How to Care for Your Koi Fish
Are you the proud new owner of a Koi pond?
The peace and tranquility a Koi pond brings to your backyard only adds to the beauty of your home. But koi are more than their beauty, they can live for 50 years.
They’re also intelligent enough to recognize their owners and need intermediate-level care. If you’re a new Koi owner, this can make owning them seem daunting going forward.
It doesn’t have to be daunting though! Keep reading for this guide on how to care for your new Koi fish family members.
Pond or Aquarium Size
Koi can grow fast and they’ll get pretty large too, up to 36 inches (91cm), in fact. Because of these, they need a pond that’s at least 3ft deep and hold 50 gallons of water for each pet fish in there.
For young new Koi fish, you can keep them indoors. The aquarium should have at least 29 gallons and they’ll need to move into more space as they grow. Make sure you place this aquarium away from drafts or any direct sunlight and make sure it’s quiet.
These fish can leap, so make sure you cover the pond or aquarium to stop them from leaping right out of the water. This will also reduce the splashing and any evaporation.
You need to transfer your Koi fish into their new home and let them float in their bags for 10 minutes. This will get them used to the new temperature of the water. If they’re going with existing fish, quarantine them for 2-4 weeks until you know they’re healthy.
Filtration
As part of your new pet care, you need to make sure you have the right filtration system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if it’s an aquarium or talk to koi pond experts.
Depending on pond size, a filter should be able to process water in the tank 3-5 times a day. This means a 20-gallon tank should have a filter that can push 60 gallons of water each hour.
You also want to add oxygen-producing aquatic plants. Not only will this help with filtration but it’ll enrich your Koi’s environment. Add in beneficial bacteria supplements too, as this will help break down the waste.
Light & Heat
Another part of koi fish care is knowing that they need a pond that’s in partial shade. Outdoor Koi will hibernate below the ice in winter as long as the pond doesn’t deep freeze. They can’t survive in solid ice.
Indoor Koi need to live in water that’s 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need to install an aquarium light and keep it on 8-12 hours a day to simulate outdoor daylight.
Health
When you buy Koi fish you want to check their body condition and health. Here are some symptoms to look for, and also keep looking for throughout your ownership:
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Swollen abdomen
- Odd swimming patterns
- Discolored or inflamed fins or skin
- Flashing (scraping their body against rocks)
- Fins stuck to their sides
It’s recommended you feed your Koi up to 4 times a day with high-quality Koi fish food. If your outdoor koi aren’t eating in winter it’s not an immediate cause for worry. Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s normal for them to stop eating.
Koi Fish Care Made Simple
Koi fish are a beautiful addition to your home but they’re not for beginners. They prefer to live outside and need ponds that are deep enough to accommodate their large adult size. If they’re indoor, they need cool waters and a quiet location that’s not drafty or in direct light.
If you found this article helpful, make sure you check out our blog for more pet care tips and guides.
