| | |

Koi Pond Maintenance

You need to have a maintenance regimen after the construction of your Koi pond. This includes cleaning, filtering and even adding decorations to it. All ponds will eventually need a thorough cleaning.  Decomposing leaves and other debris can collect on the pond’s bottom.  

Dirty and foul-smelling water spoil the serenity and tranquility of your pond.  The water should be clear, allowing you to see right to the bottom.  The aquatic plants you have placed in the pond need to be pruned so that even they will stay healthy and contribute to the total well being of the pond.

A good and thorough cleaning is usually done in the spring and, again, just before the onset of winter. You can check to see if pond maintenance services offer the following:

  • Skimming off surface debris 
  • Pruning and fertilizing pond plants
    •  
  • Pulling up and removal of stringy algae, sticks and leaves
  • Inspecting pump and filtering systems
  • Checking water chemistry, and taking corrective actions when necessary
  • Visually inspecting fish for signs of ill health

It is very necessary to regularly clean your pond in order to maintain an excellent environment for your Koi. Food left uneaten will collect at the bottom of the pond and, as it decays, toxic substances are produced.  One way to minimize this waste is to skim uneaten food off the surface about five minutes after feeding.  Another way to do this is to regularly drain and replace about ten percent of the pond water. An added benefit: you can use the fertilizer-rich, drained water on your house and garden plants.

The following are some basic tips and tools to keep the pond water clean and healthy for your Koi:

  • Never throw coins on the pond.  Your pond is not a wishing well and coins are toxic to Koi.
  • Chlorinated water is dangerous to fish and needs to be neutralized before being poured into the pond.
  • It is highly recommended that you keep the pond aerated and filtered 24 hours a day.
  • Don’t let debris accumulate at the bottom of the pond. 
  • Use chloramines remover every time you add fresh tap water.
  • Be consistent in scheduling to test the pond for any type of irregularity such as chloramines level, pH balance, excessive ammonia or any occurrence that should be guarded against, especially after adding new tap water.
  • Remember to change or add new water about every three to four weeks.
  • Look out for parasites.  Use the correct type of chemicals to kill parasites and prevent new ones from coming in.
  • Create and keep a schedule to clean the filter.  Even if the water looks clear and clean, you still need to clean them regularly.
  • Always be ready with medications for emergencies; as well as air pumps, water pumps and other equipments necessary for handling unforeseen happenings.
  • Have a spare tank equipped with filter and aerator for quarantining and treating sick Koi. This is important to prevent the spread of parasites or sickness to the rest of your stock.