Thursday, September 11, 2008

7 Tips to Keeping Your Koi Fish Pond Healthy and Happy

Did you concider installing a koi fish pond? Bringing these magnificent fish in your backyourd pond is very rewarding and it is not as complicated as you might think. If you take proper care for them koi fish live very long and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these suggestions to make your fish pond properly so your decorative koi fish will live and multiply.

Koi don't like shallow ponds

Depth of your pond is important for the health of your koi. You pond should be at least 4 feet deep, however it is best to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, cats and other animals who can empty your pond. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in summer months

Koi really love a lot of room to swim

Small ponds are not suitable for koi. Remember, with time will grow in size and numbers and they will need a big space. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that with time you will probably want to get other varieties. So it is better to create a big backyard pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is suitable for a koi fish pond , bigger would be even better.

Heat the water in colder months

Unlike tropical fish, koi are resistant cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi fish only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster

Provide your fish shade

When selecting where to place your pond, make sure it is out of direct sun. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond can be very beneficial - not only they add beauty to the overall landscape, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a koi water garden of fallen leaves is can become a hard work.

Keep the birds away

There are many birds of prey that will enjoy eating your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to cover it with a net.

Insectocides can kill your beautiful fish

When designing your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can make sick and possibly kill your beautiful fish.

Pumps, filtration systems and other fish pond accessories

Several accessories are absolutely essential for good health of your fish. Ideally you should get a water pump, filtration system, pond water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your fish might feel unwell. Koi pond filtration systems are expensive, so if money is an issue you can make your own homemade filters.

To get more ideas on landscaping visit Outdoor Landscaping Ideas

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