Image via Wikipedia

Winter is just around the corner and this is your first time to experience winter with a koi pond and you don’t have any idea on what to do. First of all, the winter season is like a down time for your koi pond since there isn’t much activity to happen during these period but be cautious since there are a few guidelines that you must remember before the winter season enters in order for both your fish and pond to survive the weather.

1. Cleaning – this is the initial step in making sure that your koi pond will not be damaged in any way during the winter season. Remove leaves and various materials inside the pond and remove the unnecessary materials surrounding the koi pond. Remove all the flower pots or plants around the pond especially the faunas that wouldn’t survive the season. It is also advisable that you remove and clean the leaves and other debris that can fly in your pond since you wouldn’t notice it until the end of the season. By doing thus, you lessen the chances of housing parasites and bacteria in the pond.

2. Feeding – this is an important reminder that you must remember. Do not over feed your koi and stop feeding completely especially if the temperature drops below 50 degrees. You can still feed your koi if the temperature is around 55 to 60 degrees but anything lower than that is potentially harmful for your fish. The reason behind this is that koi’s digest food in a span of 3-4 days, so if you mistakenly feed your koi during this time it will kill your fish. Do not be worried about your koi being hungry all winter since fishes doesn’t only eat the food you give them. Since your pond will consists of natural plant life, your koi can survive on that so do not be worried at all since your koi can sustain itself during the winter season.

3. Check Up – Before the season hits, remember to check on the filters and various materials on your pond. It is also wise to buy and store preventive medicines for your fish before the winter season since there will be a limitation to stores that sell these products. It is better to be prepared than be sorry.  In addition to that, it is also advisable that one must have an updated emergency kit for your koi pond which will include medicines, water testing kits, nets, and bags.

4. Preparation – since you will be preparing for the winter, purchase a heater system for your pond but be sure to research carefully the appropriate size that will provide substantial heat to your pond because unless you do so, ice will still likely to form and that can kill your fishes. It is said that kois can survive temperatures as low as 39 degrees and there are instances that kois withstand the temperature even if it goes lower than 39 degrees but you don’t have to be complaisant about this fact. Purchase an emergency tank in case you need to move your koi inside the house.

5. Turn off water sources – some koi ponds have water decorations such as fountains and waterfalls, if your pond has this remember to turn it off during the winter. Why? Since you will be installing a heater in the pond, the constant motion of the water through the decorations will bring new water that will conflict with the heating system. Switch them off entirely during winter to make your heating system more effective.

Winterizing Your Koi Fish Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

A very important factor which can help preserve the koi fish pond crystal clear and beautiful is by using a UV light. This light isn’t just functional but offers a light that provides an additional charm to the pond. People will be capable of certainly observe the fish swimming around the crystal-clear water. Usually, in a pond with no light, this will be something that you don’t observe.

This particular UV (ultraviolet) light is a sterilizer which can be used if you experience an issue with algae in the pond. Most of these algae increase as a consequence of an excessive amount of organic nutrients as well as warm weather and may also turn out to be unattractive as well as have a very bad smell. This UV light succeeds on eliminating all these algae.

The dimensions of the product (light)should be decided based on how big the pond is and what is the water flow rate. It needs to be mentioned at this stage that this particular product will not likely eradicate or help control filamentous algae. Nevertheless, it is going to offer good, clear water, which enhances considerably the appearance of a koi fish pond.

The rate of the water flow is crucial because, when it is too fast, the rays of the UV won’t have enough time to work. For that reason, when determining to buy one it is advisable to confirm that it’s the right dimension for that particular pond. Some products will simply clear the water to a certain level, referred to as clarity rating, not to the bottom of a pond. This isn’t sterilization. This big difference really should be identified before purchase.

A large number of lights have got an assurance to last fourteen months. Most last more compared to this but, once the pond begins switching color again it is time for a new one. Although the light can still be burning it will probably be evident that it is no longer working.

There’s a sleeve which helps to protect the lamp from the water. When this gets piled up with debris, it won’t permit the rays to reach the water. Subsequently, it is very important to maintain it clean. It might just be cleaned with a paper towel or, if required, cleaned using vinegar soaked fabric. It must be mentioned that this sleeve is delicate for that reason must be treated carefully.

The location of this particular lamp is crucial if we really want it to work. All depends on the location of the intake pump. A clarification concerning correct keeping of the UV can be discussed at the time of the purchase.

It must be fully understood that this Ultra violet sterilizer is not going to substitute organic filtration neither replace basic water quality. It merely helps to make the water clear. Keeping a fantastic and healthy koi fish pond involves several things and the Ultraviolet lamp in the pond will give assistance with the majority of algae managements.

The fish pond UV light is a fantastic option to handle the increase of suspended algae types. Therefore, it is important for all garden ponds.

How Can a UV Light Be Important for a Koi Fish Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image by sgcrawf via Flickr

Now that you have decided that you really want a koi fish pond you must consider the two options you have to build it. Let’s take a look at the two possibilities: Concrete and koi pond Liner

Size and shape
Liners are available in different sizes and shapes, so they are a good option. Concrete is also extremely used to build this type of fish ponds because you can shape the pond as you wish. Concrete allows you to build the koi fish pond you really want with every single detail. Both options are viable.

Cost
Concrete is bought in individual bags, and price varies from brand to brand. It’s very easy to find bags of concrete in local stores and price may vary from $2 to $15. Regarding the koi pond liner, it can cost you a lot more. Depending on the size of the koi fish pond price may vary from $45 for the smallest and $2,000 for the biggest.

Durability
Both materials, concrete and liner have their pros, and cons. Concrete is very durable against sharp objects. With the use of a liner extra care must be taken especially when there are kids around with sharpen toys that might rip the liner. Concrete can crack during winter due to low temperatures and the formation of ice. On the other hand, koi pond liner is capable of contracting with the same temperatures.

Lifespan
If there are no cracks, for instance, due to growing roots, concrete can last decades. The liner has a lifespan of about 10 years but it depends on the material of the liner. If it is a good quality one it can last 20 years.

Choosing between both materials really is a personal choice once both have pros and cons.

Choosing the Right Material: Concrete or Koi Pond Liner is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

This is a complete Small Pond Kit for you to build your Koi fish pond. It enables you to create a relaxing pond ecosystem. The Microskim removes leaves and other debris besides helping to protect the pump. The complete plumbing assembly is provided by the MicroFalls.

The lining is a rubber one that will keep your koi safe. This kit comes with a AquaSurge 2000 waterfall pump and plumbing assembly.

This pond will measure 8L x 11W feet. For more information take a look at the full details.

Small Pond Kit: Build Your Relaxing Pond Ecosystem is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

Koi fishes are often regarded as wonderful pets. This kind of fish symbolizes luck, prosperity and longevity because of its long life span and colorful varieties. For this reason, many people are becoming interested about having their own Koi fish pond so they can keep Koi fishes as pets. But before anything else, it is important to know some basic information first about having the right type of Koi fish pond, so Koi fishes can live long and successfully breed over time. So what are the basic things that you must consider in starting a Koi pond?

Pond Design and Size

This is the most important thing to consider in starting a Koi pond as you must ensure that there is an adequate space in your place for the construction of your pond. The pond must have at least 500 gallon capacity and it should be built in a shady area. A minimum of three feet depth is also necessary so Koi fishes can be protected from predators.

Koi Pond Pump

Most Koi experts usually advise pond pumps specially made for Koi ponds. But in general, any kind of pond pump will work for a Koi fish pond as long as correct placement of pump is followed. For external pumps, the device should be installed on the exterior portion of your fish pond just below the level of the pond’s surface. On the other hand, submersible pumps should be placed directly on the pond preferably in an area where it will not be moved by the variable water current.

Aeration System

Oxygen must circulate well in your pond and that’s why an effective aeration system is necessary. In having an aeration system, you can add watermills, waterfalls or air pumps so you can ensure an adequate aeration percentage within your Koi pond.

Electrical Installations

Upon the installation of electrical wires for a fully functional pond, you must first check the local codes in your area. Placing the wires inside a conduit might be necessary along with other requirements. For the electrical equipments that you will use, make sure that everything is safe for outdoor use. It will be also great if you will use a GFCI or a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter for adding more safety features in the electrical wiring system of your pond.

Pond Decorations

You can freely personalize your pond with the help of ornamental koi fish pond supplies like little bridges, fences, plants, lights and many more. With a rich imagination in landscaping and decorating your Koi garden, you can definitely make it impressive and unique!

The Basics in Starting a Koi Fish Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

A pond is not complete without pond plants. Through these plants, there will be a balanced ecosystem within the pond. For this reason, upon starting your Koi fish pond it is also important to pay attention on the pond plants that you will add. There should be an adequate amount of Koi pond plants within the pond so there will be enough sources of food for your Koi fishes. These plants will also help control algae build-up within the pond, but what types of Koi pond plants should you consider?

Reeds and Rushes
These plants are also known as marginal plants. Reeds and rushes generally grow in the sediments of the pond especially in shallow areas. These plants will help control nitrate and algae build-up within the pond and it is very decorative as well.

Water Lilies
Water lilies are one of the most common pond plants around. It is decorative and easy to grow as it is a floating pond plant. Water lilies can provide shade for Koi fishes because of its wide leaf base and it can also help in controlling algae build-up.

Oxygenators
As the name implies, oxygenator plants provide additional sources of oxygen underwater. These plants also help in balancing the levels of carbon dioxide within the pond so algae build-up can be controlled as well. Popular examples of oxygenator plants include water milfoil and curly pond weed.

Floating Plants
These plants don’t need to be anchored in a soil. Like water lilies, most floating plants provide adequate shading for Koi fishes. Floating plants are very helpful during sunny days as these plants will lessen the effect of direct sunlight to the water temperature of the pond. The most common type of floating plants includes duck weed and water hyacinth.

Other Marginal Plants
If you want a beautifully decorated Koi fish pond, then you must add other types of marginal plants. These plants can be placed in a container and must be kept within two to three inches below the water surface. Most marginal plants have colorful flowers and popular ones include iris, marsh marigold and pickerel weed.

Koi pond plants can make your fish pond look very beautiful, so always take time in choosing appropriate pond plants that will fit your Koi fish pond well. You can ask for the advice of experts especially about the plants suitable to grow in your local place so you can choose the best for your Koi garden.

Related articles

• Pond Safety: Keeping Koi Fish Safe (koifishpondnow.com)
• Controling Your Koi Fish Population (koifishpondnow.com)
• Clearing Up Your Fish Pond from Green Algae (brighthub.com)

Five Advisable Koi Pond Plants for Your Koi Garden is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

In every Koi fish pond, the pond’s filtration system is very critical to consider. Through the Koi pond filtration system, a healthy environment for Koi fishes is ensured. This is important as Koi fishes are very sensitive and if the water quality is not good, this can be a big health risk for your Koi fishes. To help you get started if you are a beginner or if you don’t have any idea about a Koi pond filtration system, here are the three most common types of filtration systems for Koi fish ponds:

Gravity Fed System

The Gravity Fed Filtration System is the oldest way of pond filtration system. It works with the help of gravity; once the debris and dirt sediments have collected on the bottom of the pond, a central pipeline will collect all of these sediments. The central pipe is connected to the pond’s filtration system so the collected dirt sediments will run through the filtration system for cleansing and filtration process. This filtration system is considered cost-effective, although its effectiveness will greatly vary depending on how the pond is constructed. Setting-up the system is also complicated so oftentimes, pond experts are usually trusted for the installation of this kind of Koi pond filtration system.

Pump Fed System

With the Pump Fed Filtration System, a Koi pond pump is used in filtering the pond water for dirt and debris. The pump circulates the water throughout the filtration system and there is no need for gravity to work in settling down the dirt and debris in the bottom of the pond. This filtration system is easy to install as you can put the pump anywhere within the pond, but it is still advisable to place the pump in the bottom part so it could collect and filter more dirt from your Koi fish pond.

Biological Filtration System

Unlike the two mechanical filtration systems mentioned above, the Biological Filtration System uses enzymes in breaking down dirt and debris within the Koi fish pond. The solution is made from active bacteria that can act against ammonia and other dirt present in the pond water so it can also help in producing nitrates helpful for the pond’s environment. However, be careful as high levels of nitrate can be harmful for Koi fishes and this system is also not as effective as the mechanical filtration systems mentioned above, so usually additional filtration system is needed if you will use this filtration system for your Koi garden.

Beginners Guide – An Introduction to Koi Pond Filtration Systems is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

Lots of people became interested in keeping Koi fishes as pets. Koi fishes are colorful and can symbolize luck so many people are interested in discovering how they can keep these fishes as pets in a backyard pond. If you are also interested about Koi fishes, you must first start in building your own Koi fish pond. To help you in getting started, here are some essential tips and steps on how to build a Koi pond successfully:

1. Choose an area in your backyard where there is an adequate space for a Koi fish pond. Because Koi fishes can grow enormously, it is advisable to build a Koi pond measuring at least three feet deep with no less than 1,000 gallon capacity.
2. Make sure that the area for the pond construction is free from predators. Koi fishes are colorful and shiny so it is very attractive for predators like snakes, wild cats and many more.
3. Once the size and the shape of the pond are finalized, begin digging. It is advisable to have variable depths within the pond, starting from shallow level down to the deepest level. Increasing depths within the Koi fish pond will help maintain ecosystem balance.
4. According to most guides about how to build a Koi pond, you must consider where the waterfall tank and the skimmer will be positioned while digging the whole pond. The skimmer must be positioned in an area lower than where the waterfall tank will be positioned in order to ensure an efficient water system.
5. After digging the pond, line the surface with pond underlayment like rubber pond liner. Fit the underlayment sheet thoroughly and don’t worry about the presence of folds as the density of water will press down the underlayment sheet flat.
6. Pour down fresh water to the pond and make sure to add a de-chlorinator agent especially if the water in your place is chlorinated.  While filling up the pond, install the equipments needed like the waterfall tank, Koi pond pump, water skimmer and the filtration system.
7. After filling up the pond with water, test all the equipments installed if everything is working fine before finally adding your Koi fishes. You can also add some pond plants so you can make your Koi garden colorful and lively.

With these tips about how to build a Koi pond, you can now start building your own pond so you can keep Koi fishes as pets. You can also make the pond look more natural through proper landscaping and by adding natural pond decorations; just browse on shops selling Koi pond supplies and find add-ons that will make your pond look beautiful. You just also need to be creative and imaginative in thinking of how you can make your Koi pond unique and impressive, so you can provide a safe and natural environment for your Koi fishes.

Seven Easy Steps on How to Build a Koi Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Planktonic Algae: Those microscopic single-celled plants that are found at the surface of your pond are called Planktonic algae. It gives the pond its bluish green or brown color. This is what they call the “algae bloom”. It starts the food chain in the pond as it provides food to small animals and newly hatched fish fry. This kind of algae feeds on oxygen that causes fish kill and annoys pond owners if they grow out of control.

Filamentous Algae: These are single-celled plants that grow in the form of long threads or filaments and appear like a mat of hair on the surface of the koi pond.

The color of the koi fish benefits from the nutrients of Filamentous algae. It feeds on nitrates and wastes in the water in the pond.  It is harmful for the koi fish and other pond plants if this kind of algae is permitted to grow beyond its acceptable population for it will cover the whole koi fish pond’s surface in no time.  These algae grow best during the summer when sunlight is plenty.

Kinds of Algae in a Koi Fish Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

A very good filtration system in your koi fish pond is the most important thing to give your fishes a healthy and conducive environment.

You will invest a great amount of money for your koi pond. Koi fishes are expensive but they are worth the money. They also are very sensitive to the quality of the water that is why it is very important to have a quality pond filter to give them the best water quality. Removing the debris and other wastes and dirt from the fishes of your pond is the main function of the pond filters. They also remove debris from surrounding trees and plants.

Types of Koi Fish Pond Filters
The two basic kinds of pond filters are the mechanical and the biological types.

The mechanical koi pond filter is using gravity to remove and clean waste in the pond. The main purpose of this type of pond filter is to trap all of your pond’s debris and other wastes from surrounding trees. The filter is removed regularly for cleaning.

The biological koi pond filter on the other hand breaks down the debris into pieces using bacteria to lessen the ammonia released by waste and produce nitrates. Just take note that when the nitrates content of the water gets too high, this can induce risk for your Koi fish and putting another filter can make the water maintain its high quality.

Choosing your pond pump should be done first before choosing as to what pond filter is to be used. Without a pump the filter will be useless because the pump brings out water to make the filter catch all the debris from the pond. Pond filter is very important in the water circulation of the pond and the cleaning as well.

One more tip to take into consideration when choosing a pond filter for your koi fish pond is to make sure that the filter can make room for one-third of the volume of the water in the pond. Putting a small size filter will only put your koi fish in danger because of the unhealthy environment. You should measure the depth, height and width of your pond to identify as to what is the right pond filter fitted on its size.

Filters For Your Koi Fish Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

Are you planning on excavating for your Koi pond?  Here are some tips to help you take decisions in doing it.

Rocky Terrain

This is an important thing to consider in choosing for the location of your Koi pond because there are spots where there are more rocks than soil. When this happens, you will be spending more on the digging cost because this will be finished for quite some time unlike when the spot is pure soil or contains just a little rock in it.

Lot Size

One thing to consider in digging your pond is the size of your lot. This will make a problem when the location of your planned pond is located on a very hard reachable spot. When you decide onto which part of your lot your pond should be located, be sure that it will not be impossible to bring in equipment that is needed in the excavation.

Utilities

It is necessary to check out with your utility companies about possible utility lines on your location. This will help you from risking yourself from the possible results of the digging, especially when there are electrical and natural gases located in your area.

Surrounding Trees

This becomes a problem when you plan to make a Koi pond with big trees surrounding it. You will definitely have a hard time clearing the roots and the possibility of cracking the pond when the roots will someday become even bigger. You will also be making most of the time cleaning the pond from falling leaves or twigs from the trees.

Tips to Help You in Your Koi Fish Pond Excavation is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

So as not to waste your time, effort and energy, it is best if possible to make your Koi pond a maintenance free one. If your budget will allow, try to use the latest but cheap to keep up with your maintenance with the pond so that you will not be spending most of your time maintaining the pond manually. One good way to help you have a good maintenance for your Koi pond is using a very good plumbing facility. It would not only help you cut back some costs, but it will improve the environment for your fishes as well.

There is what we call the gravity filter installations and the pump fed installations. These two are the basic types of plumbing systems for Koi pond.

Gravity Filter Installation

This type of pond pump installation needs to be included in the planning of the pond. The excavation must be done according to the planned size of the pond, including the planned gravity filter installation. The correct depth of the pond should be exact because the volume of the water in the pond should be equal to the volume of the water in the filter. This makes the gravity push the water through the underground pipe to the filter.

Pump Fed Installation

This is the most common type of pump installation and is more convenient, especially when the pond has been made before planning on a plumbing system for the pond. There is a filter pump that should be located higher than the level of the water in order to pump the water up to the filter and brings back filtered water to the pond by gravity. This filter pump is connected to the inlet filter with piping. The diameter of the piping should be big enough to make the water pass through without reducing the output.

Koi Fish Pond Plumbing Installation is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

• Choose the correct dimensions filtering system for your pond. In case you are unskilled or uncertain, opt for the bigger filtering system.
• Develop a structure to keep your pond shaded if it gets a lot of straight sunlight that may stimulate algae growth. Additionally, add foliage to help protect your pond, but be aware that koi will probably eat plants.
• Control algae growth in your koi pond by adding barley straw to the water. Alternatively, use plant life to filter the water or add chemical substances to keep the water clear.
• Include a ultra-violet sterilizer to your pond’s plumbing system for a low-routine maintenance solution to control if you have severe algae problems. An UV sterilizer eliminates the algae while it is pumped throughout the pond.
• Analyze your pond frequently to ensure the water has a neutral pH. Ammonia from koi fish waste usually throws off the balance of the pond.
• Remove some koi fish if your koi pond is overloaded. A buildup of ammonia in your water may affect the wellness of all your koi.
• Check out your drains, plumbing system, filter and pump if you keep having problems. You may have a clog or a mechanical issue.

Koi Fish Pond Care to Keep Water Crystal Clear is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Pipe Set up
As soon as you install the pipes make sure there is no excessive tension on the pipes. Extended pipes that function with no help system are put in positions that can cause tension. This can cause breakage later and maintenance costs associated with repair.

Pipe Diameters
The water pipe diameters for your plumbing system need to expand as the pipe runs slowly become longer with a minimum of 1.5 inches for pipes pressurized and 3 inches for gravity installment systems.

Create Components Easily-removed
When you are installing the pumps and heaters make sure they are hooked up with connectors to allow them to easily be taken out for routine maintenance.

Use Glued Pipe
When attaching the plumbing system together it is essential to make use of solid glued pipe in the place of force and accommodate sections. This can guarantee that the plumbing is leaking free and will also decrease the maintenance expenses related to replacing of the push fit fittings.

Implement Separate Pumps
Mount individual pumps for different features of your Koi pond such as the waterfall and also the skimmer and provide a dedicated pump for the filter to allow the various elements to work with different water flows.

Pump Location
Always locate the pump a minimum of one foot above the floor of the koi pond. If something occurs unexpectedly this should ensure that the pond will never be empty and this will keep the fish safe.

6 Things To Consider When Installing the Koi Fish Pond Plumbing is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Koi Pond: Water Chemistry

The most basic conditions of your koi pond water chemistry are the pH factor (which stands for potential Hydrogen) and water hardness. These factors alone can determine the life or death of your koi pond’s inhabitants (I call them the “Fam Fam”).

The pH of the koi pond water is measured on a scale of 1-14, with a reading of 7 considered “neutral.” Any reading above 7 is alkaline; anything below 7 is acidic. Most fish prefer a pH value of 7.2 to 7.6, or just slightly on the alkaline side of the scale. However, koi and goldfish can adjust to gradual changes in pH from as low as 7 to as high as 8.5 and still remain healthy and flourish.

Hardness or buffers in the koi pond water can raise the pH levels. Even though hardness is a separate measure from pH, the two respond to each other chemically. Pure or “distilled” water has a pH of 7 and an absence of buffers or hardness. Neutral pH is unstable, however, and if it has no buffers or hardness, it can quickly drop to the lower (acidic) end of the pH scale – as low as 4.2 to 4.8. At this level of acidity the fish’s gills become burned and eventually become unable to extract oxygen from the water, ultimately suffocating.

Should the pH in your koi pond ever drop to these levels, never try to raise the pH too quickly. By placing coral gravel, dolomite, or oyster shell gravel in a nylon filter bag inside your filter or directly in the waterfall, moving water can pass through it and the pH will rise to 7.0 or 7.3 in less than two days.

To prevent the drastic fluctuation in hardness buffers affecting pH, you should include one or more of these gravels in your filter system at all times – especially if you are replenishing your pond with soft water. The gravel should be replaced every 9 to 12 months since all the buffers will be leached out by that time. If the buffers are used up and the pH level drops to 6.0 or lower, the nitrifying bacteria that break down the toxic fish waste, ammonia, and nitrite will stop functioning. At a low pH, highly toxic ammonia chemically changes to relatively non-toxic ammonium. If you raise the pH rapidly, the ammonium will also quickly return to ammonia, which could be fatal to your fish.

Please invest in the health of your fish. Purchase a koi pond test kit from any pet or pond store. Invest the time to read the directions and start regularly testing your koi pond. Remember, clear water does not mean clean! As in the water we drink, just because the water looks clear, smells good, and tastes good does not mean it is clean.

Most of the most toxic, cancer-causing priority pollutants listed by the E.P.A are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Do not ever forget the simple facts: You have a toilet in a separate room of your house. Your scaly friend’s living room is their toilet, and they have to swim in it. Keep it flushed and clean.

If you do not presently have a bio-filter, please purchase one, or at no cost to you, download instructions and a parts list of simple items you can purchase from any home improvement store for less then and build one yourself using an electric drill and a hand saw. download with no oblication or log in required at – http://www.askdoughoover.com

Happy koi, peace and joy.

Watch this video to learn how to maintain and beautify your water garden or koi pond. Learn more at www.aquascapeinc.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Koi Pond: Water Chemistry is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

A pond for koi is not easy to build and maintain. It requires a pond hobbyist who is skillful in breeding standards. If you plan to build one, you’re going to need to allot a large area in your garden since Koi need a bigger pond to swim in. Alongside this, you are also going to need to spend some money from the start up to the maintenance itself.

A common pond hobbyist will of course be very enthusiastic that he will give much of his time and effort in maintaining his water feature. Conversely, as time passes by he will realize that he has a lot of more important things to do than just devoting his time to the Koi. A Koi breeder on the other hand has a different approach since he is more focused on the Koi than the aesthetic value of the water system.

A vast Koi pond is healthy and ideal. It also requires superfluous attention when it comes to maintenance and fish health. So if you are still clinging to the idea that small and large fish ponds are the same, here are some pointers to know the difference between a small fish pond and a large Koi pond.

First and foremost, you need a large pond for Koi. They easily get stressed when put in a crowded water system. Keep in mind that Koi always go in groups therefore a large pond will allow them to move around and avoid being stressed which can lead to sickness.

It will be awkward if your Koi pond is large yet shallow. For the Koi to survive in a much longer time, they need a deeper water to swim in. The acceptable pond water depth is 5-6ft deep.

Not like the typical pond filters that are used in basic fish ponds, specialize biological filtration systems are needed. And by systems, it means more than one filtration unit. Fluidized bed filters or vortex filter systems are the ones used in order to effectively break down the rapid upsurge of ammonia and solid waste in the Koi pond.

Pond pumps are also necessary in Koi ponds. But unlike the submersible pumps used in basic pond types, a Koi pond requires a more powerful pump because of its size and depth. That is why external pond pumps are normally used in Koi ponds since they are more powerful and can work even in a 6ft pond with approximately 10 gallons of water in it. Adding a fountain pump will also help make the oxygen circulation in the water to be much easier.

To avoid massive algae blooms in your Koi pond, high powered UV clarifiers are needed. They are responsible for sanitizing the pond water and destroying algae that form blooms.

The other elements like fish food and electricity should always be proportion to the amount of water and fish in the pond.

photo credit: timpeartrice

Visit http://www.hydra-aqua.us to read articles on pond and lake care and view inventory of koi pond supplies and fish pond treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juris_Gutierrez – By Juris Gutierrez
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Difference-of-Koi-Ponds-From-the-Basic-Fish-Ponds&id=5156943

The Difference of Koi Ponds From the Basic Fish Ponds is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Many clients who want a waterfall and koi pond do not want koi fish to take care of. Actually, a pond will require less attention with fish than without. If a koi pond has a waterfall to aerate the water, koi fish will produce waste that is broken down by nitrifying bacteria into nitrate nitrogen, and water plants will use the nitrogen and thrive. In turn, the koi fish eat the algae and small water insects that live on the rocks and plant roots. And those bugs eat other smaller bugs that eat microscopic bugs that eat bad bacteria bugs. This is called the nitrogen cycle. A properly balanced koi pond like this will pretty much take care of itself.

Koi fish food can get lodged in the plants, rocks and vegetation around the perimeter of the koi pond. If the koi fish cannot find the food, it simply decays, adding unnecessary nitrates to the water and resulting in more food for algae to grow. To eliminate this problem I fashioned what I term as a Koi Fish Food Corral made from a 4 to 5 foot piece of 1-1/2 inch flexible PVC pipe and fastened together with a single 1-1/2 inch coupling, creating a circular corral.

This corral keeps the koi food in one place, and prevents it from floating off into rock crevices, plants or the skimmer. Plus it allows for the proper portioning of koi food. It is easy to tell if you’ve given the koi fish too much. If food is still there after a couple of minutes and the koi fish seem to have had enough, they have, and you should remove the leftovers. Lay it in the sun to dry and feed it to them later. It is easy to collect the extra food that the koi fish don’t eat by using a small net. It is better to feed them too little than too much. In a case like this, more is not better.

Sometimes my clients originally expressed a concern that koi fish would be a burden or a hassle. They would worry about having to feed them daily, or what they would do when going on vacation. I would explain that the koi fish are extremely important with regard to their contribution to the nitrogen cycle. The nitrogen cycle is what makes a koi pond low in maintenance and nearly self-sufficient.

As long as you only stock the koi fish pond with small fish such as guppies and mosquito fish, they will never need to be fed. They can exist solely on food that the pond provides naturally.

A chlorinated pond, on the other hand, requires continuous maintenance. The chlorine dissipates from the water as it flows over the falls and turns into chlorine gas. This means that fresh chlorine needs to be added regularly and your backyard will smell like a swimming pool all the time. The chlorine also causes many minerals and suspended particles to precipitate and build up on the rocks, causing unsightly white stains in the water’s path.

When chlorine is not added regularly, leaves and other decaying debris in the pond will cause algae to grow, turning the pond green. So after convincing the client to give my suggestion a try, I returned a few weeks later to find that they have not only purchased some large koi fish, but have given them all cute names, like Charlie and Doug.

If the client wishes to have larger fish such as koi, the nitrogen cycle will need a little extra help from a biological filter and an ultraviolet light. The larger the number and size of the koi fish, the greater the waste material produced. This means that some of it must be removed from the water. Increased quantities of nitrates and nitrites increase the amount of ammonia and other by-products such as pea soup algae, the type that turns the water green. A biological filter will aid in the breakdown of toxic nitrites into less harmful nitrates, and an ultraviolet light will kill algae spores and disease-causing pathogens as they pass through the UV light on the way to the filter.

So, what else can I say to convince you to get fish? They are fun to watch? They are cute? They come in handy during times of famine? Got fish? Got turtles? Got tadpoles? No? Then, get some! Your pond will be much more appealing and exciting. It is like having the Learning Channel or Discovery Channel in your back yard.

Every day brings a new discovery: baby fish hatching; a dragonfly struggling from its cocoon; a tadpole slowly, very slowly, turning into a frog; two crayfish, doing what they do to make baby crayfish… now that is a discovery! A turtle, shedding its shell… now that is a miracle. If you have kids or grandkids, or neighbor kids, grab some or all of them and make it an adventure. Pile them into the car or bus and go to the local pond store and gather up a passel of predacious and peculiar pond creatures. Better yet — build a koi pond first and then do it.

Happy koi, peace and joy.

Koi Pond: Fish or No Fish? is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Since no one wants to clean their fish pond every day, a purifying filter is a necessity for almost all Koi owners. Keeping your fish healthy and beautiful means providing them with clean, nutritive water. Most owners will want biological filters, which utilize two bacteria in their cleaning process. The first is known as Nitrosomonas, which converts the toxic ammonia from Koi waste into the less toxic nitrites, and the second is Nitrobacter, which converts the nitrites then into nitrates, resulting in non-toxic, environmentally safe compounds. These types of Koi filters are especially useful in small ponds, with a small fish population. In larger or more populated ponds, biological filters tend to be less efficient, since larger amounts of sediment will require frequent cleaning in order for the Koi filter to work properly.

Image via Wikipedia

Owners of large Koi ponds are likely to find that a mechanical filter may be more useful to them. These tend to do a much better job of cleaning pests, insects, and algae, but a drain must be installed in the bottom of the pond to collect waste, which may lead to a more expensive installation.

Another useful item you may want to consider is a pump to create a flow of water in the pond to help gather sediment. Buying a pump is a good idea for several other reasons, such as dispersing nutrients and oxygen evenly throughout the water.

After your installation is complete it is very important to test the water for chemicals and wastes to know if your Koi filter is working properly. Testing the water is the only way to know the quality of your pond water, and it is a task that should be done weekly. Always remember that your Koi are much more sensitive to the quality of water than you are.

Now on to what I know you’re wondering: just how much money is all this going cost? Well, a filter for a 250 gallon Koi pond will usually range from $160-$200; a 1000 gallon Koi pond is $300-$400; and a 2000 gallon Koi pond filter typically goes for $500-$600. A water pump, if needed, costs $350, and the water testing kits can be bought for $7 at any pet store.

By J. Miller

Jordan Miller is a grape growing expert.

For more great tips on how to grow grapes [http://www.grapegrowth.com] and make wine visit [http://www.grapegrowth.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Miller

http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-Your-Koi-Pond—Buying-a-Filter&id=2383049

Preparing Your Koi Pond – Buying a Filter is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Image via Wikipedia

When constructing koi fish ponds it is most likely done out of love for the fishes and the art of engineering. The style of the pond greatly depends on the owner’s needs and passion. Each hobbyist has it’s own taste and purpose in creating a particular design for the koi pond. A reason lies behind every aspects of the construction – the size, the shape and the like.

He may construct it in anyway, it can be set up like a formal garden, or a Japanese style, or even a replica of a mountain design. But it all boils down to one thing… it must contain the needed requirements for building a fish pond – structurally sound and efficient. This is basically the reason why designs should come with thorough planning and meticulous execution of the construction.

An adequate koi fish pond must be able to show off the vivid colors and stunning beauty of a koi in the pond and should be easy to maintain. The pond must be incorporated with the accurate size of filtration, must also be provided with a heating system for temperature control and also an ozone system to optimized water quality.

The quality of the koi pond water is essential for the safety of koi carps. Not only is it safe, but quality water eliminates any risk to the health of your fish. Therefore it is highly important to integrate a safe water system. When I say clean, quality water it means that the water must be free from any contaminants such as fish wastes and any dead matter including the by-products. Besides that good oxygen flow in the water is important and a proper filtration system should be installed. Water quality must be frequently checked regarding it’s ammonia and nitrate level but most of all its pH level. All these guidelines are significant to attain the quality of the water, in which koi fish would thrive well.

What is the purpose of koi pond filtration and filters? Ponds are an artificially controlled and enhanced body of water with re-circulating freshwater systems where koi’s are kept. This is where the purpose of filtration comes in. It helps to maintain clear water providing owners the joy of watching the koi collection as they move around with exuberance and agility.

When winter is nearing, a koi pond heater is a substantial item to prevent freezing as well as avoid damaging pond equipments. Koi’s on the other hand can withstand winter coldness from three to six months. But when fall comes or early spring it reduces the temperature thus fluctuation of temperature may affect the koi. With the heater, temperatures are controlled, minimizing or rather eliminating stress on young koi. Feeding may still be allowed during this season.

Koi generally loves to eat and may even go beyond what is enough and healthy if ignored. To keep them healthy, proper feeding must be observed and it includes controlling the quality and quantity of food provided. Overfeeding may result to body deformities which will be clearly apparent. Furthermore, uneaten food could contaminate water if not cleaned and netted out from the pond. Maintaining the quality of pond water is vital to avoid problems to arise. Therefore avoid any ‘left over’ as this is the beginning of contamination and may harm your stunning fish.

Do not allow your pond to become a ‘pea-green soup’, koi pond algae can easily turn clear water into green and poor quality water. If this happens, koi fish ponds can become unattractive in just a matter of days. Follow these simple considerations in constructing the koi pond and bring out the optimum potential of koi as well as maximize the brilliance of the enjoyment of watching them swimming around.

By Lexie Flower

Lexie Flower is a koi enthusiast and author, who has been caring for koi for over 20 years. It is her goal to see that all pet Koi are properly cared for. If you want additional and unique information about Koi fish ponds or get a copy of her FREE ‘Koi Fish Keeping’ mini-course then visit her site Koi Fish Explained.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lexie_Flower
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Should-Be-Considered-When-Planning-to-Construct-Koi-Fish-Ponds?&id=4605415

What Should Be Considered When Planning to Construct Koi Fish Ponds? is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Product Features

• Learn About Your Fish From An Expert In The Field
• Full-Color Pictures
• Easy Reading, A Must Have For Pond Owners!
• Great Ideas For You To Use In Your Own Water Garden
• Keep Your Fish Healthy & Happy By Having The Knowledge To Correctly Care For Them!

(more…)

The Completely Illustrated Guide for Koi in Your Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

For many, having a Koi pond is like having a wilderness temple all to themselves. That escape from stress and the rigors of an increasingly busy and stressful society can be one of the many major benefits of an outdoor Koi pond. A Koi pond is a small, enclosed pond that is dependent on recirculating fresh water to keep Koi healthy.

The Koi is a fish that originated in Japan, and is named Nishikigoi by the Japanese. The Nishikigoi or Koi, were developed in Japanover two hundred years ago and are not big gold fish, despite their beautiful appearance, but are actually related to thecommon carp.

Koi ponds are specifically  (more…)

Koi Fish – Your Outdoor Koi Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: bunnygoth

Big storms can bring serious trouble to the Koi pond and therefore to the Koi fish. There are no useful prevention measures so the best solution is to remove the Koi from the pond before the storm.

Make sure you have all the supplies needed (bags, rubber bands, net and bucket) at home to remove and transport the Koi to another location.

Prepare your Koi Fish Pond for Big Storms is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: Valerie Everett

Autumn is here and the weather is already changing. Big and small storm is something that will start happening no matter we like them or not.

How can we prepare the Koi fish pond for small storms?

1. Being outdoor, the Koi pond is vulnerable to all the stuff that can be blown away by the wind. If you have garden furniture or other garden items that can fall into the pond put them indoors or in a place where they are protected from the wind.
2. Most people think that Koi will starve if we don’t feed them for a few weeks or even days. Well, a Koi pond has a lot of natural food sources and Koi will have a lot to eat for a long time. Also, not feeding the Koi makes the water less dirty and therefore even if the filtration systems gets damaged due to the storm, there won’t be extra dirt on the water as well as ammonia problems.
3. During a storm you have little time and opportunity to take care of the Koi fond, therefore, before a storm, make sure the pond water is clean and if you can renew most of the water. This measure will allow your Koi to have good water conditions throughout the storm. For ground level ponds, protecting the Koi pond with sand bags is a wise choice to prevent overflow of the pond water.
4. If you can, protect the Koi pond with a net to prevent leaves and flying debris to fall inside. Make sure the net is secure.

Prepare your Koi Pond for Small Storms is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

Relaxing by the Koi Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: SDCDeaCerte

As you already know the number of Koi fish should be adjusted to the Koi fish pond size. But sooner or later your Koi will spawn and new Koi will be born, nature does it naturally and there is nothing we can do to prevent Koi new babies.

The solution will be doing a population control that means remove the baby Koi. Ask around your neighbors or friends if they are interested in adopting some of your baby Koi or talk to your pet store expert and see if they accept unwanted Koi fish or if they know an association where you can put your extra Koi babies.

If you aren’t able to give your Koi away, there is a method you can use. Stop feeding your Koi for at leas three weeks as soon as you realize your Koi are spawning. They will not starve because they will start eating natural food including the your Koi. This may sound cruel but it is nature having its natural course.

If you don’t eliminate the young Koi your pond will become overpopulation, your Koi will be uncomfortable and the water can get harmful
levels of gases and chemicals.

Koi Fish Population Control is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

September 17, 2009 – We sure want our Koi fish to be healthy and to have a colorful Koi pond garden so Here is a great article about Koi fish pond supplies.

Top Koi Fish Pond News – September 21, 2009 is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

September 12, 2009 – This article is a great help for those wondering if they should get Koi fish pond plants or not.

September 12, 2009 – Great tips on how to keep the koi fish pond clean.

Top Koi Fish Pond News – September 14, 2009 is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: OMFGmatt

Koi pond cleaning is number one priority. Keeping the Koi fish pond clean is the line between happy and healthy Koi fish and sick and dying Koi fish. You must remember that Koi fish pond water is where Koi fish eat and sleep but also a place they use as a bathroom, therefore Koi pond cleaning is a top priority.

If you don’t see the bottom of your Koi fish pond than the pond need to be cleaned. The water of a clean Koi pond must be completely clear without any floating dirt therefore it must be skimmed  as much as possible.

Koi fish eat a lot of food and they also produce a large amount of waste not only from the digestion but also from the uneaten food that goes to the bottom of the Koi pond. It is important that you make sure that the filtration system is working properly, the water must be kept moving with a pump system and the floor should be vacuumed as much as possible.

Having an outdoor pond is very different from an indoor one. The outdoor Koi fish pond needs extra care because it’s easy for debris to get into the pond. The health of your Koi fish depends on the Koi pond cleaning so the Koi fish depend on you. Keep your Koi fish happy and healthy by keeping the Koi pond clean.

Koi Pond Cleaning is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: daryl_mitchell

When you intend to buy Koi you have to think about building a Koi pond. You should look for ideas and information from pond builders but you might also be interested in getting information on your own on the internet, magazines and even friends or neighbors that also have a Koi pond.

The bigger the Koi fish pond is the better. Koi grow very fast and depending on the number of Japanese Koi fish you want you should consider the koi pond size you will need for a good habitat.

One very important thing is the filtration system that should be chosen according to the size of the Koi pond as well as the amount and size of the Koi you will have. You can choose from mechanical or biological filtration.

• Mechanical Filtration: Relieves the Koi pond of solids like insects, Koi wastes and dead algae.
• Biological filtration: The nitrogen filtration cycle caused by this type of filtration removes dissolved wastes from the Koi pond.

Although it has no direct effect in the technical aspects of the Koi Pond, the visual surrounding area is also important.  There are plants and flowers that can be used in the Koi pond as well as visual and sound effects like fountains and waterfalls.

Building a Koi Pond is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.

photo credit: bunnygoth

Japanese Koi fish exists in a wide range of colors, varieties, and types, so for sure everyone in the world can find one that fits her/his likes. Koi will for sure make your pond colorful and fascinating and, according the Chinese culture, they have an have an interesting history attached to them.

In Chinese culture, it is believed that Koi ponds means good luck for to their owners. In other parts locations of the globe, Koi ponds mean relaxation, peace, quietness and serenity.

After you create a bond with Japanese Koi Fish you will be able to hand feed them, this will be a great way for connect with them. If you have kids at home they will be delighted with such beauty and color.

One think is for sure, Koi ponds will make your day colorful and brighter.

Japanese Koi Fish is a post from: Koi Fish Pond blog where you can get information about Koi Fish Pond and Koi Pond Care.