Introducing Koi to the Pond
No natural pond would be complete without introducing Koi!  Not only do they bring life to the water, but they help to control the undesirable insect life such as mosquito and gnat larvae. Koi love to feed on Daphnia, caddisflies and other forms of aquatic life that are regarded as a bonus in a more natural pond.   While Koi fish are useful, it depends upon your personal preferences as to what types of fish to introduce in your pond. Goldfish and shubunkin are also extremely useful and resilient, as are their fancy tailed counterparts. My pond is mainly Koi, but I do have a few shubunkin.   Varieties of Koi are becoming increasingly popular. The Butterfly Koi receives its name because of its beautiful tail. They are a good choice  for a smaller pond because they do not grow as big as there counterparts.
 
Before introducing your koi fish to your new pond it would be wise to disinfect them using an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial solution.  Basically there are four steps to introducing koi to a new pond.
1.  The first step in introducing your Koi to the pond is to equalize the water temperature in the bag with that of the water pond water.  Roll down the top of the bag to make a collar.

2.  Float the bag containing some of the original water in which the fish were purchased on the surface of the pond.  After several minutes, the temperatures will begin to equalize.

3.  Take a cupful of pond water and pour it into the bag to assist with the equalization process and to aid in adjusting the relative pH levels.  Leave the bag in the water for approximately 20 minutes or so.

4.  Once the temperature in the bag has been equalized, your koi can be gently introduced into the pond.  After introducing, do not expect to see them for a few days while they become adjusted to their new surroundings.  Give them a few days and your koi fish will be eating right out of your hand! 

 
A quick word about stocking levels for koi and other fish in your pond or water garden.  Although with a good pump and filter system your pond can hold more, the general rule of thumb when introducing koi to your pond is 1 to 2 feet of surface area per inch of fish.  Overstocking and/or an insufficient pump and filter system can lead to poor growth and disease of your koi and other pond fish.  When stocklng a new pond, allow some days to elapse before you introduce your koi.  This allow the water chemistry to settle, and the filter time to work, especially if you are using a biological filter.  It also gives the plants a chance to get established.  Also, before introducing your Koi, check the water temperature.  Do not add fish until it is above 50 degrees.