Care of Koi - Do's and Don'ts

DO:

1. Feed your fish once or twice a day. Once a day in winter and twice a day in summer.

2. Keep your pond aerated and filtered 24 hours a day.

3. Keep your pond clean of debris on the bottom.

4. Periodically test your pond water (pH, Ammonia, etc.) especially after adding fresh water.

5. Watch carefully for anchor worms, lice and other parasites. Medicate with Dylox every 3 months to kill and control parasites.

6. Use a chloramine remover whenever adding fresh tap water. Most cities have chloramine in their tap water.

7. Have medication and chloramine remover on hand for emergencies.

8. Have a spare tank or aquarium for use as a hospital to treat sick or injured koi. Remember to aerate and filter 'hospital tanks'.

9. Periodically clean the filter. Most filters should be cleaned at least twice a year even though the water looks clear. There is no such thing as a filter that never needs to be cleaned!

10. Change or add new water periodically (about every 3 to 4 weeks) if your pond does not have an overflow for fresh water.

11. Construct your pond so that water level is at least 18 inches deep.

12. Shade the pond (at least 92% shade) to inhibit algae growth, promote and maintain color of your Koi, and keep water temperature cooler.

13. After transporting Koi, float the bag (unopened) in the water for about 30 to 45 minutes to allow the water temperature inside and outside the bag to equalize before releasing the Koi. When transporting Koi to an aquarium or after a long trip, float the bag for at least an hour before releasing the Koi.

14. Always be careful when netting or handling your Koi. Removing the protective slime from the body can lead to fungus or bacterial infections.

15. Know the gallonage of your pond. Length x Width x Depth (in feet) x 7.5 equals to total gallons of water.

16. Keep a spare air pump or water pump on hand for emergencies. If the pump stops, do not feed the Koi.

17. When introducing new Koi to your pond, be careful that they don't jump out, especially near the waterfall.

18. Remember that stress is a major cause of Koi deaths. Stress may result from changes in pond conditions, over handling, over medication, etc.

DON'T:

1. Overfeed!

2. Change all the water in the pond at once unless absolutely necessary. Sudden water temperature changes may adversely affect your Koi.

3. Over-medicate! Use correct dosage or under-medicate if you are unsure.

4. Overcrowd the pond! Remember your Koi will require more oxygen and more room as they grow larger.

5. Keep the water level of your pond too close to the top edge of your pond as fish may jump out or predators may catch your fish. Allow at least 6" clearance.

6. Permit the use of any insecticide sprays, powders, or pellets near the pond. Also, do not use fertilizers in pond plants.

7. Feed your Koi if your pump goes out. Koi will use more oxygen if they are fed.

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