Water Quality Tips


Success or failure in koi keeping is determined in large part by the quality of the water.  Too much chlorine, or high ammonia levels as well as high levels of harmful bacteria can harm your fish, making them more susceptible to disease.  Here are some tips to help improve water quality.

 
Dechlorinating formula.  If your water supply is contaminated with chloramine or chlorine dioxide, you will need a dechlorinator.  This is especially important in the summer when you will need to keep your Koi pond topped off with water.  When adding water, if you use a spray or sprinkler, it will help to dissipate ordinary chlorine and also add some oxygen.

Rock salt or pond salt.  Fish have a coating of mucus that protects them from disease, but when they are stressed, this can be lost.  You can use rock salt (not iodized table salt) at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 gallons to restore this protection.  Not only is the electrolyte balance of your Koi corrected, but salt also helps to prevent the loss of fluids.  If you use pond salt, it includes beneficial trace elements.  However, salt is not good for your plants so add it to your pond as far away from your plants as possible.

A parasite treatment or preventive.  When adding new fish to your Koi pond, or when you spot the symptoms  of  parasites, it is particularly important to add a parasite treatment to your pond.

An aeration kit.  During thunderstorms, or a sudden change in air temperature an aeration kit can be used to restore oxygen to the pond.  The oxygen content can decrease quickly during these periods as warm water does not hold oxygen as well as cooler water.  Also at night plants release carbon dioxide so it's usually a good idea to leave your waterfall, fountain, or aerator working all night.  An example of good areation is shown at right.

 One or more plastic buckets for fish transportation.  For medium size fish, a 5-gallon bucket will work.  For larger fish, try using a short, wide bucket.  You will also need a soft net on a long handle for guiding fish into the bucket.  Use the net to guide your fish into the bucket as lifting them out of the water in the net is stressful to them. An aquarium.  You will need a "hospital tank" for treating sick fish, and also as a holding tank to inspect and quarantine new fish before adding them to your pond.  If
 
you live in a cold climate, you can use an aquarium as a winter home for your Koi.  If you are unsure about what size to purchase, consult with an aquarium dealer.  Size is naturally more important if you will be bringing your fish indoors for several months.  The aquarium should be filled with water from the pond, unless you have reason to believe the water quality is bad.