Over the years that I've had my koi pond and garden, I've made a few mistakes and a few discoveries in regard to keeping my koi friends healthy and alive. I've also managed to keep kids, animal and nasty bacteria at bay as well. Here are a few quick tips for keeping a healthy koi pond all year round.
1) When creating your koi pond, plan for at least five years ahead. If you intend to raise more than three koi fishes for a long time, create the right environment for them.
2) Try to secure the best filtration and water flow system for your koi pond. Your koi pond will be expensive. Once you've accepted that fact, ensure that you've done your best to preserve the health of your pets.
3) When you choose your koi, be sure to get as much information on the fish from the breeder or pet store owner. There are times when you will need to know if your koi will have any special needs. You'll want to know if they are local or imported. If you are purchasing very expensive variety, you will be getting a list of documents to prove quality and breeding of your koi. Remember that some koi breeders have gotten up to half a million dollars for their fish.
4) Pay close attention to safety in and around you koi pond and garden. Young children and pets should not be able to have access to koi ponds without adult supervision. It is wise to build a fence and gate to ensure the safety of young children and ward off stray animals from reaching your koi fish.
5) Keep a consistent water temperature all year around if you can. Koi will begin to hibernate during cold weather and slow their metabolism. You'll want to keep tabs on the water temperature at the surface as well as below the surface to ensure consistency.
6) Do not over feed your koi especially during the change of seasons. During the colder seasons their digestive systems will still be in hibernation mode though they will want to eat like crazy.
7) Keep the rocks and other materials in the koi pond smooth and free from jagged or rough edges. Koi will bruise themselves on the rocks when hibernating in the winter or when laying eggs. This will keep your koi fish healthy.
8) Vary the type of food you serve your koi throughout the year. I do this with my goldfish as well. By varying your food, the koi will not only get the nutrients they need but a variety to aid in digestion as well.
9) Be sure to keep PH test strips on hand and a chlorine test kit as well. The balance of the pond water is vital to the health of your fish. Be prepared to tackle parasites and fungal infections. Keep koi medications on hand for emergencies.
10) Along with a great filtration system, think about installing an ultra violet light system in your pond to help sterilize the filter and pond water. This lighting system helps keep algae under control. Keep leaves and and yard debris out of the pond in the fall by installing an overhead netting and gate. This will help to keep the pond clean.
So there you have it; my ten tips for keeping you precious koi fishes alive and well all year 'round. I'm enjoying the sight of my three koi friends right now as I write this article in my backyard. Life is great.
Dennis is a koi fish enthusiast who finds peace in tending to his koi fish pond. You can get free practical information and personal observation on caring for koi at http://didarticles.com/koi
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