Clik Seek Articles

by Naomi Ibuki

You probably chose to take care of the Koi species in your very own pond. This may be a challenging task for a beginner but can be very gratifying in the end. Since having a Koi pond at your very own home can be a very relaxing scenery to look at, it would still entail hard work to maintain it properly and you would certainly need to purchase supplies for that.

More often, the concern in having your own fish pond is the water supply. Since these are animals that live in the water, it is necessary that you would be able to provide them enough water supply which resembles their own habitat. It is essential that you provide your Koi fish with enough clean and fresh water to keep them alive and to avoid the fish from getting sick.

If you are to get your pond water from tap water, you have to make sure that you have water filters installed on it.

This is for the reason that some residential areas mostly had their water supply treated with chlorine and other chemicals. These chemicals may be harmful to your fish and could lessen its span of life. With the use of a water filter, you would be able to fitter out these additives before it reaches your pond.

Speaking of filters, aside from your own water filters, you should also include an efficient filtration system for your Koi pond. This would then keep the water clean and free from bacteria which may evolve from the waste material produced by the fish, as well as keep the water balanced for any possible chemical reaction that may occur within the pond.

You should also consider getting heaters for your fish pond to regulate the temperature of the water in the pond. To keep your fish alive for a longer period of time, you also have to monitor the temperature of the water in the pond.

If the water is too cold, heaters can help regulate the temperature to keep the environment fit for a vigorously growing Koi pond.

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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 Elmo Keep

You know the beauty of a waterfall, its serene look is peaceful and with the composed way it flows it just calms anyone who sees it. The same should be said for your Koi pond construction. The possibilities are endless, you don’t have to spend a fortune but if you want to create an unruffled place to relax you can design the pond that will last for years.

Depending on where you live there are some environmental issues that you might have to deal with. California has some ecological ponds that are eco friendly. Remnant of exotic Japanese gardens a Koi pond should be a tranquil place for you to relax at the end of a day and enjoy watching your Koi swim.

A lot of people try to build their own ponds and if you have the know how to do so then you can make a beautiful and engaging place. If you are not a builder then you might find yourself requesting the help of a qualified water landscaper.

It’s best to ask for help so you don’t loose any Koi due to any inadequate building or constructing.

Because you can design one of a kind pond there are several routes you can take. You can have waterfalls and lights and even vegetation. You can build one right outside your breakfast nook or on your property provided you have enough room. There are many designers who can give you an estimate on how much it will cost to craft your Koi pond co and how much it will cost to maintain it year round.

If you want to build a low maintenance Koi pond remember that natural doesn’t always mean healthy. You should always have an extra pond for water runoff and for when it rains. A filter is the best investment that you can make, you should choose one that will do everything you need such as clean the water and keep the Ph balance at optimal levels for your Koi.

Your Koi pond should be at least 3 feet deep, it should be between 4 and 6 feet so that your Koi can have plenty of room. If it gets cold where you are a deeper Koi pond construction might be better since you want to have enough water for them to survive. Deeper ponds give them a better chance.

Always make sure your pond is higher than normal ground. Water runoff from lawns and rainstorms will kill your Koi and even though a filter is designed to protect the water it cannot work overtime if it’s clogged with debris. Do not place a Koi pond under a tree. The roots will seek out the water and leaves will upset the Ph balance in your water.

Pond construction should be advanced enough that the pump and electrical equipment can work year round without too much maintenance. You can build a Koi pond that will last for years to come if you do it right the first time. Koi pond construction is based on your budget, create a place that you can afford to keep and build on later if you want to.

by wakingphotolife:

For a Koi hobbyist, making sure the quality of water in their aquarium or pond is one of the top priorities of taking care of their pets. Water is where fish get their oxygen from, just like we get ours from the surrounding atmosphere. Think about it, what happens to us when the air we breathe becomes dusty or clogged with all sorts of pollutants? This is the same thing with fish. For owners of Japanese Carp, the maintenance of water in their pond is one of the things they have to do to make sure their fish stay happy and healthy. True, Koi are relatively hardier than most tropical fish, but since they’re swimming around in an outdoor pond and not an aquarium in your living room, their home is more exposed to dirt, parasites and disease.

Keeping close watch on the quality of the water in your pond will also help ensure that your Koi aren’t stressed out.

Stress is a big factor in diminishing the appetite of these fish, so making sure they have a clean comfortable pond to swim around in means they’ll keep eating properly and reach their full size (36 inches) and color development (depends on variety).

A good filtration system is one of the best ways of ensuring the water quality of your pond. This can gather the various debris and foreign matter floating around in the water and force them through filter chambers. The biological component of a Koi pond filter keeps the amount of toxins such as ammonia in your pond in check. There are bacteria that convert the ammonia excreted by Koi, transforming this into benign nitrites. Make sure that the filter you get has a pump that’s ideal for the size of your pond. Filter pumps should be able to handle 33% of the total amount of water in your pond in order to be able to work efficiently.

Aside from the presence of ammonia and nitrates, Koi can also be sensitive to ph levels of the water. It’s important therefore to have test kits for these substances on hand so you can keep a close watch on the levels and make sure they don’t fluctuate. Koi can live with a ph level of 7 to 9, but drastic changes can spell disaster. Experts say a ph level of 7.4 is ideal for Koi, so it’s best to keep it around that.

Last, but certainly not least is the oxygen content of your Koi pond water. Just as in aquariums, Koi ponds need proper aeration to keep the fish healthy. Aeration in ponds can come in the form of waterfalls or air stones which blow out bubbles in the water while submerged. Waterfalls, although a bit more costly to have constructed, have the dual purpose of providing oxygen and improving the aesthetics to your pond.

by jeremyfoo

There is no doubt that the work horse of the Koi pond is the pump. Whether you have opted for a pump-fed or gravity-fed system, selecting the right pump is a critical step. The submersible pump is a common choice – widely available, relatively inexpensive and very easy to install. They are placed either in the pond for a pump-fed system or in the last chamber of the filtration system in the case of the gravity-fed system.

The submersible pump for all its simplicity does have a number of disadvantages. The biggest problem lies in the cleaning and maintenance. Since the pump is either in the pond or the filtration system, cleaning requires removing the unit. This can be especially time consuming when the pump is in the pond. The submersible pump in the pond can also become an obstacle on which your Koi could injure themselves. In the filtration system the pump takes up valuable space that could be used for filtration media.

The option I like best for a gravity-fed pond is the external pump.

The pump is placed after the filtration system and so pumps clean water back into the pond. This cuts down on the amount of cleaning required and being out of the water makes maintenance an easier chore. The biggest drawback is that they need to be kept undercover in a dry space protected from the elements.

When choosing your pump, make sure you get one large enough to maintain the desired flow rate and water pressure. Ideally you want to be able to turn the whole pond volume over at least every two hours. Also think about the power consumption. Today there new lower wattage pumps coming on the market. These, while more expensive to buy, will save in overall operating costs.

Just keep in mind these lower wattage pumps may not give you the power you need.

As always, do your homework before you make your choice. A little due diligence up front will save you time and headaches later on.

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 jeremyfoo

It is necessary to use a pond liner to prevent the pond water from seeping into the surrounding soil. There are several types available: concrete, fiberglass, rigid plastic and flexible plastic liners. Each one has advantages and disadvantages, so you need to understand each one and decide what is more applicable to your particular pond.

Concrete pond liners last a very long time. If you want to go for a really permanent pond, use concrete. However, one of the problems usually encountered with concrete liners is that they tend to leak toxins into the water. They are also more expensive.

Fiberglass pond liners have a lifespan of more or less 50 years. They are easy to install and expand for ice and do not crack. One disadvantage is that they look less natural and are hard to disguise.
Rigid plastic pond liners are the cheapest. They can look natural and tend to be resistant to sharp roots or rocks. One disadvantage, however, is the difficulty in installing them. It can be hard to get just the right size hole to lay the liner in and stop leaks and drainage. It is a good choice in warmer climates.
Flexible pond liners have typical lifespan of 20 years. They are resistant to weathering and cracking in the cold and heat. They are non-toxic and inexpensive. This type is good in any climate and, because of its flexibility, is easy to install.

There are some basics steps you must do before installing your pond liner. First, decide where you want to place the pond (see above) and outline the shape and size with a marker like chalk or colored string. Next, start digging the hole at least 3 inches outside of the line. If you are planning to dig a hole deeper than 3 feet you might need to get a permit. Remember, the side of the pond should slope in about 20 from the vertical.

Following this, you will need to fill the bottom with sand and salt to delay unwanted growth and make the bottom more level. I also recommend the use of a liner underlayment. This will help protect the liner form tree roots and other objects that could puncture the liner when its filled with water. Then you put the liner in and fill with water. This task actually requires a little work to get it right. However, it is important and necessary.

by jpellgen

The Koi pond liner is one of the most important pieces of equipment will get for your pond. It’s main purpose is to prevent the pond water from leaking into the surrounding soil.

There are numerous types of liners available. Concrete, fiberglass, rigid plastic and flexible liners are the most common and every pond liner has positive as well as negative features.

Knowledge of the positives and negatives of each will help you determine the best Koi pond liner for your pond.

* Concrete pond liners used to be considered the longest lasting liners. People who were building a permanent Koi pond used concrete to line their ponds. Some of the drawbacks that have been discovered with concrete include the leakage of toxins from the concrete into the pond and the higher price of purchase and installation.

* The fiberglass Koi pond liner is considered one of the best pond liners available.

The average lifespan of this type of liner is approximately 50 years. They can be installed easily and they expand for ice without cracking. Their only disadvantage is an unnatural look and the extra care needing to be taken with the landscaping to disguise it.

* Rigid pond liners are considered the cheapest in the category and they have a natural look. They are considered good resistors of sharp roots as well as rocks but their drawback is installation problems. These pond liners can not be installed easily. It is very difficult to dig the right size hole to lay the liner in. But it is a great choice for Koi enthusiasts in warm areas. They are rated highly in terms of controlling leakage.

* Flexible pond liners have a minimum lifespan of 20 years and are believed to have a firm resistance against weathering and cold cracking. They are completely non-toxic and you can get them for a fraction of the cost of concrete pond liners. These pond liners are best for almost every climate. Due to their wonderful flexibility you can install them with great ease. This particular type of Koi pond liner is probably the most often purchased.

Prior to installing a Koi pond liner you must decide upon the location where you want to place the pond. The procedure is to outline the shape and size with chalk and colored string. Following this is excavation of the soil from the marked area.

If the hole is deeper than three feet you will probably require a permit from the municipal department in your town or city.

Finally you will fill the bottom of the hole with sand and salt to bring the bottom level. Now the excavated area is ready to acomodate your carefully chosen Koi pond liner!

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.