Nishiki-Colorful-Koi

Seasonal Koi Care Tips

Seasonal Koi care is important in order to provide proper breeding of your Koi fish. They also need varieties of care according to their climatic environment. There are four seasons where special care should be provided to them in order to thrive better namely spring, summer, fall and winter.

Spring is perhaps the worse season for Koi fish. Water temperature is an important factor to consider. Another is to know how to keep bacteria and parasites away to prey on your fish. It is notable that under water temperature of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit Koi's immune system is at its lowest.

Proper Koi care will involve supplying oxygen adequately to reduce distressing the fish. Pond heating system is a good source in providing that ideal water temperature and keeping you abreast of the current temperature of the water.

When Koi are in distress they may not swim well which is a good indication that your fish needs extra Koi care. When they begin to constantly surface on the water they might be hungry and you can feed them ideally with wheat germ-rich fish food for better digestion.

Summer is their favorite season of the year where they get an extra boost of energy and immunity. Being the growing season among Kois they often feed 3 to 5 times a day. Ensure that your filter works well to eliminate their wastes otherwise ammonia build up will increase.

Keep an eye on your dissolved oxygen level. Warm water is unable to hold oxygen well and the fish needs oxygen to live. Proper Koi care should involve providing adequate aeration in the water and this can be addressed by simply using an air pump or large waterfall. Keep your Koi warm and comfortable from the summer heat by providing shades to avoid getting hit by direct sunlight.

Fall is a time of year where their immune system also drops. It is critical period when the water temperature is below 60 degrees. It is best to provide Koi care indoor to keep them warm and feed them with foods that are low in protein and high in wheat germ. Do not feed the fish under the temperature below 50 degrees as they will be unable to digest the foods better and subject them to distress. Keep your pond clean from any debris that will harbor bacterial growth.

Winter is the season where Koi usually hibernate. Being the coldest season of the year it slows down the fish' digestive system so do not feed the fish under water temperature of 50 degrees. This will leave the food on the fish' stomach undigested and will rot.

Keep adequate oxygen in the pond while keeping more open space for the carbon dioxide to be released from the water. You can use an air-stone or aquarium power head for better maintenance of its environment.

Maintain the water temperature above 34 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent ice crystals to form that can kill them. Avoid putting salts in the water as it reduces the water's freezing point. Your Koi can leave more comfortable if you provide them proper seasonal Koi care that they need.