How Transfer Koi Into Aquarium or Pond

Bagging Koi After Purchase Australia Koi Auction

By R. D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett

When you're confident that your new koi are healthy after three-week quarantine, you can finally introduce your new koi to their new aquatic citadel, whether it's an aquarium or pond. Koi can go directly from quarantine tub to pond  only if the pH values and temperatures are close (0.2 range for pH, and a 5 degree Fahrenheit difference for temperature).

If you're using an outside pond, keep in mind that the water must be 70 degrees F or higher. Adding a new fish to a too-cold pond shuts down the fish's immune system exactly when he needs it the most. If the water isn't warm enough, leave your koi in its quarantine tub until warmer weather arrives.

Koi Shipped To You

1. The pond temperature is likely to be different from your quarantine tub's temperature. Take a few precautions to avoid stressing or shocking your fish:

2. Turn off the heater in the quarantine tub and let the tub reach room temperature overnight.

3. You want less than a 10-degree difference between pond and tub temperatures so your fish aren't shocked.

4. The next morning, if the tub and pond temperatures are more than 5 degrees apart, you need to bag and float your koi in the pond.

5. Use your koi net to bowl your koi (take the handle extension off your net if you're inside).

6. Pour the bowl into a waiting and partially submerged poly bag or lift your koi into the bag. You want just enough water in the bag to cover the fish so the bag isn't too heavy. Rubber-band the bag closed and lift the bag out of the tub.

7. Carry the bag to your aquarium or pond, ease it into the water, and let it float for 20 minutes to equalize the temperatures and keep eye on the bag do not allow the bag to heat up from the sun

8. Open the bag, lift out your koi, and release it.

Preparing Your Koi Pond for Major Storms

East Coast Storm 2011

No matter the area in which you live in, you are bound to come into contact with at least one type of severe weather throughout the year.

Recent events such as Hurricane Katrina and the Japanese earthquake have shown us that having an emergency plan could mean the difference between saving your pond and total destruction.   

Smaller Storms

Preparing for smaller storms and storms that you have more notice on is somewhat easier then preparing for a large storm. Taking a few simple steps will help guide your pond through the storm.

Fire's-Calif  2011

1) Stop feeding your fish. Your pond contains enough natural food sources that your Koi will not starve for a long amount of time. If the storm does any damage to your filtration process, not feeding you fish will cut down on the chance of any ammonia problems later on.

2) Do as big of water change as possible to your pond. In the case that something goes really wrong and you are unable to attend your pond right away, your Koi will have the freshest water available to them. Also, leave out several inches of water to make up for in-coming rainfall. This way, there will be less chance of your pond overflowing.

Phoenix Ariz Dust Storm 2011

If you have some type of drainage system, make sure to clear it of any debris so it will work at its full potential. If you pond is ground level and high waters are expected, you can add protection by sand bagging around the area. If nothing else, this may keep your koi confined within the area if flooding occurs.

3) Net over your pond to protect it from any flying debris. Using the same net you use during the fall to keep leaves out should suffice, as long as you properly secure it down.

Hurricane East Coast 2011

4) Remove anything that could potentially blow over, away, or fall into your pond. A good rule of thumb, if you can push it over, so can the wind.  Items that could blow away should be completely removed from the area and placed indoors. 

Large Storms

Large storms like the recent hurricanes prevent any type of preventative measures from being successful. The only real way to save your pond in these types of events is completely remove your fish from the pond. 

First, it is always a good idea to have all the equipment needed to transport your Koi on hand. If you are having an emergency with your Koi, you may or may not have time to make a trip to your local pet store to gather what you need. The equipment needed to bag and transport Koi is small, and easily stored when not in use.

Tornado Alabama 2009

Bags- You must have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Do not attempt to transport your Koi in trash or regular plastic bags, as they are not designed for this, and may cause damage to your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. Make sure to get bags sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. Make sure that your rubber bands are good quality, as you do not want the pressure from the water to pop the rubber band in the middle of the transport.

Net- You will need to have a net sizable enough to compete with your Koi. You will never need the net to pull the Koi out of the water with, but you will need it to lead and direct your Koi into the place you want them. Nets can potentially damage your Koi, especially with the larger Koi.

Thunder Storm Ohio 2010

Paint Bucket- A paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi, as they cannot hurt your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Koi Pond Pumps and Plumbing

Koi Pond Pumps and Plumbing

Pumps and plumbing must be sized to accommodate the water flow needed for a pond. Plumbers and pool experts generally agreed and recommended the gallons of water flow per hour is equal to or must exceed the total pond volume in gallons.

Pumps can be submersible or external type pumps. Both work effectively well however as the pond owner you should be knowledgeable about the costs of operation and the amount of power required by the pumps. My advice is- don’t swat at flies when elephants are marching by-in other words it is impossible to have Koi as a hobby and worry about the costs operating the pond pumps; don’t get caught up in the de minimis.

Operation costs are on manufactures specification sheet

Pond pumps are low pressure/high volume pumps they pull considerably less amperage than pumps designed for swimming pools and sump pumps however in Las Vegas Nevada I would strongly urge you to invest in swimming pool pump. 

Pond operation: Pumps in Koi ponds should operate continuously with a back-up pump when your primary pump requires maintenance. Clear water is not necessarily quality water; therefore pond water should be tested for ammonia and nitrites on a regular basis and corrective measures taken immediately when they are detected.

Constant aeration is vital in summer months, since warm water hold little oxygen as compared to cold water. Koi can die rapidly when water flow and aeration ceases-for just an hour in Las Vegas so that is why I recommend backup systems including a gas auxiliary generator.

It is advisable to consider alternate aeration methods when your systems fail

In an emergency, hydrogen peroxide (available at any drug store and many other local stores) can be added to the pond water to supply oxygen have these supplies on hand and replace as used.

·        A dosage of 1/2 cup per 100 gallons;

·        3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) will provide oxygen;

·        for approximately 4 hours;

·        Example 2,000-gallon pond;

·        10 cups of hydrogen peroxide every 4 hours will be needed until your emergency has ended:

You’re Koi Pond After Major Storm

Pond After Major Storm

First off, take time to breath. You pride and joys are probably fine. They may be somewhat traumatized by the whole experience, but that would be any pet caught in unusual situation. Unless extreme damage was done, their health probably is not an issue; however their home may be in need of some repairs.

Pond Storm Damage

You may have been completely prepared for the storm, or the storm may have taken you by complete surprise. Whatever the case may be, you must jump into action as soon as you physically can to ensure that no further damage is done to your pond.

First, you must undo all of your storm precautions to survey the possible damage.

If you netted your pond, clear as much debris off the net as possible and remove the netting. Once you removed the netting you will be able to survey the damage and the condition that your fish are in.

If high waters were expected and your sand bagged the area around you pond, as long as the water level is normal, remove all sand bags so that you can easily access your pond. Do not get discouraged if things seem out of place, and it may not be as bad as it originally looks.

Once you have removed all netting and other precautions, take time to look at the area. If any debris is present, remove it by skimming and netting. If plants or decorations are uprooted or out of place, replace them to their rightful area.

If you find major damage to your pond, it is important to remove your Koi as soon as possible. Proper bagging and transporting techniques may be needed if the damage done will take a large amount of time to fix, but there are several temporary options available if damage can be fixed quickly.

You may want to consider using a children’s pool to house your Koi. If nothing is available at the time, get into contact with your local pet store or zoo, as they may have program available to help you house your Koi until maintenance can be done.

Once you have decided that only small repairs are needed, and then you must focus on the water quality. You water may seem cloudy or murky due to the storm and the amount of extra water from rainfall. If the storm lasted for a long amount of time, you may be facing ammonia issues as well.

Test your water for Nitrates. If Nitrates are present, add the proper amount of salt to the water. Typically you would add 3/4 to one pound of salt per 100 gallons of water.

However, if your fish are especially shocked by the situation, or seem to have sustained any type of injuries, it may be a good idea to add more. If you have plants in your pond, it may be a good idea to remove them before adding the salt into the water. Your fish should be the most important issue at this point, not your plants.

If you are having KH issues (especially if it is below 100) you will want to add baking soda to your pond. Typically you can add 1 cup of unpacked baking soda per 1000 gallons of water. This will protect your pond from a future pH crash.

Essential Koi Pond Supplies

Koi Fish and outdoor ponds and essential supplies

As a new Koi pond owner, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of supplies needed to properly maintain your Koi pond. While the importance of the majority of these items cannot be denied, the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount needed should be disregarded. Simply knowing the function of each item can help you understand why they are needed.

There are certain items that you need to have on hand at all times. Because you pond is outdoors, emergency situations do occur. Nature is simply unpredictable at times, and you do not want to be caught in a situation where an item is needed, but they is no way to obtain it.

Filters- Having a working filter is essential for removing unwanted pollutants, and maintaining proper water quality. If you do not have a proper filter, water quality issues can occur, which in turn will cause your fish to have health issues.

Pump- A pump is essential to the health of your pond. If you water is not moving, there is no way the system can process the water. Moving water can also be from waterfalls, fountains, and other water features, but in no way should completely replace your pump.

Dechlorinator- Tap water contains chemicals that can potentially harm your fish. When adding new water for any reason, you must add Dechlorinator to eliminate these chemicals.

Test Kits- You will need to have ammonia and nitrite test kits on hand at all times. You will need to perform weekly water tests on your water to ensure proper water quality. Emergency tests may also be needed in the event that you notice discrepancies in your Koi behavior or in the water.

Pond Salt and Baking Soda- Pond salt and baking soda are used to regulate kH and Nitrate levels in the event that you find a discrepancy. Pay close attention to the amounts you are suppose to add to your pond, which depends on size and the issues you are currently having.

Bags- You must have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Do not attempt to transport your Koi in trash or regular plastic bags, as they are not designed for this, and may cause damage to your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. Make sure to get bags sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. Make sure that your rubber bands are good quality, as you do not want the pressure from the water to pop the rubber band in the middle of the transport.

Net- You will need to have a net sizable enough to compete with your Koi. You will never need the net to pull the Koi out of the water with, but you will need it to lead and direct your Koi into the place you want them. Nets can potentially damage your Koi, especially as the larger they get.

Large Paint Bucket- A paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi, as they cannot hurt your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Koi Staple Food- Like any other pet, Koi need to be fed daily. Talk with your local pet store or Koi dealer when picking foods for your Koi, as different seasons may dictate the type of food you need to be feeding. Koi have even been known to eat out of their owner’s hand, so make sure to get food in which you are able to do this with.

Koi Treats and Snacks- Like other animals, Koi delight in treats, and will respond in a playful manner to them. Specific Koi treats are available at your local pet store. If you do not mind feeding “human” food to your pets, you may even consider feeding your Koi veggies, fruit, and bread.

Choosing Plants For Your Koi Water Garden

So you finally finished your water garden construction. You have finally come to the fun part of creating your water garden: picking the flowers and plants that will make your water garden a beautiful oasis.

Koi Water Garden

Not only should you consider beauty when you are picking your plants, but you must also remember that plants provide another, more important value to your garden, biological life. Biological life helps maintain your pool by doing what they would do in nature.

Be sure to pay attention to your climate and area. Some plants can simply not survive in certain conditions, so it is wise to do your research before hand. Talking with your local dealer will give you some idea of what plants you can and cannot have in your pond.

Lotus Plants

Lotus Plant

Undoubtedly, since your pond contains Koi, a tropical fish, you may want to keep with the theme and place Lotus plants in your pond. Pretty much everyone with a tropical water garden will want a Lotus plant because the beauty is simply unmatched by other flowers.

Lotus plants provide beautiful blooms, and a smell that is unmatched. However, unless you live in an area that sustains temperatures higher then 65 degree Fahrenheit, you will need to have to have a place to house your Lotus plants during the colder months. A greenhouse setup specifically for water plants will work the best.

Lotus plants require soil, and a large amount of sunlight. They should be planted in water about 2 to 3 feet deep during the warmer months, and indoors during the colder months.

Water Hyacinths

Water Hyacinths

If you simply do not have the time to plant and maintain your water garden’s foliage, or you are somewhat lazy when it comes to gardening, you may want to consider adding Water Hyacinths. Water hyacinths have become very popular recently because of their simplicity. They do not require any type of soil or planting, you must simply throw them into the water. Only minimal time is needed to anchor them down so that they do not float all over the pond freely.

Water Hyacinths are not only pretty, but are also very functional as well. These plants aid in the fight against both algae and blanket weeds.

One downside when having Water Hyacinths is the fact that they will take over your pond and yard if you allow them. Water hyacinths are very invasive, and will spread if allowed. In extreme cases, it may even jump the fence and take over the neighbors yard as well. Once they have caused this kind of infestation, it is notoriously difficult to get rid of them.

Hidden But Functional Plants

Alternatively, you may want to consider investing in plants that are not necessary seen. These plants live below the water line, and provide many needed functions to your pond. Some help you battle algae, put oxygen back into the water, or feed your fish for you.

You can find these plants in bundles at your local pet store or Koi dealer. The majority of underwater plants will not need additional support during the winter, so once you place them in the water, you may not think twice about them again. However, the benefits that you gain from having these types of plants make up for the fact that you are not able to actually see them.

Introduction To Koi Ponds

Transporting Alvin My Koi Fish I use Ice Chest & Air Stone

Koi ponds have become a popular hobby in the world, and the reasons are clear as to why. Koi are beautiful, vibrant fish that can literally light your day. Koi come in many colors, varieties, and kinds, so it is likely that everyone in the world can find at least one type of Koi that would suit their likes. While Koi may be a welcomed beauty to your pond, they also have an interesting history attached to them.

In Chinese culture, Koi ponds are said to being good luck to their owners. Koi ponds are used as an overall plan to fulfill their lives. Other parts of the world consider Koi ponds as a form of relaxation and serenity. In the United States, more and more people seem to find Koi ponds to be fun more then anything else. No matter what the reason you find to have a Koi pond, they are sure to brighten your life.

However, Koi keeping should not be taken lightly. Koi, like any other animal, require time and money to maintain. The majority of first time Koi owners fail because they get the idea that keeping Koi is easy in some way. Do not let this discourage you though, as educating yourself will greatly improve your chances of succeeding.

It is important for you to learn all you can BEFORE you begin obtaining the things you need for Koi keeping. This way, you will not slip up and have to replace anything that you have already done or bought. Planning ahead will not only save your money, but it will potentially save your sanity as well.

It is important to learn the information for yourself rather then relying on other sources. People such as your product dealer and pond builder will have limited knowledge, but should not be trusted for a reliable source, as they are selling products and may be bias. Plus, once you are at home with your Koi, your product dealer or pond builder may not be available to help you in the event of a problem.

Koi Have Personality

You would not believe that Koi actually have personalities similar to other animals. They are social, and can even be trained to eat directly from their owners hands. The more time you spend with your Koi, the more you will notice each Koi has individual characteristics and traits.

Koi have been known to live for up to 200 years at time, but generally the average lifespan of a healthy Koi is about 30 years. So if you are looking for along time pet companion, Koi may be a good choice.

Building Your Koi Habitat

Before ever buying Koi, you must create a proper habitat for them. This is where information from your pond builder and supplier will come in handy. However, you should not rely on the opinions of just one person.

It may be a god idea to do research on your own, before you go to purchase the materials needed for you pond. Because of its popularity, an unlimited supply of resources can be found on the topic of Koi keeping. Visit your local library, fishery center, or research online. There are quite a few things needed to sustain a habitable pond.

When it comes to pond size, bigger is always better. Koi have a habit of growing rather fast, so you have to consider pond size at the same time you are considering how many Koi you are going to put it in.

Your filtration system is extremely important. There are 2 types of filtration, mechanical and biological. Mechanical filtration relives the pond of solids such as dead algae, insects, and Koi wastes.

It is important to have enough filtration to sustain the size of the pond, and the amount and size of your Koi. Biological filtration causes a nitrogen cycle, which is what removes dissolved wastes from your pond. Without biological filtration, built up waste will turn into ammonia and kill your Koi within just a few days.

Besides the technical aspects of your pond, you will also have the ability to create a visually appealing area as well. Waterfalls, fountains, and other water features will not only add a visual show to your pond, but it will also create movement and sound. A variety of plants and flowers are also available for your pond.

Water Fountains

Water Fountains

Backyard water fountains have really changed over the years. Today they are made out of all different kinds of materials like copper, stainless steel, bronze, stone, even fiberglass. If you are thinking about purchasing a fountain, there are some things you should take into consideration.

Backyard fountains can be found all over the place in trade shows and gardening magazines. There are many different styles so you'll probably have a few choices to make.

My favorite style of fountain is made out of stone. You can go to Mexico and see large, handmade stone fountains, and these are the most beautiful. Some mass-produced fountains from China are even made of stone, but you can't really tell because they crush the rock and mix it with resin to fit in a mold.

Another option is to build your own fountain. There are many products out there to get you started.

The easiest way to build a backyard fountain is to get a small water pump and place it in a small tub or over a liner. You would then cover the liner with either a plastic of mesh grating and cover it with a layer of rock and small pebbles.

Next, you want to connect some PVC pipe to the pump so water will rise up out of the rocks. Black PVC pipe for sprinklers is the best at concealing your setup, but its also expensive so you make the choice. This way you won't have to worry about kids or pets getting in the way.

This would be a great time to build a small waterfall! Then just cover up all your electrical and tubing under large rocks.

If you bought your backyard water fountain in a store, it should tell you what size pump you need, if it doesn't come with the fountain. If your making your own, you should try to estimate so that every inch of width you add, you have about 100 gallons per hour being pumped. Remember elevation will also affect how much water you are pumping. Many newer pumps can be adjusted or turned down, but not much.

There are many different things you can do to your garden with flagstone. Visit my website to find out more about laying flagstone patios. or go to http://www.backyardspaces.com/fountains.html they have free plans to build your own fountain in weekend copy and place web address into your browser.

Good Or Bad Bacteria-What Is It

All Koi Ponds Have Good and Bad Bacteria

Pond bacteria are present in nearly all ponds, except those ponds built to contain only pure, clean and sterile water. Artificial ponds need chemical agents such as bleach to eliminate any pond bacteria that may possibly come out. Otherwise, most ponds found in gardens or landscaped areas also known as "living ponds" are inhibited by good and bad bacteria.

Bad Bacteria

Just like the bacteria we have in our bodies, there are generally both good and bad bacteria present in pond water. Whereas, the good bacteria help people break down the food, while the bad ones trigger disease, inflammation, or even infection.


Pond bacteria are no different: there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Good bacteria fight off bad bacteria to keep them from coming back, while bad bacteria infest water and its organisms.


Bad Pond Bacteria - http://Nishiki-colorfulkoi.blogspot.com Bacteria for ponds are generally small to be individually seen by naked eye, but they are recognizable by way of alterations in water colors, the existence of pond scum and algae, as well as foul odors such as methane. The most troublesome is the algae build-up. Algae have many various types, several thousand in fact.


Algae are commonly categorized as fungi instead of bacteria, but they are dealt exactly like bacteria. Several kinds of algae create an unwanted appearance to ponds and can be very harmful.


Wildlife as well as domesticated creatures can get water-borne diseases and even die once it consumed water infested by harmful algae. Humans directly into contact with algae infested pond water can experience skin rashes or irritation, eye, nose and throat irritation, and other illnesses.


Good Pond Bacteria - Whereas bad algae often thrive on decaying plant material and animal waste, the good pond bacteria normally thrive on the bad bacteria and consume the latter's food sources.

Good Bacteria

Good pond bacteria are usually weak and thrive only under limited conditions. One kind of good bacterium is sludge remover. The sludge removers feast on dead substances from ponds, removing a food source essential to various kinds of bad bacteria.


Another kind of good bacteria are nitrifies. These kinds multiply slowly. Nitrifies role is converting ammonia into nitrites and then into harmless nitrates.


Periodic Waste Removal -The ideal approach to maintain good bacteria is by removing dead materials periodically. A natural pond cannot be "cleaned' just like a pool, primarily because it is hosting plant and marine life.

However, you have to be careful in the particles or substances that fall off the pond and avoid overfeeding fish that greatly contribute to bacterial growth. One good promoter of algae development is direct sunlight.


Eliminating undesirable pond bacteria is definitely an extensive process, particularly if the pond water is stagnant. Installing a water fountain, an aerator, or anything that promotes movement of water can be a significant help in cleaning a pond.


As what has been noted previously, pond bacteria are too small to be seen; however, once you succeed in removing algae, pond scum, sludge, and clarify the water, you've probably won the battle-- although the war may continue over time.

KOI Pond, KOI Water Feature, KOI Waterfall

 

Koi Pond Waterfall

 
A water feature in your garden or back yard adds beauty, value, movement - and an amazing sense of tranquility and peace! This article is intended to provide a few tips and ideas to help make the job of installation easier, save money, avoid mistakes, and help you get the most from your new addition!

First, you should decide exactly what you want. A water garden could be anything from a large tub with a few water plants to a huge pond with stream, waterfall, bridge, and extensive plantings of water lilies, bog iris and marginal plants. However, if you also want fish - especially Koi - this adds another level of planning.

With any water feature, nice clean water enhances the overall picture. With Koi, you will also need well-oxygenated water free of chemicals and toxins that could harm your fish.

This includes ammonia generated by fish wastes, and chemicals which might help clear your water and be harmless to plants, but could be toxic to your fish. This is where filtration comes in - and a good filtration system can ease the maintenance of a larger pond even if it doesn't have fish.

Once you've decided what you want, you need to decide how large you want it. And let me tell you - almost anyone who has installed a water feature or pond will tell you that one of the main things they would change would be to make their pond bigger!

Yes, it's possible to expand or add onto an existing installation, but it's almost always less expensive to make the larger installation in the first place!

While you are making plans for rocks, waterfall, plants and so forth, be sure to include a spot to sit and enjoy your pond - and fish, if you have them. Consider adding a feature such as a pergola - these provide broken shade for you and can do the same for the Koi in your pond if extended over a portion of the pond.

You can also wire these to include lighting, or an overhead fan to further add to the comfort of relaxing and enjoying the peace and tranquility of your new addition.

If you aren't sure about Koi, but do want a fairly large pond - install a bottom drain! It doesn't require immediate hookup to a pump or filter, but even without fish it can be invaluable if you need to drain the pond for cleaning, or to repair a leak.

Then, if/when you decide to add Koi at some later date, your bottom drain is already plumbed and just waiting for the addition of a mechanical filter and pump! The plumbing costs very little at this point in time, and can save a lot at a later date.

Here are just a few other things to think about as you are planning your new addition. First, all the dirt that comes out of that hole can be used to:

a) create a raised planting bed along the back;
b) raise the sides of your pond and reduce the depth you need to dig;
c) build up the area where you want a waterfall.

For oxygenation - or just to hear the sound of water - you might also add a fountain or waterfall perhaps in statue form. Plants include bog plants - these can be separated from the main pond with a narrow border that still allows water in to maintain the moisture these plants need.

A stream can add more movement with additional oxygenation and filtering, and waterfalls are great for movement, the music of water in motion, and oxygenation.

A path and bridge can add to your viewing enjoyment. And edging can be grass, slate, brick, rock, or any combination - such as slate for your sitting area, with large rock around the rest of the pond perimeter.

For additional ideas and suggestions, please visit my blog, at
http:// ilovekoi.blogspot.com
For more information click http://Nishiki-colorfulkoi.blogspot.com

How To Assess Your Koi Before Purchase!

Assessing Koi Before Purchase

Finding Koi in top-notch health should be foremost in your mind, even ahead of color and pattern. This requirement becomes especially important if the fish must be shipped by air or ride in a vehicle for several hours to get it home.

Such handling, even at its best, can quickly stress out a healthy koi for several days. If the fish is below par to begin with, the trip can be fatal. Of course, even generic Koi should be free of malformations.

Examining Koi in a group

Before you pick out a particular koi from a group in a quarantine tub or a dealer's show tank, look at them as a whole. Consider the following characteristics about the group:

Are they oriented vertically in the water? Fish that are ill may list (tilt) from front to back or side to side. Unless they're feeding, the head shouldn't be oriented toward the bottom of the tank.

Do they seem to move easily through the water with no jerkiness? Skeletal malformations, swim bladder problems, and a host of other conditions can disrupt normal swimming patterns.

Are the fish rubbing themselves on the bottom of the tank or against objects within the tank? If so, they may be trying to dislodge parasites.

Are the Koi swimming about in a frenzied fashion or do they seem unusually listless staying bottom of tank? Both behaviors can indicate water quality problems or disease.

Are the Koi gasping or gulping air at the surface of the water? This behavior can indicate low oxygen levels (which eventually stress the fish) or water quality problems.

If the answers to the preceding questions raise any concerns, ask to see another batch. Better yet, resist your impulsive urge and find another source. However, if the Koi pass the group test with flying colors, you're ready to take a closer look.

Assessing Single Koi

Select the fish that interests you the most and ask to have it placed in a bowl. Take a few minutes to study it close up. Before you fall in love with its color or its pattern, get steely-eyed about its health. Expensive or not, buying an unhealthy fish makes no sense.

As you give the Koi a good inspection, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer "Yes" to any of them, move on to another fish, tank, or supplier.

Does the fish have any rough spots? Do its scales seem to puff out away from the body? Koi whose scales stand out from their body like a bas-relief may be exhibiting pinecone scale, a symptom of an overall internal infection, or enteritis, which causes such pressure from within that the fish actually bloats, pushing the scales out. This symptom is a very bad sign.

Is it missing part of a fin or part of its tail this could indicate fin rot?

Looking at the overall proportions of the fish, do you notice any stubby parts-do not purchase?

Is its mouth asymmetrical or its snout sharply pointed-do not purchase?

 As the fish swims past you, is one side of the body wider or more curved than the other, rendering the fish asymmetrical in appearance? Does the tail curve up or wiggle to one side only?

 Are the koi eyes cloudy or protrude abnormally?

You can also ask the dealer to bag the fish. When it's in the bag, you can examine the Koi's mouth, underside, and tail. Signs of infection, such as fuzzy, grayish, or white patches, may appear on the lower aspects of the koi and aren't otherwise easy to see.

Koi Fish that look healthy may still carry external parasite eggs that won't hatch until conditions are right. Be aware that transferring the fish to a new pond may give these eggs the opening they need to proliferate, particularly if the fish has been in a cool pond and is moved to your warmer pond. This problem doesn't mean you bought an unhealthy fish or that the vendor's a crook. No treatment kills external parasite eggs.

Your Pond Ecosystem Natural Filtration Systems

Cleaning the pond regularly is essential for the healthy growth of the local pond ecosystem in your garden. The pond in your garden is a representative of a very complex habitat and the small and big creatures living there need a fresh and clean environment.

Water Lillie's

You can use many artificial methods to clean the pond that includes the use of filters, there are certain natural approaches to clean the pond also. Nature offers the best solution for any kind of problem. Here are some useful tips for cleaning your pond naturally.


Nothing can replace a good filtration system, it is important to consider the part that nature has to play in your artificial ecosystem.Some plants, such as water lilies play a vital role as a natural pond cleaner. Water lilies are helpful to avoid green water from your pond. If you cover half of the pond with plants, such as water lilies helps in natural water purification.

Water lilies spread easily throughout the surface of your pond. Apart from helping in natural pond cleaning, water lilies also help the fishes in the pond to hide from the sun during extreme summer.Various other water plants also play as natural pond cleaners. Water lilies plants maintain the health of your natural pond ecosystem. Water lilies exhale a lot of oxygen into the environment and in to the water as well, helping the oxygenation of the pond water regularly.

 

 
Water lilies plants help process and remove organic waste materials from the pond naturally. You can use both floating and submerged water plants as natural pond purifiers. Water lilies floating plants take care of cleaning the upper water surface, submerged plants purify the basement and lower part of the pond. The water lilies roots of the floating water plants contain many beneficial microorganisms, which digest the organic wastes, thus helping in natural pond purification.Another consideration for natural pond purification is waterfall.

Waterfalls avoid the water in your pond to settle at one place, thus helping in the transport of important organic maters to various parts of the pond. Waterfalls not only ensure beauty to your pond but also help in the process of natural pond purification by transporting out heavy organic and chemical pollutants, such as mercury, heavy metals, and nitrate; and phosphate chemicals.

Water Falls for Small Pond

 Nature certainly has the best solution to help you in the process of natural pond cleaning process. Consider the above methods to get a clean and pure natural pond in your garden.

Koi Pond Bacteria

Koi Pond Good& Bad Bacteria

Pond Bacteria are ever present in nearly all ponds, except those ponds built to contain only pure, clean and sterile water. Artificial ponds need chemical agents such as bleach to eliminate any pond bacteria that may possibly come out. Otherwise, most ponds found in gardens or landscaped areas also known as "living ponds" are inhibited by good and bad bacteria.

Just like the bacteria we have in our bodies, there are generally both good and bad bacteria present in pond water. Whereas, the good bacteria help people break down the food, while the bad ones trigger disease, inflammation, or even infection. Pond bacteria are no different: there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Good bacteria fight off bad bacteria to keep them from coming back, while bad bacteria infest water and its organisms.

Bad Pond Bacteria - Bacteria for ponds are generally small to be individually seen by naked eye, but they are recognizable by way of alterations in water color, the existence of pond scum and algae, as well as foul odors such as methane. The most troublesome is the algae build-up.

Algae have many various types, several thousand in fact. Algae are commonly categorized as fungi instead of bacteria, but they are dealt exactly like bacteria. Several kinds of algae create an unwanted appearance to ponds and can be very harmful. Wildlife as well as domesticated creatures can get water-borne diseases and even die once it consumed water infested by harmful algae. Humans directly into contact with algae infested pond water can experience skin rashes or irritation, eye, nose and throat irritation, and other illnesses.

Good Pond Bacteria - Whereas bad algae often thrive on decaying plant material and animal waste, the good pond bacteria normally thrive on the bad bacteria and consume the latter's food sources. Good pond bacteria are usually weak and thrive only under limited conditions. One kind of good bacterium is sludge remover. The sludge removers feast on dead substances from ponds, removing a food source essential to various kinds of bad bacteria. Another kind of good bacteria are nitrification. These kinds multiply slowly. Nitrification role is converting ammonia into nitrites and then into harmless nitrates.

Periodic Waste Removal -The ideal approach to maintain good bacteria is by removing dead materials periodically. A natural pond cannot be "cleaned' just like a pool, primarily because it is hosting plant and marine life. However, you have to be careful in the particles or substances that fall off the pond and avoid overfeeding fish that greatly contribute to bacterial growth. One good promoter of algae development is direct sunlight.

Eliminating undesirable pond bacteria is definitely an extensive process, particularly if the pond water is stagnant. Installing a water fountain, an aerator, or anything that promotes movement of water can be a significant help in cleaning a pond. As what has been noted previously, pond bacteria are too small to be seen; however, once you succeed in removing algae, pond scum, sludge, and clarify the water, you've probably won the battle-- although the war may continue over time.