Clik Seek Articles

With this Koi manual "Koi Fish For Beginners" you can get started in this wonderful hobby the right way…

It’s perfect for the beginner, although the truth is most "experts" don’t know half of what’s covered in this easy to read, step-by-step, comprehensive manual.
Read more…

by melanie_ko

Building your own Koi pond is basically not the same as any regular ponds you might have before. It has its own set of requirements and limitations that you need to keep in mind, if you want to provide an efficient habitat for your pet Koi fishes. To help you better understand, it is important to identify first what are the things you need to do and what are those that must be avoided at all times.

The most important thing you have to remind yourself is that a Koi pond is not as simple as building a hole in the ground and tossing the fishes right in where you can expect them to thrive and grow. In order to build a Koi pond that is properly working and sustain the growth of your fish, there are a number of factors to look into. These factors must be considered upon the initial stages of planning for the building of your pond. This will help save you time and money, and most importantly your pet fishes’ lives.

First and foremost, hire a professional to build on the basics of your Koi pond, specially for those with limited knowledge on landscaping and fish keeping.

Some people opt otherwise because they believe it will enable them to save more money. If you fail to build a workable pond at the beginning, you will most definitely have to rebuild or reconstruct it. If you are still unsatisfied with the results, then you will most likely go back to the start, which will cost you tons of money. Working with a professional to build your pond will ensure that all essentials are covered and that you will no longer have to crank up major expenses with all the fixing that you had to do.

Meanwhile, working with a professional will ensure that they will look into your personal preferences with the Koi pond and be satisfied with the results.

Just make sure to avoid opting for those professional pond constructors that offer cheap quotes as they might not offer the best quality jobs.

Most importantly, a Koi pond is more often permanent once you have built them. Therefore, choosing the best location for your pond is very important since you cannot easily transfer it from one location to another, whenever you wish. Careful planning is most important and this is something that you need to talk to with a professional since only you can make this decision, while they provide the professional insight that will help you in making that decision.

The best tip that you must keep in mind is to properly take care of your Koi pond once it has been built. The maintenance of the pond might require a significant amount of work and because Koi fishes have special needs apart from other types of pets, then you need to pay them extra attention.

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by dawning.ca

As any serious Koi keeper knows, care for Koi is not as simple as purchasing goldfish from a pet store and dumping them in a fish tank.

First of all, that fish tank should be a pond with enough room for Koi to grow in. The minimum recommended stocking rate for any Koi pond is one Koi per 250 gallons of water. However, for those who wish to care for Koi, particularly to ensure their proper body formation and maximum size potential, twice the amount of water per Koi is recommended.

As mentioned in a previous article, it is better to care for more Koi than less as the fish are “happier” in a populous environment. This of course, would require increasing your pond volume.

Depending on where in the world one resides, it is good to keep in mind that Koi construction should keep out predators such as birds and mammals. Shaded trees are thus a good idea to block the view of aerial predators.

To keep water clean of leaves and debris, stringing nets or wires above the surface is also important. This is because care for Koi begins with care for its pond water.

Koi can thrive in water temperatures of 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F). The optimal temperatures however are at 23-30 degrees C (73.4-86 degrees F).

Pond water should be cycled once an hour for filtration. It should maintain a pH level of 6.5-9 and measured to keep a 5% salinity at all times. It should be free of waste material and be non-chlorinated. Keeping low ammonia levels (due to fish waste) is also necessary for to care for Koi. An ammonia measurement of one part per million is considered harmful for the fish.

One of many environmental problems which arise in the care for Koi is that of green water caused by algal blooms.

The nitrogen wastes and other chemicals in the pond nourish the growth of algae and cause the pond to darken or become green. This is not only toxic for the fish but for humans as well. Hence it is best to regularly test the water for chemicals and install proper mechanical and biological filtration and pump systems.

Care for Koi also includes a healthy Koi diet. Koi have evolved to be omnivorous fish with a high tendency towards the consumption of benthic organisms, such as water insects, worms, larvae and even Molluscs. Koi are also stimulated by the variety of eating fruit, shrimp or fish every so often.

Keeping this in mind, however, there are commercial Koi foods that come in pellets or rods for Koi to chew that make guesswork easy. Koi are known to eat more than necessary for their proper growth so feeding must be controlled. More food also means, more waste in the water. It is better to feed the Koi in short spurts several times a day than to give them one large feeding. For aesthetic purposes and in order to give Koi a physical check-up, it would be good to choose food that floats. When the fish come up to feed at the surface it is much easier to check them then for parasites and ulcers.

In countries where the weather above water drops below 10 degrees C (50 degrees F), it is advisable to slow down the feeding and eliminate protein from their diets. This is because their bodies cannot process food as much or as fast as in the warmth.

Care for Koi may initially seem a complicated task for first-time Koi owners. However, its rewards are found in nurturing the healthiest and happiest of these beautiful ornamental fish!

by (matt)

When you begin setting up a koi pond in your garden, it will require a bit of preparation. The first thing you will want to do, is to choose the location where your pond will be. You will want to make absolutely certain that this space is large enough before beginning.

You will certainly want to have a pump in your pond, in order to ensure water circulation. Make sure that you have an electrical source available, before beginning the assembly of your pond.

Many individuals prefer to pour their own pond out of concrete, and then waterproof it themselves. There are also pre-formed ponds available. These come in many different shapes and sizes, and are quite simple to install. Be sure that the water in your pond will be at least four feet deep. This will keep your fish safe and healthy. You may consider fencing in this pond if you have small children.

It is important to know that any small amount of chemicals that come in contact with your koi, may be fatal.

It is important to install your pond in a location which will be free from any chemical contact.

If you’d like the easiest way to koi pond construction you may want to consider purchasing one of the many available koi pond kits. Not only are koi pond kits easy to install they are relatively inexpensive too.

Koi do not take very kindly to some plants. This presents a problem for many people. Plants look beautiful in a decorative pond. The fact is that koi will destroy many of these plants. One that seems to work well as lilies. This will offer your fish is shady area and protection from predators.

Koi ponds are an excellent way to beautify your yard. This will make a lovely central location to visit in your garden. You will likely find setting up a koi pond in your garden to be a very enjoyable experience. You are certain to find pleasure in it for many years to come.

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by Eva the Weaver

If you want healthy koi, the most important factor you must keep in mind is koi pond water quality. Koi are long-lived and can grow very large, but they don’t flourish in a poor pond environment. The environment is a fairly narrow range where these beautiful pets will do well. Although many koi owners purchase testing kits, they may not be faithful about testing pond water on a regular basis.

Oxygen is the most important factor in a healthy pond for your koi. Lack of oxygen will kill the koi. If your pond is set up and operating, koi owners assume that the oxygen levels are correct. It is difficult to test for the amount of oxygen in the water, so, if the fish are living and feeding, you must assume that the oxygen level is adequate.

There are some other factors though, that you should be monitoring regularly to prevent an excess.

The first of these is ammonia. Ammonia comes from fish waste. Koi do best when the ammonia levels in pond water are less than . 1 parts per million. Nitrites should be less than .2 parts per million to be safe for the koi. You should also test for the level of nitrates, pH level, alkalinity, hardness, salinity, phosphates and copper.

It is recommended that you change a percentage of the water in your pond periodically. The amount of water that should be changed is approximately 20% at a time. Because the pond is an unnatural balanced environment, even the best care and maintenance will gradually cause toxic products to build up over time. If you change a percentage of the water periodically, the unwanted products are diluted by the fresh water.

You can tell that you need a water change if your nitrate levels rise above 25 parts per million. This is not an exact measurement, but if you are carrying out regular testing on the water, you will be able to better maintain excellent water quality for the koi. The amount of time between changes will vary depending upon the size of the pond, number of fish, plants and other organisms in the pond and its location.

A koi pond will provide years, sometimes even generations of beautiful pets for your backyard area. Keeping the fish healthy should be a major goal. Constant testing and monitoring of the water in the pond is critical for good fish health.

by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden

There is no person that can deny that Koi fish are beautiful. They provide a welcome addition to your landscaping and the beauty of the fish is determined by most, of their color. What you may not realize is that there is significant differences in Koi fish color meaning. Patterns also can help to determine the desirability of the fish. The color of the fish and the patterning and scale orientation do a lot to determine the value of the fish. The more color on the fish, the higher the price in most circumstances. Most of the fish have similar Koi fish color meanings. They vary from good relationships to wealth in one form or another.

While many people will choose the Koi on the Koi color meaning, there are those that choose the fish for only the beauty they may add to their Koi pond.

The Yamabuki Koi fish color meaning, or gold fish, is representative of prosperity and obviously, gold.

Whether the owners of these beautiful gold fish are sending a message that they have achieved that wealth or are hoping the fish will bring a winning lottery ticket into their future is the mystery. It all depends on personal choice. Do not choose a Yamabuki that appears too yellow. This type of Koi may develop red spots on their heads. The gold/yellow Koi are popular with people with ponds that tend to be under filtered.

Ogon are gray/platinum colored and are also a representation of the fulfillment of wealth. This wealth is specifically achieved by success in business. This can be the hope for a successful business or success that has already been achieved. The ogon Koi is always metallic and easy to see in green or clear ponds. They are singular in color but always metallic. Choosing the color will depend on what Koi fish color meaning you are seeking or what you are desiring to add to your pond.

The mysterious and striking looking black and white fish is named the Kumonryu. This is the name of the dragon of transformation in Japan. The jet black resembles billowing clouds against a stark white sky. This scaleless variety of Koi changes pattern during the year. In the winter they are primarily black with the white appearing in the spring and summer.

Ochiba Koi are a light blue/gray color with highlights of copper, yellow or possible bronze. Some will say that they resemble autumn leaves floating on the water in your pond. The literal translation is “fallen leaves.” This is a very large Koi and ranges up to 27-29 inches in length.

Karasugoi are solid black. When you begin your shopping expedition for a karasugoi, be sure you choose one that is deep black and not gray. Examine the fish for bad scales or scars. Both of these will distract from the appearance of the Koi. The translation of karasugoi is “the crow” or black with no white.

Solid yellow, non-metallic, are called kigoi. The most valuable of the kigoi have very red eyes which gives them a rather eerie look.

Goshiki Koi are a crass of the taisho sonshoku and the asagi. This is theory and has not been firmly determined. They used to be included in with the kawarimono Koi. The consistency of recent production have earned them a label all their own. They have red markings similar to the Kohaku but not judged as strongly. There may be scales present on the red markings. Meshing will be strictly on the white.

Bekko Koi can be red, white or yellow. There are black markings on their body as well which add to their appeal. The literal translation of Bekko is tortoise shell. Again it must be said that colors vary and combinations can make the translations of Koi fish color meanings less distinct.

The Tancho is distinguished by a red patch on the head. They are not an independent form of Koi and can be bred from several varieties. Their patch will only appear in the region of the head and they cannot be produced in bulk. The most common are the all white with tancho. The tancho goshiki is a Koi of five colors that have a tancho. The contrast of the sparkling white makes the appearance of the tancho distinctive and will increase the value of the fish.

The Koi fish color meaning can be interpreted with the literal Japanese translation or you can take the initiative to label them with your choice of meanings that will suit your particular pond.

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by Sebastian Anthony

Ornamental Koi are mostly bred in Japan and shipped to rest of the world. Many years of selective breeding had led to development of various colorful varieties of Koi but all will need the same water requirements. They are relatively hardy fish and can tolerate poor water conditions but not for prolonged periods. If you are serious about Koi keeping, then continual good water quality is must to maintain yourKoi at their peak condition. A pond for keeping Koi has more stringent requirements compared to a normal garden pond.

Pond Size

Although most Koi sold are young Koi and averages from 20 cm (yearlings) to about 50 cm, Koi can grow to as large as 1 meter in length. Size and bulk is one criterion when Koi are judged at Koi shows. Koi need space to thrive and some Koi experts have claimed that growth rate is proportional to pond size and volume of water per Koi.

Just like in aquarium fish keeping, a larger volume of water or pond would also provides more stability in the water condition.

Often, this is limited by available space for your pond and usually not by cost. I am not sure about other countries, but in Singapore, my pond builder has told me that I can have a slightly larger (or smaller) pond for the same price (like buying a shirt!). If you are planning to keep 9 Koi (each about 70 cm long), the pond dimensions should be at least that of a king-size bed. Believe me, once you are bitten by the Koi-keeping bug, you would not want to stop at 9! Hence, you should go for the largest pond that you can fit into the available space in your garden or house.

Oxygen level

Koi needs oxygen and so does the bacteria in the biological filter. Dissolved oxygen level of 8 mg/liter in water temperature of about 25 deg C is almost ideal since it is almost at saturation point. I used awater test kit to measure this. Note that plants (including algae) in the water also use oxygen at night. Plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen only in the day, during photosynthesis. Some form of aeration in your pond design is a must. Oxygen is absorbed by the water when it comes in contact with air. Any way to increase the interface area between the pond water and air would be good. This can be achieved through use of a waterfall, fountain, venturi pipe water return system or air pumps that create streams of bubbles in your ponds.

Temperature

There is a need to keep the water cool, especially during summer or if you live in hot, sunny country like Singapore where the daily temperature ranges from 25 deg C at night to 34 deg C in the day. Warm water does not carry oxygen as well as cool water. In any case, some shade would be good for the Koi. I have read about Koi getting sun-burnt from prolong exposure to direct sunlight.

Pond Depth

Pond depth should ideally be at least 1.2 meter or about 4 feet. Pond surface area is usually limited by the space available in our home or garden. A deeper pond would allow for greater pond volume per unit pond surface area. A deeper pond would also help keeps the water cooler in hot, sunny weather. Hence, a deeper pond is good for the Koi growth but one has to be mindful of the proportion of the depth versus size of the pond.

pH level

pH is a measure of the acidic or basic (alkaline) nature of a solution. Normal tap water or fresh water should have pH level of 7. Water with a lower pH level is deemed acidic while alkaline water would have higher pH. Chalk, limestone, coral or seashells dissolved in water will produce higher pH. It is important to maintain the right pH level for the right type of fish. For example, African cichlids which originate from Lake Malawi requires high pH and a rocky environment, while South American tetras and cichlids which originate from the rivers of Amazon require low pH. Low pH or sudden drop in pH level kills Koi and many other fishes. It is generally better to have pond water for Koi at with slightly higher pH (7.4 is ideal. Not more than 8.0). Water test kit can be used to measure pH. Many Koi keepers, myself included, placed coral and seashells in their filtration system to maintain or buffer the water from sudden pH level changes in their Koi ponds.

Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate

Fish produces ammonia as a waste product and a good filter system must be provided to remove this ammonia from the water. If a biological filter is used, the bacteria in the filter will convert the ammonia to nitrite and then from nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is relatively less harmful to fish and Koi than ammonia or nitrite. Ideal levels of ammonia and nitrite should be zero or near zero and this can be achieved using a good biological filter system. Nitrate level should be less than 25 mg/liter. I used awater test kit to measure nitrate and nitrite levels. The only way to reduce nitrate is through partial water changes. Water plants to absorb the nitrate but may not completely remove all nitrates from your pond. Excessive nitrates may lead to algae bloom and turn your water green. Koi needs to eat regularly and eats a lot to maintain their bulk and grow to their fullest potential. This means a lot of waste matter is produced and have to be processed by the filtration system. A rule of thumb is that the size of the filter system should be one-third of your pond size. Speciallydesigned, all-in-one filter system available commercially may be able to achieve the same effect with a reduced size.

Learn how to keep water, then the Koi will keep themselves. Hence, building an adequately sized pond with a good filtration system is the first step towards havinggood water quality and healthy Koi. Regular water testing and partial water changes are essential too.

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by dolescum

Koi care is actually fairly simple and can be easily managed by exercising a little forethought. Creating a relaxing environment with your Koi pond can add to your quality of life as well. Their brilliant colors and agreeable manners make the Koi fish very enjoyable and soothing to have around.

It is important to pay attention to how big your Koi get; especially if you decide to start with a smaller pond. They can get to be quite large and thrive best in ponds with 500 gallons or more. If your fish get too large you should either trade them in for smaller fish or create a new pond.

Koi stay healthier in a larger environment and you need to stay aware of how many fish you keep relative to how much water you have in your pond. Water quality is the most important factor in Koi care. Keep the water moving with a quality pump and have it flowing through a filter to remove the waste produced by the fish.

The Koi is a cold water fish and enjoy water temperatures of between 61 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Year round climate temperatures are also an important consideration.

Koi fish thrive in colder water and can be left outside in the winter. Three feet deep is the minimum depth for any Koi pond. The Koi will start their winter hibernation as the temperatures outside go down. When the hibernation process begins their digestive system comes to a halt. Food left over in their system can become rancid.

Because of, this 50 degrees is the cutoff point. Koi fish should not be fed when the temperature of the water is 50 degrees and below.

The Japanese began breeding the common carp in the early 1800′s. As a matter of fact the word “Koi” comes from the Japanese word for carp.

They found that the environment and diet play an important role in the color of the Koi fish.

Silver, black, white, orange, red, green and blue are all colors that have been noted in these fish. They also exhibit many beautiful patterns as well. The Japanese breeders showed extreme patience when developing the breed, taking into account all the factors that affect the Koi.

Koi aren’t necessarily a “schooling” fish although they are very social. They get along well with all breeds as long as the others are big enough not to get eaten! The Koi is an omnivore, meaning that meat,as well as vegetation, is fair game to them. If the pond is small the Koi may seem to group together, but they will stay by themselves or in small groups if the pond is larger.

Koi can be found swimming in over 1 million ponds worldwide making them one of the most popular freshwater pond fish. The oldest aged Koi fish ever recorded was 226 years old. They can also be trained to eat out of your hand. Because of their brilliant colors, easy care and pleasing disposition the Koi is a quality choice for any outdoor pond!

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by Wyoming_Jackrabbit

A koi pond is a major part of keeping koi and must be built with careful consideration of various factors. Remember, the majority of ponds are permanent once they are built. You cannot change your mind about its location or design after one or two weeks of construction work. So bear in mind such things as size requirements and placement when planning to build your koi pond.

Your koi pond is the living habitat for your koi. For it to work properly and actually sustain koi, a number of different things must be considered when you begin planning it. A few simple rules will ensure that you do not end up with an expensive hole in the ground with dead fish.

Firstly, you need to decide whether to get professional services to build your koi pond or do it yourself. There are advantages and disadvantages both ways. If you want to hire a professional pond builder, you will want to find someone with enough experience and who is reliable.

In light of that, beware of extremely cheap quotes as these builders may cut corners that could bring problems to you later. While quotes will differ, there should not be a very huge difference between them.

If you choose to try to build your koi pond yourself, you will need a pond kit. Set aside enough time to do the work. A simple design may take you only a few days but if you have other challenges such as an uneven ground, rocky soil, debris or an elaborate design, then building the pond on your own may take you months. Furthermore, you may need to rent or buy specialized equipment to get the job done. So depending on your own personal situation, you need to decide whether it is more practical to hire a professional or do it yourself.

Remember, if your pond is not built properly the first time, you will end up spending a lot of money fixing the problems that arise. Besides that, if your pond is not properly setup, you may not even be able to keep your koi alive.

The types of koi ponds you can build are differentiated according to the materials used to make the pond lining. Basically, the pond lining can be either concrete, fiberglass, rigid plastic or flexible liners. Once again, there are pros and cons to each one and you should base your choice on your budget and the type of soil and ground conditions you have. No matter which type of pond you opt for, you will need to apply for the relevant permit and adhere to all regulations set by your local municipality for setting up a koi pond.

Once your koi pond is constructed, be sure to keep all children and other pets that are not fish out of the pond, as they can cause problems. If your children swim in your pond, not only could they cause a chemical imbalance, but they could also cause major problems such as leaks. Likewise, keep other pets away from your koi pond filtration system and your pond in general. An important thing to do would be to build a fence around your koi pond and equipment such as pumps and filters. It is likely that the law makes this mandatory also.

Finally, remember that maintaining a Koi pond does require some work. Make sure that you have enough time to carry out the everyday needed maintenance and be prepared to handle issues that will arise that require special attention such as koi pond leaks, sick koi etc. If you are going to be away, have someone with enough knowledge to properly maintain you pond be available to help until you return.

by Wyoming_Jackrabbit

Koi ponds make attractive backyard enhancements, especially on large lots. There are many benefits to having an on-site water feature, but koi ponds in particular add peace and beauty to most any piece of property. Sounds of flowing water combined with images of graceful fish will transform an ordinary backyard into a tranquil sanctuary.

Once established, koi ponds require minimal maintenance. Getting one set up, however, requires some work. Consider ordering one from a custom pond kit supplier online. Before any manual labor begins, the planning stages of the project must be accomplished. Check the property for a low spot near some trees. The low land will be easier to hollow out, and the trees will provide shade and oxygen for the fish. If no such site exists, consider planting some trees in the area where the water feature will be. Direct sunlight is not recommended for raising koi.

When the site has been established, mark off the area to be dug. Koi ponds need to hold a minimum of 1,000 gallons of water, and must be at least 4 feet deep in some areas. These fish grow to be quite large, so in this case bigger is definitely better. Koi ponds, like any backyard ponds, can be dug with shovels. Backhoes are much more efficient and are easier on the muscles. Equipment rental companies rent backhoes and other heavy equipment to homeowners by the day or by the hour. If the thought of operating such a beast seems intimidating, hire a contractor and get the job done by a professional.

Once the pond is dug, it is time to think about a liner. If you plan to use a rubber liner, an underlayment made of synthetic fiber will help to prevent roots and rocks from damaging the rubber over time. This material comes in rolls that vary in size. Overlap the underlayment to cover the bottom and sides of the pond, making sure to extend well beyond the pond’s edge. Carefully place the liner over top of the fiber material. Try to avoid large wrinkles and folds. Small wrinkles will be pressed flat with the weight of the water.

Now is the time to install fountains or waterfalls. Line the edges of the pond with rocks or pavers to keep the liner in place. Add aquatic plants inside the koi pond, anchoring them with rocks or weights. Place landscaping plants around pond’s edge to create a more natural setting.

Once these steps have been completed, the filling can begin. Be sure to adjust the liner as the pond fills, smoothing out folds and making sure the liner is properly placed. Adding fish will be the last step. But do not let impatience ruin the process. Failure to introduce fish slowly will result in dead fish. The water temperature must be the same in the pond as in the koi’s transport containers. Float containers containing the koi in the pond water for an hour to let the water temperature regulate. Then release the fish slowly, letting them venture out into the pond as they feel secure.