Tag: koi pond

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Koi pond construction guide how to build a koi pond you need to know

koi pond setup koi pond construction guide

Koi pond construction guide  How to Build A Water Garden or Fish Pond

Calculators and other OnLine tools to help
plan & build a water garden or pond!

 

“ Koi pond construction guide.This Koi pond construction guide

will cover the absolute essentials of setting up your first Koi pond

for a few hundred dollars and some honest elbow grease.

In the future, you may become a very successful Koi breeder,

but for now, let’s focus on setting up a functional pond that do well
enough to keep your koi fish healthy and happy.

After you get the pond in place, functioning, and stable enough to support the Koi you buy—then,

and only then, would you be ready to sink into the investment of purchasing the Koi fish themselves.

 

Video Below is Philippine most common raised koi pond used by Poor Man Koi keepers

 

Whatever your reason for wanting to start a Koi pond; you may find the range of options to be quite overwhelming.

It is workable to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on your
Koi pond before even purchasing any fish!

If you’re starting, but, you may want to start with something a little
more budget friendly to determine if Koi ponds are right for you.

Steps for Building a Koi Pond

how to build a koi pond (koi pond construction guide)

Below is my video building a cheap koi pond called trapal pond.

how to dig a pond and install fish pond liners

Thorough planning is the key to a successful result
when building a pond, whether using a preformed
pond unit or flexible liner.

Think through all aspects of the project before you start; draw up
detailed plans of the design and planting, and consider
practical matters, such as which materials and tools
will required, and even how to dispose of the large
volumes of excavated earth that will generate

Excavation of a pond site can be demanding.
Although small ponds can be excavating, it may be

worthwhile to rent a small excavator for more extensive
works. Or, some pond suppliers may build the pond
for you.

Soil conditions can have a considerable effect on the
ease of construction.

In sandy areas, for example, the soil is loose and easy to dig, but it
can be difficult to cut clean boundaries; clay soils, by contrast,
are shaping but present much more strenuous digging conditions.

how to build a koi pond  using FLEXIBLE-LINER PONDS

Flexible liners are an versatile material for pond construction,
and are ideal for informal ponds and unusual shapes.

Detailed planning of the exact dimensions of the koi pond built is crucial,
to avoid costly miscalculations of the amount of liner and underlay required

koi pond construction guide installing pond liner

 

koi pond construction guide installing pond liner

 

koi pond construction guide installing pond liner

koi pond construction guide installing pond liner

how to build a koi pond using (PREFORMED POND UNITS)

Creating a pond using a preformed unit is straightforward.

For a successful and lasting result, but, make sure the site is
well prepared and free from stones or debris,and that the unit is level when installed

koi pond construction guide step 1

koi pond construction guide

koi pond construction guide

 

 

koi pond construction guide

koi pond construction guide

 

koi pond construction guide

koi pond construction guide

koi pond construction guide

koi pond construction guide koi pond electrical system
Photos from Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond fish D. Alderton

 

koi pond construction guide Koi pond Pumps and filters

Garden ponds are often stocked with many more fish than would found in a natural pond,
and so enjoy the addition of a filtration system to improve water quality.

This is especially true for koi ponds, where crystal-clear water is desirable
to give the best view of the colors and patterns of the fish.

Filtration systems are drive by electric pumps,
which powers pond waterfall, fountain and other water features.

Pond pumps fall into two main categories: submersible units that function underwater,
and powerful surface pumps for use only in a dry location.

Submersible pumps are generally smaller and often run on a low voltage,
so are most suitable for smaller koi ponds, while external pumps for larger koi ponds
and extensive water features usually run off household electricity.

To work , a pump must have enough capacity to cycle all the water in the pond in two hours,
so calculate the volume of water in the pond before choosing a pump.

Preformed pond units often have their volume marked on the base; or,
when filling the pond, measure the volume by attaching a flow meter to the hose.

The choice of pump also depends on its intended function.

For example, when operating a fountain, the water needs to pumped under high pressure but at a low output,

whereas for the operation of a waterfall— where the water needs to
pumped uphill—a high output from the pump required.

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and get advice from reputable retailers

to be sure that the pump you choose is suitable for your intended use.

koi pond construction guide Maintaining water quality

Most filtration systems use separate pumps to draw water from the pond
and through the filter, although pumps with an integral filter are also available.

There are two main types of pond filter: internal units, which sit underwater in the pond,
and external filters, which sited outside the pond.

All filtration systems function in a similar manner (see box, opposite),
but the filtration media they house varies.

When installing an internal filter, locate the pump as close as
possible to the filter unit, to maintain the flow rate.

By contrast, if the system uses an external filter chamber,
locate the pump as far as possible from the filter outflow,
to ensure that clean water is not pumped straight back through the system.

Ultraviolet systems, located between the pump and filter,
are a further refinement that can used to achieve very high water quality.

Ultraviolet radiation emitted by the unit causes algae
in suspension to form into clumps,

which are then strained out of solution by the filter.

 

koi pond construction guide how to build a pond To begin, you will need the following five items:

koi pond kits

1.)koi pond liner – put, a koi pond liner will hold the water in your pond.
If you dig a hole in the ground and put water in it, it will absorb into the soil (unless you’re talking about a LOT of water).

Furthermore, you want to separate you Koi’s environment
from outside contaminants as much as possible.

Consider either uPVC or Butyl; both are available
from your local home improvement store.

If your hole has lots of sharp rocks in it, you may want to buy some extra layers or padding to protect the liner.

Since the padding will not come in contact with the Koi,
anything resistant to shredding will work, even an old rug.

2.)koi pond filter system – You cannot have a Koi pond without a filter.
Your filtration needs will depend on the volume of your pond,
which means that if you want to save you should start will a smaller pond.

Unless your skilled in fabricating your own diy pond filter,
you would be best served by purchasing a koi pond filter system in the store.

You need a koi pond filter system to remove debris, bacteria, and toxins from the water.
If you’re working on a budget, take a good look at the filter prices
and their recommended replacement intervals making sure to
factor that cost into your calculations.

diy pond filter watch my video below

3.)Pond Pump – This will work in conjunction with the filter to clean your pond water. Must to your Koi’s survival to have a working pump at all times.

If you can afford it, you should always keep a backup pump on hand in case of a failure. Make sure to check with your aquarium supply dealer on Pond pump efficiency.

A general rule of thumb is that your pump should be able to circulate the entire pond’s volume within a couple of hours.

4.)uv pond filter– This is a special piece of equipment that fits between the pump and the filter.
It uses UV rays to help the filter remove algae from the pond water.

Algae are a special concern in Koi ponds since it is often too small to caught by most filtration systems.

The UV rays will cause algae particles to bond together so that they are large enough to filtered out of the water.

It is workable to remove algae from the pond by chemical methods,
but this considered hazardous to the Koi.

5.)A Test Kit – Even experts need test kits. The quality of your Koi’s water must check.

One of the most dangerous chemicals to your Koi is ammonia, which can detect by neither sight nor smell.

You will need two different types of test kits, one for pH,
and one for nitrate (which will or show filter performance).

Ensuring the quality of your Koi’s water is a major factor in how long they will survive.

 

Further information about how to build a pond below

koi pond construction guide how to build a koi pond step by step

koi pond construction guide koi pond construction plan
Photos courtesy of Koi Knowledge

 

If you had seen any water garden, ratios are, you had seen koi fish.

The debate is how to create the perfect biological system or
the ecosystem for your little friends.

Modern koi pond design made so that it might consider
the most appropriate living demand for koi fishes.

You might find them in the yard behind the house often;
whatever, they can also place in front yards if there is a lot of available space there.

to construct koi ponds, the water & oxygen are the greatest consideration. This will resolute by the size of the fishes.

Landscape gardening plays an important role in Koi ponds. There is an efficient amount of koi pond layouts out there for you to select from.

While you might already have some pre-imagine koi pond design ideas plan on how it might design,
you have to make certain that it set the whole water garden objects completely in a faultless way.

Some of the general points of how to construct a koi pond based on koi pond design and construction
the type of landscape that you have given below.

1. Particular Place.

During you might be an incitement to put your Koi pond at the far limit of your yard,
it is very significant to remember that you must have to uninterrupted check its demand.

You will have to make sure the fishes daily. As well as, you also have to see if the plants are still flourishing or if the fish have already sensual on them.

The position of the ponds should be suitable for the changing weather condition. It would not expose during the hot and cold seasons.

You could always add some more defense for the pond in case you
aren’t confident about how it would prosper in that location. Knowing your yard would help you find out where you could place your Koi pond.

2. Area

Trying to find out the size of a koi pond isn’t like figuring out any customary ponds. This is because of the fishes would get bigger over time.

You would get be astonishing at how much they could grow
especially if you are captivating adequate care of them.

The length of the pond is significant & would, of course, depend on the size of your yard,

backyard koi pond designs direction in your yard & overhanging
trees, which would lower down the amount of available space.

That is why I won’t recommend small koi pond ideas
the small koi pond only works on goldfish and other small fishes, not koi fish

3. Plan of revenue

You required having a budget set apart for explaining a pond for your koi. Take note that some of the fishes & other things for decorations for it don’t come cheap.

You may want to limit your expenses and make sure you are not overspending for it.

Other not-so-important parts and materials adding it later on
when you have supplementary resources.

Remember, room wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your pond.

4. Preliminary koi pond design plans

above ground koi pond design

backyard koi pond designs

There are several designs of koi ponds obtainable to seen online.

There should be a considerable range of fishes, styles & plants,
with many of them varying from the traditional to the unique & good, depending on the prior the right owner.

The biggest thing about constructing a koi pond is that you could
use a preliminary plan or design it so that act likes praise not only the rest of your yard but your home.

You could have a square, curving or round & as a part of the whole landscape garden.

When you have looked at these things, it would be the time to create your koi pond. You have your choice of doing it all by yourself if you have the capability for it.

If not, there are specialists koi pond builders near me out there that
might construct the pond as stated to your personal preferences & tastes.

Professionals pond contractor services recommended that koi ponds
should installed first before the rest of the landscape.

Problems would be hinder especially if the pond required be extending or expanding.

Once you finished, you would understand that the building,
planning, and expenses are worth it all. Your koi fish would agree.

how to build a koi pond above ground

koi pond madeup of trapal
Famous Trapal Koi pond in the Philippines

This is the easy and less work koi pond since you will no longer dig the earth to build it.

You build a frame right away, some made up of woods others are bricks and hollow blocks,

 

Add aquatic plants as soon as possible after constructing the pond or water garden.

Many aquatic plants are great at using up the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae.

Some of the most effective plants include Anacharis, Water
Hyacinth, Parrot’s Feather, and Bacopa.

Water lilies and other plants with surface leaves can added to
provide shade to approximately 66% of the surface area if in full sun. If less than full sun then less coverage is acceptable

As well as enhancing the look of a pond, plants help to maintain
waterquality, providing a healthy environment for the fish.

The choice of plants will partly depend on the style of pond—a
naturalistic pond looks best when planted around the edges so that
it blends into its environment, while a contemporary look may be
best achieved with more minimalist planting

koi pond construction guide aquatic plants

A well-balanced, healthy pond must contain two types of
plant: oxygenators which release oxygen into the water, and floating
plants which provide shelter from sunlight.

Without these, or an efficient filtration system, the water in the
pond can become overgrown with algae, which not only turns the
water green, but can also affect the health of some fish species,
such as Sterlets

Plants in the body of the pond also absorb nitrate—the product of
the breakdown of fish waste—which lessens the burden on the filtration system.

Incorporating plants into a koi pond is not straightforward,
partly because of the depth of water, and also because koi
have a habit of digging up plants and browsing on the growing
shoots.

Most koi ponds, so, incorporate a few tall marginals, and some
water lilies, whose leaves help to protect the fish from sunburn in the clear water.

Planting
In a new pond, wait several days after filling before putting
the plants in place, to allow the water temperature to rise
to that of the environment.

Pot plants as necessary having first inspected them for any signs of disease or pests.

In temperate areas, spring is the best time to introduce new plants
into an existing pond, because aquatic plants start to grow now.

If the pond is large, you may need waders to put plants in place,
and special pond gloves should always worn.

These reach up to your shoulders and provide protection against
waterborne diseases, such as Weil’s disease a serious condition,
spread by rodents, which causes jaundice.

Types of  koi fish pond plants
Plants for the pond can divided into four categories, based
on their growing habits and where in the pond they are to found.

Oxygenating plants,water lilies, and floating plants are aquatic,
growing in or under the water.

Marginal plants are a useful addition to the pond, not only as a
decorative element, but also to provide an excellent habitat for insects.

Oxygenating plants
koi fish pond plants Oxygenating plants

grow underwater, releasing oxygen during daylight hours.

 

Water lilies have

koi pond construction guide water lily
attractive flowers and large leaves, which provide shade and protection for the fish.

 

Floating plants

koi pond construction guide azolla aquatic plants
can spread across a pond, and their growth may need to restricted

 

Marginal plants can

koi pond construction guide aquatic plants

be cultivated in shallow water or boggy conditions around a pond’s edge.

 

 

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4 Tips To Maintain Koi Ponds

koi ponds


Koi ponds are increasing in popularity. While you can choose various types of fishes for such ponds, koi fish is one of the most popular ones to keep in ponds. Besides, koi ponds are known to add serene beauty to homes. These fishes are usually much easier to raise, even for kids. Thus, they are a preferred breed to other fish species. Despite of ease, you may have to keep check on their health. Moreover, you will have to make sure that the habitat is appropriate for their survival. Whether you plan to breed them for business, or as a hobby, you will need to check the following tips to stock koi carefully in their respective ponds.

  • Moderate temperature conditions

You may require at least 1000 gallons of water for a koi pond. Also, you may need hardy plants, rocks, and smooth gravel in such a pond. These fishes can tolerate cold temperature moderately, so the pond will need to be constructed in a place with suitable temperature. While this species is able to manage through cold winters briefly, you may still need to find ways to keep the pond temperature regulated for them to survive. Similarly, you may have to control the temperature in hot summers as well. If you can manage this, while keeping the water quality hygienic, these fishes can reach up to 8 inches in just the first year.

  • Companionship and care

Koi have a much longer life than goldfishes. You can expect these to survive up to an average life of thirty years. Some have been even reported to survive more than 200 years. Thus, you are going to have to take care of them properly so that they are with you for many years to come. You will find that koi love companionship. They prefer each other’s company. In addition, and will love it when people feed them.

  • Oxygen supply

Koi also need proper supply of oxygen. Therefore, you should think of installing a nice fountain or waterfall in the pond to keep the water oxygenated for the fishes. Lack of oxygen may also result in the increase in the growth of ammonia in the water. This happens when the fishes excrete, resulting in the water becoming more polluted. In summers, this activity increases. You do not want the water to lose its oxygen due to the presence of impurities. Also, if you have plans for listing yourself on directories, etc. for koi then you can visit Zoomthelist.Com.

  • Ensure a functional filter

You also need to provide proper filtration in the pond. Proper water conditions for a longer time will only work if you have an operational filter system installed in the pond. Good filtration will help you remove the waste from the water bodies much faster.

Remember to use such methods to improve the condition of water for your breeding koi fishes. These fishes can survive for a long time if they have ideal conditions. Follow these tips and get the best out of your koi ponds.

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koi breeding you need to know 2018

koi breeding

koi breeding tips that will make you breed koi fish successfully

koi breeding This is my personal experience on  how to breed koi fish.

I had also included the actual koi breeding step by step videos that I had done in koi breeding.

The videos start with identifying the koi fish genders down to hatching and caring and raising koi fry.

The most important part is to identify koi fish breeder gender check out the video below

How can you tell if a koi fish is male or female?

A mature male koi will have a slender looking body, while a female koi will have a rounded body,

particularly when it’s spawning season and she’s carrying a nest full of eggs! Next, examine your koi’s fins.

A male koi’s pectoral fins, the ones near his head, will appear pointed and solid in color

 

Also, check the male breeders if they are ready to be breed by checking if they have enough milt and sperm watch video below on how to do it.

 

 

koi breeding setup 

My koi breeding setup is simple DIY breeding koi pond tank and the materials I used are bamboo for the koi pond frame and Trapal for the liner.

koi breeding bamboo trapal koi pond

 

how old do koi have to be to breed

Koi fish are sexually matured when they are about 1-year old already but it is not advisable to breed them at young age

Why? because the membrane of the female egg is thin yet and the outcome is high mortality rate of the koi fry,

It is hard to determine koi fish age if you just bought it from somebody else or at the pet store, since sizes will not determine koi fish age,

because koi fish that are placed in smaller koi pond grows slow, so tendency some will breed even if their sizes are small because of their age are sexually matured already.

 

How long is a koi fish pregnant?

Koi do not get pregnant and are not live-bearers. Koi fish typically mate in warmer water in the spring or summer seasons.

There is no timeframe how long will the female koi fish developed eggs. What you can do is isolate the female koi fish breeder.

This will make the female koi fish breeder to store and develop eggs.

You can tell if the female koi fish breeder has enough eggs already by looking at its abdomen.

The female koi fish breeder abdomen will be swollen

The mating period lasts about two to three days in which the female lays the eggs upon various surfaces while the male shortly after fertilizes them.

 

how often do koi fish lay eggs

Normally koi will breed once a season on Countries that have four seasons usually spring time.

Why, because during springtime the temperature is warm and foods are abundant.

but not always, sometimes it will take warmer water and sometimes colder water.

Sometimes a sudden change in water temperature and water chemistry stimulate them to spawn.

Once instance to prove this is I transfer my large female koi to the breeding tank with cooler water

and when I check her in the morning it had spawn that night already.

It did make for a mess in her show tank. Some will spawn twice in a year, some won’t and even skip a year.

Some breeders will induce spawning so that they can develop fry on a schedule.

I always do this though I am not using an artificial breeding method controlling environment works for me.

I isolate the female from males and condition both the female and male koi fish breeder

I can breed my koi fish the whole year round since We don’t have four season here in my place.

Some koi will spawn later in the year but for the most part the farms time to a part of the season to keep their whole operation running on a schedule.

What age to breed koi?

A Koi’s prime mating age is between 3-6 years old, but koi have also been able to produce baby koi fish until they are up to 15 years old.

Make sure to give your breeding koi couple some privacy when it’s time for them to mate. Koi need a place to lay their eggs.

How long does it take for koi fish eggs to hatch?

Your koi eggs will hatch around 4 days after they are fertilized for colder Countries. 2 days for Tropical warmer Countries.

They will then attach themselves to structure like the side of the tank or pond for 2-3 days where they will be feeding off their yolk sac.

 

Is my koi fish pregnant?

However, your koi will appear bloated and pregnant for up to several days before she’s ready to release her eggs.

At this point, you could still stop the spawning from happening if you don’t want eggs or baby fish (fry)

in your pond by simply removing the females from the pond, keeping them separate from the males.

 

koi breeding Separate the female koi fish breeder for conditioning 

Separate the female koi fish breeder from male koi fish breeders. Why? It will help ensure the female koi fish breeder to develop more eggs.

If female koi fish breeder is mixed with male koi fish breeders in the community pond.

The males will mate her without your knowledge, so the female koi fish cannot store enough eggs on its tummy.

female koi fish showa breeder Breeding koi fish
Here is a photo of a koi fish female breeder prior from separating and conditioning

Watch the video here 

Feed your female koi breeder and male koi fish breeder high protein koi food pellets.

Feed your koi fish breeders plenty of live foods and vegetation

Watch video here

Live foods for koi fish 

  • Daphnia
  • Earth worms
  • Snails
  • Tubifex
  • Shrimp

List of vegetation that koi fish loves

  • duckweed
  • green pea
  • wheat germ
  • lettuce
  • water melon
  • azola

 

Observe the female koi fish breeder body specifically her tummy region if it became swollen already.

This is your indicator if the female koi fish is ready to spawn

You can also apply a gentle pressure in its ventral area if the tummy is swollen already if there are eggs already.

The eggs will come out if it is ready to spawn.

One indicator also is the tummy region is soft when touch.

koi breeding female koi fish breeder after separation Breeding koi fish
Here is the photo of the female koi fish breeder after separation tummy swollen already

 

And you can also watch the video here

 

 

Preparing the koi pond for breeding 

  • I change the water 60 % and leave the water dripping slowly this will stimulate them to breed too.
  • Add nesting media I created a floating yarn and net

 

how do koi fish mate

The male koi fish will chase the female koi fish and bump its abdomen to the pond wall or nesting media.

Adding the koi fish breeders 

I add the koi fish together at 6 pm in the evening and note this was also done at the full moon.

I check them at 12:00 midnight if they already breed but there was no koi breeding sign yet,

a breeding sign is female will gather the nesting media and seems like creating bubbles and males will chase her,

so I just leave them and then when I wake up at around 5:00 am in the morning they are already chasing and breeding here is the actual video of them breeding watch koi fish actual video breeding 

Remove the koi fish breeders after they are done mating.

You will notice if they are already done mating when the males no longer chase the female koi fish breeder.

You need to remove them fast immediately because after laying eggs they will start eating their eggs.

Then perform 60% water change this will prevent water to be foul because of the sperms.

in koi breeding you must always prepare methylene blue for protecting the eggs.

Place methylene blue to prevent the molds attacking the eggs.

how fast do koi fry grow this will depend on the temperature of the water the climate the faster they grow because warmer temperature stimulate their metabolism and this will trigger them to eat fast.

What do koi fish eggs look like?

Koi like to lay their eggs on pond plants, spawning mats, or spawning ropes. … Koi eggs are tiny and translucent.

They can range from milky white to yellow or green. After the next two days, the koi fish eggs will hatch

Here is a video of a koi fry growth chart watch it here

 

koi fry growth rate in the first week from hatching their sizes are about 1 cm and their koi fry color are all yellow yet.

you can watch this video of my 1-week old koi fry

how fast do baby koi grow to depend on the temperature, size of the pond and sources of live foods.

If you feed them daily with live foods they grow too fast also if your temperature is warmer they tend to feed more in warmer temperature because warm climate makes their metabolism fast, so they get hungry all the time.

koi eggs hatching depends on the temperature here in my place which is tropical and warm koi eggs hatch in 2 days in colder region koi eggs hatch for 7 to 10 days.

3-week old koi fry
what do baby koi fish look like It really depends on the stage for the first-week yellow, second week two colors appear black and yellow, third week 3 colors? If you want to see baby koi fish fry see my video below

 

1-Week Old Koi Fry Video

 

2-Week Old Koi Fry in our koi breeding 

 

3-Week Old Koi Fry

 

4-Week Old Koi Fry Video

 

5-week old koi fry video

 

5 week old koi fry

 

6-week old koi fry video

 

Here is the vidoe of my 7-week old koi fry now

Update of our koi fry today, they are now 8-week old koi fry, here’s a video below

 

Update today the koi fry are now 9-week old koi fry their number decreases because

I was not able to remove the tobi koi fry and last week also the water quality was degraded because some of the clams died and also their pooh increase already since they are growing to watch the video below

 

 

Here is an article about Tobi koi fry from http://www.raingarden.us

THE NATURE OF TOBI
Steve Hopkins
Rain Garden Ornamentals
June 2007
Anyone who breeds koi knows about tobi. In other species these are often called “shooters”.

They occur in goldfish spawns too. They are the fry that grow to juvenile size very quickly.

They are noted for eating their smaller siblings.

Most tobi koi do not have the refined characteristics the breeder is looking for, although some do.

I have never seen a good explanation of how and why tobi develop.

If anyone knows of an authoritative description, please let us know. Until then, I will give you my off-the-wall
theory about tobi.

I think tobi are hard to explain because there are two factors at work, genetics and blind luck.

Genetics: Koi and goldfish carry in their genetic code remnants of everything that come before.

A top-notch pair of gosanke or ranchu carries all the genetic material needed to make the ancestral common carp or crucian carp from which they were derived through selective breeding.

They also have all the genetic material needed to recreate the incremental steps in their evolution.

In the offspring from a pair of sanke you will find kohaku, higoi and perhaps even a magoi.

A group of ryukin offspring may include individuals with characteristics of wakin and common goldfish.

The more ancestral forms are always more hardy.

Left to their own devices and allowed to breed indiscriminately for many generations, a population of koi will revert
back to something resembling the ancestral common carp and goldfish will revert back to something resembling a crucian carp.

In a group of sibling fry, those with a more primitative genetic make-up will be just a little bit stronger and faster giving them a slight advantage when it comes time to eat or avoid a predator.

But, in the world of fish fry, a slight advantage can become amplified many fold.

There is a snowball effect. A fry that gets just a little bit bigger than its siblings is better able to
capture and compete for food so it grows faster.

The larger the size disparity, the bigger the advantage. So, over just a few weeks time an individual that is just slightly
larger than its siblings becomes ten times larger than its siblings.

At some point, the size disparity becomes so great that the larger individual can eat its siblings providing it
with a new limitless food supply.

The snow ball effect escalates. Blind Luck But, how can some tobi be excellent examples of highly refined koi or goldfish and show no signs of being a throw-back to an ancestral form?

I think it is because there is a blind luck factor at work as well.

Imagine a group of larvae which have absorbed their yolk sack and are ready to begin feeding.

Perhaps some arrive at this stage a few hours ahead of the rest because they were spawned first or their position on the spawning substrate was a fraction of a degree warmer then the rest, or because of some other factor.

The larvae instinctively dart at a moving food particle.

Some times they catch it and sometimes they miss.

They are growing extremely rapidly and catching one or two extra choice food morsels can make a difference in that growth rate.

Some individuals are just lucky and are able to get a tiny bit ahead of their siblings.

As described above, a very small advantage can quickly snowball into a large advantage.

An individual with no innate genetic advantage can become a tobi just through bind luck.

Another Observation In some batches of fry the size distribution is large and there is an unusually large number of tobi.

In other batches the size distribution is narrow and the siblings look almost identical.

In general, the better the fry are fed the less variation there will be in their size.

If abundant live food can be kept in front of the fry at all times while maintaining good water quality, there is a much lower incidence of tobi.

Under the best of conditions the growth of fry is phenomenal and most of the population (except for those with serious deformities) has the potential to grow at the rate of tobi.

The best way to minimize the number of tobi is to provide better nutrition and husbandry.

The biggest and best koi and goldfish will have had the best nutrition and water quality their entire lives.

Periods of less than optimal conditions can have long-term effects.

In extreme cases, we say that the fish is stunted.

The younger the fish, the more severe and lasting the effect of poor nutrition and water quality.

Tobi are considered by most to be undesirables.

If they are genetic throw-backs then they probably are undesirable. However, you should be on the look-out for those fish

which have both the genetic potential to meet your selection criteria and the good luck to have gotten off to a fast start in life and become a tobi.

It is always a good idea to separate tobi if you can; especially if they have become large enough to be cannibals.

But, do not automatically assume they have no potential.

Update of my koi fry check out this video

To be continue…

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What you need to consider when designing a pond

What you need to consider when designing a pond

So, you’ve decided you want a koi pond in your backyard. Congratulations, it’s a great decision. Ponds aren’t just for keeping fish such as koi in, but they can also encourage other nature into your garden, provide a stunning focal point for visitors to admire and offer a source of relaxation – who doesn’t love closing their eyes and hearing nothing but the sound of trickling water as your very own pond babbles away not far from your back door?

With the decision taken to construct a pond, the big question is, what is your pond going to look like and where in your backyard is it going to go? Here are the factors you need to consider when designing a pond.

Decide on the style of your pond

When her home in West Village, New York needed a refresh, actress Julianne Moore hired professional landscaper Brian Sawyer to redesign her garden. Thankfully, you don’t need to source a professional with a Guaranteed Scholarships in Garden Design to help you decide on the style of your pond. When it comes to a pond housing fish, the most common designs are a formal shape, raised up and near to the house so that you can see your fish swimming around in all their splendor.

Consider the safety aspects

Arguably the most important factor to consider when it comes to designing a pond is the safety aspect. We’ve all read horror stories about young children accidentally walking or falling into ponds with terrible consequences. A raised pond can prevent that happening by providing a physical barrier between child and water. It also offers an edge to sit on, which can be handy if you want to relax in the garden or if the pond is for somebody elderly who may need to sit down while working on the pond. If you are still worried about the potential of a child falling in, then you can purchase a pond cover or netting. This will also protect your fish from any urban animals that may see them as an easy lunch.

Think about the electricity supply

Most likely, your pond is going to require a filter and pump while many of us will also want to install fountains or waterfalls. All of these require electricity to work. That can have a bearing on the positioning of your koi pond, as you are going to need it to be relatively close to a mains supply, which will probably come from a building. You should always use and consult a qualified electrician, especially when dealing with electricity and water.

Check the positioning of underground services

Your pond is going to require at least some digging down, so you need to check that it isn’t going to be situated above any water pipes, sewage pipes of electric cables. The last thing you want when you start constructing it is to cut through any of those three utilities.

Avoid siting your pond in the shade

There are several reasons for avoiding putting your koi pond in the shade. The most obvious is that if it is situated under trees, then come fall it’s going to fill up with fallen leaves which will be a nightmare to remove. If you want flowers to bloom among the water, then you’ll need to choose a position which receives sunlight for around six hours a day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Take Care of Their Koi

Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Take Care of Their Koi


Giving a child a goldfish can be an excellent way to teach responsibility. Once your children are a bit more mature, you can introduce them to koi fish. Although koi require more care than goldfish, they are also more versatile, and they can be placed indoors or outdoors. Use latch hook hairstyles or another extra special treat to reward your child for a job well done. You will be happy to learn that your kids are capable of caring for your koi fish once you teach them how to do things correctly. Here is the best way to get kids to care for their koi.

Ask Your Kids to Demonstrate

Setting up and maintaining a koi pond can be fun, so your children will want to get hands on right away. After the koi are safely placed in their aquarium or pond, you can have your kids show you that they know what to do. Have them feed the koi while you stand back and observe. When it comes time to clean out the pond or tank, give your children the tools and supervise them as they set out to work. As long as the responsibilities you give them are age appropriate, your children will impress you with how well they take charge.

Make Them Responsible for a Set Period of Time

When kids are old enough to be home alone for a period of time, they’re definitely big enough to take care of their own koi. Add koi care responsibilities on your children’s chore chart so they know what to do. This can mean that they need to check the koi pond’s water temperature every morning, or that they will need to feed their koi every day after school. Give them some responsibility but check up on them so that their koi are guaranteed to stay healthy. After a while, you can trust your kids to be responsible and you can even consider rewarding them with a funky hairstyle, like a mohawk or crochet braids.

Quiz Them on Their Koi Knowledge

After you have seen your kids feed their koi, clean out the tank, and check on their fish, you need to do just one more thing to ensure that they are fully responsible. Quiz your children on their knowledge of koi to see if they’ve got all the facts down right. Ask them about what water temperatures are safe for koi, how much food they should feed their fish, and what they should do if they see their koi are sick. Some of their answers might surprise you, but overall you can expect them to get the majority correct.

Koi fish live for a long time if they are cared for well, so your kids can grow up with a family pet that sticks around for decades. Get them started early so that they can care for their koi fish, even when you aren’t at home. As their fish grow larger and their collection becomes even more vast, they will get to know their koi on a personal level.

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power outage? 5 things to do with your koi pond during power outage

solar powered pond aerator

power outage? 5 things to do with your koi pond during power outage

power outage emergency in your koi pond What’s MOST important to Koi fish during a power outage?

Koi require oxygen to live, and without an air pump or a water fall running,

they will quickly consume all available oxygen in the pond and die!

Water with an oxygen concentration of less than 3 mg/l will generally not support fish.

 

1. solar powered pond aerator-You could consider solar powered pond aerator with batteries.

Also reducing fish stock

.solar powered pond aerator

 

2. ups battery backup (UPS) to run your regular air pumps.


An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can also carry your pond through a brief power outage.

They are available at most office supply or computer retail stores.

The UPS works by providing the necessary current via a battery.

The battery remains charged by being plugged into the wall outlet.

This means that your pond will not flinch even a little bit when the power goes off, as it is will not be powered by line electricity.

The UPS will last longer if used to power small pumps or air pumps with low current consumption.

The larger circulation pumps will usually run only a few minutes.

 

 

3.Finally, if you live in an area where power outages are more common, you may want to consider a gasoline-powered generator.gasoline-powered generator.

The downside to generators is that they can be expensive, noisy, and rather heavy.

However, they can keep your pond (and also your home appliances) going throughout an extended power outage.

An important safety tip: DO NOT feed your koi fish during a power outage unless it is absolutely necessary, as it will cause pollutants and algae to build up faster. Most fish can go 5 to 7 days without being fed.

 

 

4.Tap water-Ancost-effectiveective way is to let your tap water to run continuously until the electricity is back on. Only thing is to monitor the chlorine level from time to time. Add the anti-chlorine as desired. I did this twice, and no problems with the fishes

.tap water

 

5.Treating Ponds With  Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide
Measure the length, width, maximum depth and average depth of the pond in feet. You will use these measurements to find the volume of the pond.

 

pond calculator

 

Calculate the volume of the koi pond using an online tool such as pond calculator. This calculator can also determine a recommended pump size and how many fish the pond can safely support.

Apply 1/2 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution per 100 gallons of koi pond water to increase the oxygen content.

The peroxide will take effect within an hour, and the increased oxygen will last for about four hours.

Add 1/2 cup 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution per 625 gallons of pond water when using peroxide after a potassium permanganate treatment.

It will take about an hour for the water to clear.

Things You Will Need

  • online pond volume calculator
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution
  • measuring cup

Tip
If you use hydrogen peroxide in the midst of a potassium permanganate treatment, wait three to four days before resuming treatment.

Warnings
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.

 

Do you have other ways to manage you koi pond during power outage? Please leave in the comments below thanks

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How to Create an Eco Environment for Your Koi Fish

Eco Environment for Your Koi Fish

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.

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10 ways Protecting koi from Heron Theft

  1. Protecting koi from Herons. Herons are beautiful, majestic birds that have one major flaw. Herons love to feast on Koi, and where better than to find Koi fish then an unattended Koi pond or garden?
  2. When you first notice a Heron in your garden, you may not even think of these birds as a danger. Herons are 2 or 3 feet tall, with an extremely large wingspan. They appear to be extremely graceful until you realize that the beautiful sight you were just looking at could have potentially been a thief caught in the act.
  3. If you noticed that your fish are missing in action, chances are a Heron is to blame. You may even notice large gaping holes in the sides of your Koi. This happens when a Heron attempts to catch one of your Koi fish, but does not get a good grip on it. The other will notice their Koi laying on the lawn several feet away from the pond, which is the result of a Heron dropping the Koi after removing it from the pond. While nothing can completely stop this from happening, you can do a few things to detour Herons from eating your pride stock of Koi.
  4. While there are many types of technical equipment available to attempt to detour Herons, you will quickly find that these types of detours will only work for a small amount of time.
  5. Protecting koi Some pond owners place a fake plastic Heron into their garden. This is supposed to detour another Heron from landing there. This works for parts of the season until the mating season comes. Herons will be more likely to land near your plastic Heron when they are looking for a mate.
  6. Various other types of equipment attempt to detour Herons by causing them discomfort. This only works until the Heron get used to it, or just finds a way around it.
  7. The only way to protect your Koi is by watching out for them. A few simple things will not prevent Heron from visiting your pond, but it will greatly reduce the presence of them.
  8. Constantly change your routine. Herons are smart and know when you will typically be present. Visiting your pond frequently at various times during the day will greatly increase the chance that you will catch the Heron in action. If you are unable to vary your routine, you may consider enlisting others to visit your pond as well. Older, trustworthy children in the neighborhood may delight in visiting your pond at various times of the day. Giving them permission to visit whenever they want will allow others to visit when you are unable too.
  9. If you catch a Heron in the act, make as much noise and frighten the Heron as much as you physically can. Shout, yell, throw things, or whatever you feel will scare the Heron. The more frightened the Heron is, the less chance he is to return anytime soon.
  10. Protecting koi Create a hiding place in your pond for your Koi fish. More natural Koi pond owners have noticed that after a Heron attacks a pond, it may seem that the Heron has got all the fish, only to notice that the Koi start appearing from strange hiding places once the scare is over. If you purposely provide a place for your Koi to hide in the event of an attack, you greatly reduce the amount of fish that a Heron will leave with. Do not worry about your Koi hiding from you, as they should know and trust that you will not hurt (or eat) them.
    Do not restock your pond right away in the event of a Heron attack. Waiting to restock may send the Heron searching for new feeding grounds

 

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koi fish transforming into a dragon 2017

koi fish transforming into a beautiful dragon

koi-fish-transforming-into-a-dragon-2017 The legend of the koi fish transforming into a dragon

koi-fish-transforming-into-a-dragon-2017 This is my diorama video telling the story of the legend of the koi fish transforming into a dragon

Once upon a time, there was a little Kohaku koi fish who lives in a beautiful small pond.

One day He decided to go in the dragon’s gate because he wanted to become a dragon as what he heard his grandfather told him that whenever you will succeed in reaching the dragon’s gate you will turn into a beautiful dragon,

so the little kohaku koi fish jump out of his pond and swim towards the dragons gate when He was about to reach the summit of the water fall the Gods test him they make large waves to prevent the koi fish from reaching

the dragon’s gate but the little koi fish is determined to reach the top He keeps on swimming even if he was already tired and exausted and then the Gods throw him ball of fires and even lighting

but this did not stop the little kohaku koi fish he continues to swim upward the water fall and then successfully reach the dragon’s gate. The Gods were very pleased with the little koi fish that they turn the little koi fish into a beautiful dragon.

My story is based on Fish in Chinese mythology

Here is also a story from this site http://www.egreenway.com/dragonsrealms/DT3.htm

The Threshold of the Dragon’s Gate

“Beneath the serene quiet of the water lilies a young carp senses a calling . . . swelling up in her heart
like the swirling waters at the base of a great waterfall,

Somehow summoned to go beyond the barrier of crashing water and veiled mist

The churning waters of the waterfall’s bottom matches that of the young carp’s desires

Finally with a burst of enthusiasm the carp has launched herself up the wall of rushing water cresting the first fall with a surge of effort only to be met with relentless rushing water.

Persevering from one cataract to the next the carp make it to the summit’s last falls.

Regrouping her energies in a pocket of scouring effervescence every essence of strength, courage, and spirit is consumed in the launching over the fall’s summit.

And the dragon’s gate accepts her efforts a transforming gate of fire Revealing the birth of a new Dragon
born of the seed of desire planted in the heart of a small carp that once hid in the shallows.”

– Howard Schroeder, Threshold of the Dragon’s Gate

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10 benefits of having (koi fish) That Will Make You Feel Better

Benefits of a Koi fish koi pond

It’s no secret that having a koi pond can help reduce daily stress and promote relaxation. But did you know that it also provides wonderful health and lifestyle benefits as well?

  • Reduce Stress -Many of these koi fish keepers  Koi pond owners share that they feel “rejuvenated” after spending quiet time near their Koi pond watching the koi fish swims gracefully and hand feeding their koi fish They report a sense of “centeredness” and feel they are more capable of handling the stresses of everyday life head-on.
  • Decrease Anxiety
  • Lower Blood Pressure-Some doctors have begun to voice their opinions about the benefits of having a personal Koi pond. They have gained these opinions by witnessing improvements in such medical conditions as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and some heart conditions in patients known to have their own personal Koi pond. Stress can exasperate these conditions and doctors are always looking for ways they can recommend to their patients for reducing the amount of stress in their lives for better health. Doctors have even found that many stroke and heart attack sufferers recover sooner when they have an area they can access frequently for relaxation, such as with a Koi pond.
  • Promote Faster Recover for Stroke Patients
  • Stimulate Imagination and Creativity
  • Create Aesthetic appeal
  • Get Rid of Negativity
  • Bring Good luck
  • Rejuvenate You After a Stressful Day
  • Entertainment for the whole Family

koi fish benefits