which will lead to an excessive growth of weeds and algae.

Some signs and symptoms of fish population are water quality, fish
activity, and possible fish sores.

Fish will start fighting over food source and many fish may become stunted.

Too many fish in your pond can lead to a build up of organic
material which will lead to an excessive growth of weeds and algae.

 

Posted on

koi pond storm preparation what you need to know 2018

koi pond storm preparation

First off, take time to breathe. You pride and joys are probably fine. They may be somewhat traumatized by the whole experience, but that would be any pet caught in an unusual situation.

Unless extreme damage was done, their health probably is not an
an issue, but their home may be in need of some repairs.

You may have been completely prepared for the storm, or the storm may have taken you by complete surprise.

Whatever the case may be, you must jump into action as soon as
you physically can to ensure that no further damage is done to your pond.

First, you must undo all of your storm precautions to survey the possible damage.

If you netted your pond, clear as much debris off the net as possible and remove the netting.

Once you removed the netting you will be able to survey the damage and the condition that your fish are in.

If high waters were expected and your sand bagged the area around
you pond, as long as the water level is normal, remove all sand bags so that you can easily access your pond.

Do not get discouraged if things seem out of place, and it may not be as bad as it originally looks.

Once you have removed all netting and other precautions, take time to look at the area.

If any debris is present, remove it by skimming and netting. If plants or decorations are uprooted or out of place, replace them to their rightful area.

If you find major damage to your pond, it is important to remove your Koi as soon as possible.

Proper bagging and transporting techniques may be needed if the
damage done will take a large amount of time to fix, but there are
several temporary options available if damage can be fixed quickly.

You may want to consider using a children’s pool to house your Koi.

If nothing is available at the time, get into contact with your local
pet store or zoo, as they may have program available to help you house your Koi until maintenance can be done.

Once you have decided that only small repairs are needed, then you must focus on the water quality.

You water may seem cloudy or murky due to the storm and the amount of extra water from rainfall.

If the storm lasted for a long amount of time, you may be facing ammonia issues as well.

Test your water for Nitrates. If Nitrates are present, add the proper amount of salt to the water.

Typically you would add 3/4 to one pound of salt per 100 gallons of water.

But, if your fish are especially shocked by the situation, or seem to
have sustained any type of injuries, it may be a good idea to add more.

If you have plants in your pond, it may be a good idea to remove them before adding the salt into the water.

Your fish should be the most important issue at this point, not your plants.

If you are having KH issues (especially if it is below 100) you will want to add baking soda to your pond.

Typically you can add 1 cup of unpacked baking soda per 1000 gallons of water.

This will protect your pond from a future pH crash.

Posted 10/30/2012 – 2:44pm by David Pickering

Here is David Pickering post

Yes, I was out fishing on Monday, but it was not for stripers. Fishing anywhere along saltwater on October 29 was simply impossible today due to the enormous surf, high tides, wild winds, and closed roads.

As most of you know, I have made a career out of fishing in nasty weather in both saltwater and freshwater. So, when I knew we were in for a real bad day with hurricane winds and driving rain, I just had to get out fishing. And, the best bet today would be to fish for carp in a protected spot in freshwater. The three largest carp I have ever caught (36 lbs., 36 lbs. 8 oz, and 40 lbs. 8 oz) were all taken on stormy and nasty days that were similar, though not as severe as this. I will tell you that carp just love this weather and usually go on a feeding binge during these events. It was last year during a big storm that I landed the biggest freshwater fish ever taken in Rhode Island waters, a 36 lb. common carp.

During Hurricane Sandy I was in a very safe spot to fish, away from blowing trees and debris as safety is always a concern on these types of days. In fact, the wind was at my back and I had a great view of the storm while watching my rods. The rain was coming down horizontally in sheets and the wind was blowing the trees in the distance sideways as branches were coming down.

And, yes, the carp were hitting as I expected they would. The first fish I landed was a 12 lb. common. Next, was a 20 lb. common carp. Next fish was the surprise of the fall for me. It was a large mirror koi that was a bright red with black spots all over it. It was a rare gorgeous fish, and this fish was only the second koi I have ever landed! Finally, the day ended with a 21 lb. common. All the fish fell for pineapple-flavored Pescaviva fished on a hair-rigged hook and fished ahead of an oatmeal-based method ball.

With fully charged seas and rough and nasty weather expected for the next few days, I will keep my attention geared to freshwater, where I know I can fish. It might be upwards of a week before the ocean clears up and striper fishing resumes.

Here is also a sad story about koi lost in hurricane

Hurricane causes lost Koi

By Karen Pattist

Laura Irish of Middleburg, FL lost her Koi fish during Hurricane Irma. You won’t believe how she found one of them. Story from the local newspaper below.

In some ways, it’s another story stemming from Hurricane Irma, but it really starts about five years ago. Laura and her husband Joel have lived on their Scenic Drive property for about eight years. After nearly losing their house to Tropical Storm Debbie in June 2012, they decided to build a new, higher house on the same parcel, which backs out onto Black Creek.

“Built this house a lot higher, probably six feet higher,” as Laura began the story on Friday, talking with First Coast News.

The couple currently has four hens, three dogs, and a rescue cat, but their menagerie expanded less than a year ago after they discovered a natural spring next to their driveway. They decided to build a Koi pond, knowing the constant flow of pristine water would mean added beauty with minimal maintenance, eventually stocking the pond – complete with waterfall – with 17 Koi fish and a turtle.

“Super healthy,” she described the fish, “I mean, most of them are about this big,” she said, holding her hands about a foot apart.

Then came Irma. Laura figured that the creek would rise.

It did, not just the roughly 14 feet to the driveway and Koi pond, but another 9 feet, almost enough to reach the sub-floor of the elevated home.

“Part of our prep was to put a net over my Koi pond,” Laura said, having figured the netting would keep the fish and turtle in their home.

It didn’t. Several days after the water ebbed, the Irishes removed the debris-laden mesh.

“So, finally we managed to get the net off and looked in. And, nothing, nothing left,” she said with a sigh.

All seemed lost. In this rural area where mountains of waterlogged possessions still line the road, awaiting pickup, it’s hard to figure that any of the fish would have survived wherever nature left them. It’s unfathomable to imagine that any would have been found, but one of them was, several days later, when a friend came by.

“He goes, ‘You’re not going to believe this but there’s a Koi in a swimming pool two blocks over.’ And I said, ‘That’s got to be my Koi’,” Laura said.

Indeed the Koi had somehow floated and swum across at least a quarter-mile of road, forest, and other waterways, ending its hurricane-driven journey inside the in-ground pool at a home on Laurel Road.

Laura and Joel know the family who lives at that home. “So, we went and looked at it, and sure enough it was Dreamsicle,” she said, identifying the fish by name.

 

what happens to fish during a hurricane

Fish and other ocean creatures face deadly conditions during a hurricane— sometimes the extreme weather strands them on land or far out at sea.

Hurricanes can generate massive waves, so most sea creatures — including dolphins, whales, and sharks — avoid the rough surface water and swim to calmer seas

How does a hurricane affect fishing?

How does a hurricane affect marine life? Larger marine animals such as sharks seem to be barely affected.

They can detect tiny changes in pressure as larger waves at the surface approach, as well as the reduced surface pressure associated with the storm itself, and they also swim deeper or leave the area.

Do fish survive hurricanes?

Hurricanes can be death sentences for coral and sea creatures that are territorial, meaning they won’t leave their homes to flee to safety, or for creatures that are slow swimmers, such as the seahorse, researchers told Live Science. Other animals, such as sharks and some fish, simply swim out of danger’s way.

learn more about indoor koi pond 

koi fish painting

Posted on

koi pond maintenance Expectations vs. Reality

koi pond maintenance


koi pond maintenance helps you to maintain the proper water quality for your koi.

It is vitally important for the sake of your koi that you keep the quality of the water as pristine as possible.

Water quality has to do with much more than keeping the water clear.

You will need to purchase a water testing kit so you can check the pond water for –
• pH
• Oxygen
• Ammonia
• Nitrates
• Nitrites

You will also want to make use of a pond skimmer to get the leaves, insects, and other organic debris out of your pond.

Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning of your pond is usually done twice a year, in the spring and fall.

There are pond maintenance services that you can hire to do this for you, or you can tackle the job yourself.

It really is not a difficult task. You will need to do the following –

• Remove any debris you can see in the water
• Fertilize and prune any plants that live in the pond
• Remove any algae from the pond
• Do a thorough inspection of your filtering system and your pump.
• Check the hose and connectors of your pond equipment
• Check out any pond lighting or pond vacuums you may have
• Drain the pond and add fresh water
• Check the water chemistry, and then take care of any irregularities that pop up.

Removing the Koi
It is understood that you will remove your fish before this deep cleaning takes place!

All sorts of debris and muck will be floating in the water, and you
do not want your fish to struggle for breath while trying to swim.

Koi quarantine tanks are available for purchase in many places.

What is in the Tap Water?
When first setting up your pond, you will probably use a garden hose to fill it with water.

This is fine, but you will also need to add a chlorine neutralizer to the water.

Chlorine is deadly to fish, and can kill them very quickly.
Chloramines are also in tap water, so make sure the neutralizer you use will take care of them as well.

Use your water testing kit each time you add fresh tap water to your
pond to make sure there is no kind of problem with the water.

About once a month is often enough to change out or add new water to the pond.

You can bump this up to every three weeks if the water looks especially needy.

Parasites, Keep Out!
Keep a close watch on your pond for any type of parasite. You can
purchase chemicals to add to the water that will kill any parasites
that may be there, and will also prevent any new parasites from entering the pond.

To Salt, or Not To Salt?
Many people who keep Koi insist on adding salt to their ponds. It can be a good idea in quarantine ponds, as it can help those fish that are suffering from stress. However, salt may cause more trouble than it is worth in a pond for breeders or young Koi.

When a sufficient quantity of salt is placed in the pond water, the skin of the Koi gets slightly irritated.

This causes them to have to produce an extra thick slime coat. That slime coat helps to protect them from parasites and bacteria, which sounds good.

The reality is that salt kept in a pond all year can cause the parasites
that plague your Koi to slowly but surely build up a resistance to the salt.

This will make it harder than ever to kill off the parasites and rid your fish of them once and for all.

A little salt is fine in the Spring to boost the immune system of
your breeders, but make sure to do your regular water changes in
order to clean all the salt out of your pond when this “spring tonic” is used.

Koi Pond Service
Spring pond cleanings are crucial for Fish & KOI ponds and Pondless waterfalls in the NY & CT Area.

Getting a spring pond cleaning is an important step in regaining
your pond’s beauty and functionality after the winter season.

The experts at BG Marine Services. located in Port Chester, NY will
take the necessary steps to ensure that your water feature is
maintained to the highest standards that you book koi pond service here

How much does it cost to maintain a koi pond?

Professionally installed koi ponds cost up to $50,000, depending on
the pond’s size, the experience of the contractor and the materials used. Koi fish can be bought at pet stores and at online koi retailers.

How do I keep algae out of my koi pond?

  • Keep the organic load down by keeping runoff out of the pond and the sludge to a minimum.
  • Don’t over feed or keep more fish than your pond will support.
  • Install a large biological filter and give it time to work, this could take several months.
  • Use enough, and the right type of, aquatic plants.

How do you clean a koi pond?

  • Clean the pond in the spring.
  • Scoop out debris on the surface of the pond.
  • Drain the pond.
  • Remove the koi if your pond is small.
  • Take out the pond pump and any water accessories.
  • Let the sun dry the empty pond for one hour.

How do you maintain a fish pond?

  1. Remember to continue fertilizing your plants as detailed under “Spring”
  2. Remove dead foliage from the pond.
  3. Feed your fish well.
  4. Continue cleaning filter as needed, making sure not to over-clean
  5. Maximize your aeration.
  6. Continue use of bacterial products like Microbe Lift.
  7. Enjoy!

Does barley straw clear ponds?

In ponds that are frequently muddy or those that have a history of
heavy algae growth, two or three times this recommended dose
may be required for the initial treatment.

However, overdosing the pond with barley straw may cause fish
kills because the straw deoxygenates the water as it decays.

 

koi pond maintenance using barley straw
Photo from https://extension.psu.edu

The problem
Excessive algae growth is one of the most common problems
occurring in ponds in Pennsylvania.

Traditional mechanical and chemical control methods are not always efficient or economical.

In recent years, the use of barley straw has become more common
as an alternative method for controlling excessive algae growth.

This method has been extensively studied by Dr. Jonathan
Newman at the Centre for Aquatic Plant Management in Great Britain.

This page summarizes the use of barley straw based on Dr.
Newman’s work and our experiences in Pennsylvania.

When applied at the proper time and rate, barley straw has been a
very successful algae control technique in Pennsylvania ponds.

How does it work?
Barley straw does not kill existing algae, but it inhibits the new growth of algae.

The exact mechanism is poorly understood, but it seems that
barley straw, when exposed to sunlight and in the presence of
oxygen, produces a chemical that inhibits algae growth.

Barley straw does not reduce the growth of other aquatic plants. In
fact, in some cases aquatic plant growth has increased after barley
straw applications because algae are no longer present to compete
with the aquatic plants. learn more here

How do you kill algae in a pond?

Use a long handled brush to pull out the algae at depth. 2.
Treat Water and Kill Off Remaining Algae – Some sources suggest
using a pond algaecide to kill off the remaining algae but we never
recommend unnatural chemicals even if the labels state they are safe for fish and plants.

Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my pond?

Hydrogen peroxide can cause gill damage if applied directly to koi.

Pour peroxide into the pond away from the fish, so it is diluted by the time it reaches them.

Use of hydrogen peroxide to increase oxygen levels is only a temporary solution. Continual use can damage the koi’s gills.