Koi fish have a very interesting history. Belonging to the family of Cyprinus Carpio or “common carp”, it is alleged that the Japanese took these fish and began to colour breed them. Incidentally, this is how the Goldfish came into existence too. A beautiful and colourful fish, Koi are enjoyed by many hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of people today to add splashes of colour to their landscapes as well as natural life. In fact, this is a highly common hobby.
So when you bring Koi into your plush and beautiful garden, you need to know exactly how to maintain them. Here are a few tips taken from Terry Newhaven’s Koi Pond Maintenance.
Pond maintenance is one of the least understood facets of Pond Fish culture. Just like an indoor aquarium, Koi Ponds need to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to ensure a healthy environment.
There are two basic types of Koi pond maintenance, routine and seasonal. Seasonal Maintenance is generally performed twice annually depending on geographic location. Routine maintenance is performed in an as-needed basis, usually bi-weekly, but can be much less frequently depending on the Fish Pond Setup.
Seasonal maintenance must be performed regardless of climate or geographic location. In warmer climates, the seasonal maintenance can be performed at any time, but should be done consistently. Seasonal maintenance is merely an extensively thorough cleaning of the pond.
The Pond should be drained almost completely, and the rockwork and substrate should be scrubbed with a pond scraper or other suitable algae removal device.
The pump should be pulled apart for cleaning. The internal moving parts should be cleaned, and all gaskets should be lubricated with the recommended gasket lubricant. All pipes and tubing should be inspected for leaks, cracks, or weak spots.
Routine maintenance is much less intense. It involved keeping the filtration functioning, usually by rinsing mechanical or biological media. If algae removers or biological enhancers are used, they should be added at these regular intervals. It is also a good idea to perform small water exchanges by siphoning or pumping water out of the pond.
Regardless of the advances in filtration technology, there will always be necessary maintenance to be performed. The most important thing in Fish Culture is to spend time enjoying your fish. By consistently observing your Koi or Pond Fish, you can stay ahead of problems before they happen. If properly applied, these maintenance tips will keep your pond fresh and healthy for years to come.
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