Koi Health
Koi are beautiful ornamental fishes that come in a variety of colors and are comparatively easier to take care of.
Unlike other breeds of ornamental fishes, the koi are self-regulating and, thus, require little care.
Despite being low-maintenance, however, it must be noted that there are still certain precautions that must be observed considering that a garden pond and/or fish tank is very different from a koi’s natural habitat.
Here are some tips to help you keep your koi in good health:
Keep Your Koi Pond Water Clean for Koi Health
Unlike in natural water environments, garden ponds and indoor aquariums do not have the organisms that help stabilize aquatic systems.
For this reason, it is necessary to change the water in your pond every so often to make sure that:
- The water is clean and
- Prevent the spread of diseases.
Note, however, that Koi fish are sensitive to abrupt temperature changes, so make sure that you change the water little by little.
Changing 10% to 20% of the water at a time will help minimize the change in temperature.
To reduce the need for constant water changes, install a high-quality filter.
Avoid Overcrowding For Good Koi Health
A koi pond full of colorful koi fishes might be beautiful to look at, but it can lead to fish death at one point.
Since ponds and aquariums are controlled environments, they can only accommodate so many fishes.
Stuffing a pond with more fishes than it can actually hold can deplete oxygen supply, restrict the fishes’ movements, and speed up the spread of diseases from one fish to another.
To avoid this scenario, make sure to take into consideration the size of your pond, the oxygen supply, as well as the full-grown size of your koi breeds before stocking up.
Do Not Over-Feed Your Koi Fish... EVER
Aside from being expensive, there is another reason why you should avoid over-feeding: placing too much fish food into the water can cause ammonia and nitrite levels to rise, creating a stressful environment for your koi and increasing the chances of them catching diseases.
In addition, unconsumed fish food can sink to the bottom of the pond, creating debris and/or providing food for parasites.
Uneaten fish food can also decompose, thereby depleting the oxygen supply in your pond.
Find The Right Location For Your Koi Pond And Koi Fish Health
Since fish tanks are kept indoors, their internal conditions are a lot easier to regulate.
This, however, is not the case with outdoor ponds.
Since outdoor ponds are exposed to the elements as well as to predators, additional precautions must be observed.
To make sure that no toxic substances are introduced to your pond, especially when it rains, make sure that your pond is not located in a low area (thereby making it the catch basin for rainwater) or that there is a drainage system that will divert water from your koi pond.
Koi Fish Health
Koi can live up to 75 years when taken care of properly, making them the symbol of longevity.
Just follow the simple tips above to keep your koi healthy and to prevent fish deaths.
