Archive for October, 2009
Essential Koi Pond Supplies
As a new Koi pond owner, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of supplies needed to properly maintain your Koi pond. While most of these items are considered a necessity, the feeling of being overwhelmed can b e avoided and you can relax. How? Simply knowing the function of each item helps you understand why they are necessary.
You have to become familiar with your tools in order to do a good job.
There are certain items that you need to have on hand at all times. Because your 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, and with no way to obtain it.
The Tools
Pump- A pump is essential to the health of your pond. If your 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.
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.
Dechlorinator- Tap water contains chemicals that can potentially harm your fish. When adding new water for any reason, you must add dechlorinator or a conditioner to eliminate these chemicals.
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 change. 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.
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 changes in your Koi behavior or changes in the water.
Bags- You must have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Do not attempt to transport your Koi in trash bags 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 snap the rubber band in the middle of the transport.
Net- You will need to have a net sizeable 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 direction you want them. Nets can potentially damage your Koi, especially as the larger they get.
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 clean and sizable enough to hold your Koi.
Koi Staple Food- Unlike other pets Koi do not need to be fed daily. They can go days without eating, they will feed on algae in between feedings. The more you feed them the faster they will grow. 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.
Now that you have the tools you need you can focus on enjoying your pond and collecting this beautiful fish. For more great tools and links to pod supplies check out the suppliers listed on our blog and click the links you find.
PS. Have I missed anything? I know this is a very basic overview so leave me a comment if you think I left out anything important.
Talk to you soon.
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Koi ponds have become a popular hobby all over the world, and the reasons are clear as to why. Koi are beautiful, vibrant fish that can literally brighten your day. Koi come in many colors, varieties, and kinds, so it is likely that anyone 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 be 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 a form of relaxation and serenity. Here in the United States, more and more people seem to find Koi ponds to be more fun than 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. There are many things to consider. 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 the things that you have already bought or have to redo things you’ve already done. Planning ahead will not only save you money, but it will potentially save your sanity, along with saving the lives of your fish.
Koi Do Have Personalities
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 a time, but generally the average lifespan of a healthy Koi is about 30 years. So if you are looking for a long time pet companion, Koi may be a good choice. If not, you may want to reconsider your options.
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 good idea to do research on your own, before you purchase the materials needed for you pond. Because of it’s 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 healthy 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. Rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish to every 10 gallons of water to insure suitable pond size for growth.
Your filtration system is extremely important. There are 2 types of filtration, mechanical and biological. Mechanical filtration relieves the pond of solids such as dead algae, insects, and Koi waste. 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 waste 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 they will add to the beauty and also help keep the water clear.
South Africa Koi Industry Forum