Ornamental Koi are primarily reproduced in Japan and shipped to remainder of the world. Many years of selective breeding had actually caused development of numerous colorful varieties of Koi but all will require the exact same water requirements. They are reasonably hardy fish and can tolerate bad water conditions however not for extended durations. If you are severe about Koi keeping, then continuous excellent water quality is must to keep your Koi at their peak condition. A pond for keeping Koi has more strict requirements compared to a typical garden pond.

Pond Size

Although most Koi offered are young Koi and averages from 20 cm (yearlings) to about 50 cm, Koi can grow to as big as 1 meter in length. When Koi are evaluated at Koi shows, size and bulk is one requirement. Koi require space to flourish and some Koi specialists have declared that growth rate is proportional to pond size and volume of water per Koi.

Similar to in fish tank fish keeping, a bigger volume of water or pond would also supplies more stability in the water condition. Frequently, this is limited by readily available space for your pond and normally not by cost. I am uncertain about other countries, but in Singapore, my pond contractor has actually told me that I can have a slightly bigger (or smaller) pond for the exact same rate (like purchasing a t-shirt!). The pond dimensions ought to be at least that of a king-size bed if you are preparing to keep 9 Koi (each about 70 cm long). Believe me, when you are bitten by the Koi-keeping bug, you would not wish to stop at 9! You must go for the largest pond that you can fit into the offered space in your garden or house.

Oxygen level

Koi requires oxygen and so does the germs in the biological filter. Dissolved oxygen level of 8 mg/liter in water temperature of about 25 deg C is practically ideal since it is nearly at saturation point. I utilized a water test set to determine this. Keep in mind that plants (including algae) in the water also utilize oxygen at night. Plants take in co2 and produce oxygen only in the day, throughout photosynthesis. Some kind of aeration in your pond style is a must. Oxygen is soaked up by the water when it is available in contact with air. Any way to increase the interface area between the pond water and air would be excellent. This can be attained through usage of a waterfall, fountain, venturi pipe water return system or air pumps that produce streams of bubbles in your ponds.

Temperature level

There is a need to keep the water cool, specifically during summertime or if you reside in hot, warm country like Singapore where the everyday temperature varieties from 25 deg C in the evening to 34 deg C in the day. Warm water does not bring oxygen in addition to cool water. In any case, some shade would be excellent for the Koi. I have actually read about Koi getting sun-burnt from prolong exposure to direct sunlight.

Pond Depth

Pond depth need to ideally be at least 1.2 meter or about 4 feet. Pond surface area is usually restricted by the space readily available in our house or garden. A deeper pond would permit higher pond volume per system pond area. A much deeper pond would likewise help keeps the water cooler in hot, sunny weather. Thus, a much deeper pond is great for the Koi growth but one has to bear in mind the proportion of the depth versus size of the pond.

pH level

pH is a step of the basic or acidic (alkaline) nature of a service. Typical tap water or fresh water need to have pH level of 7. Water with a lower pH level is considered acidic while alkaline water would have higher pH. Chalk, limestone, coral or seashells dissolved in water will produce higher pH. It is very important to keep the right pH level for the right type of fish. African cichlids which originate from Lake Malawi needs high pH and a rocky environment, while South American tetras and cichlids which stem from the rivers of Amazon require low pH. Low pH or sudden drop in pH level eliminates Koi and many other fishes. It is generally much better to have pond water for Koi at with a little greater pH (7.4 is ideal. Not more than 8.0). Water test kit can be used to determine pH. Numerous Koi keepers, myself included, placed coral and seashells in their filtration system to buffer the water or preserve from sudden pH level changes in their Koi ponds.

Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate

Fish produces ammonia as a waste item and a good filter system need to be offered to eliminate this ammonia from the water. The bacteria in the filter will convert the ammonia to nitrite and then from nitrite to nitrate if a biological filter is used. Nitrate is relatively less hazardous to fish and Koi than ammonia or nitrite. Perfect levels of ammonia and nitrite ought to be no or near absolutely no and this can be achieved using a good biological filter system. Nitrate level ought to be less than 25 mg/liter. I used a water test kit to measure nitrite and nitrate levels. The only way to minimize nitrate is through partial water changes. Water plants to soak up the nitrate but may not completely eliminate all nitrates from your pond. Excessive nitrates may lead to algae bloom and turn your water green. Koi needs to consume routinely and consumes a lot to keep their bulk and grow to their maximum potential. This suggests a great deal of excrement is produced and have to be processed by the purification system. A general rule is that the size of the filter system must be one-third of your pond size. Specifically created, all-in-one filter system offered commercially may have the ability to accomplish the very same impact with a decreased size.

A much deeper pond would permit for greater pond volume per system pond surface location. Whether you have a little backyard water garden with only a couple of goldfish or a big, formal Koi pond filled with massively big Koi fish, appropriate pond maintenance is definitely vital to accomplishing the crystal clear lagoon that every yard enthusiast dreams about. Aside from the apparent risks inherent in adding new Koi purchases to your pond without enough quarantine protocols, over time this can result in your pond ending up being hazardous to Koi due to poor water quality. A quality pond filtration system is perhaps the most crucial part to guarantee sparkling clear pond water which is healthy for Koi fish and other pond occupants. Planting mint along the sides of the pond will likewise help keep the pond tidy as the roots spread out into the pond.