Top Tips for Taking Care of a Koi Fish Pond

Our latest article on the top tips for taking care of a koi fish pond.  A koi fish, is a fish that can live up to more than three decades, nishikigoi, commonly known as koi, colorful carp fish that are kept as ornamental decorative pets in a backyard pond. 

Indeed, their average lifespans—upwards of 25 years—are protracted in captivity, which makes it even more crucial to create a healthy habitat for them.  However, sustaining a thriving koi pond can be tricky, especially for novices who lack necessary experience in these matters. No worries – that’s why Pond H2o is here to help with our Top Tips for Taking care of a Koi Fish Pond.

Here are some of the more exigent points to help you create and subsequently maintain a healthy koi fish pond.

• Frequently change the water 

A koi fish pond in the Kranji countryside, Singapore by Eustaquio Santimano via Flikr.

After the installation of your koi pond, evaporation will gradually take place over time, especially in warmer climates. This leads to a decrease in the water, which in turn leaves behind minerals and other substances that could eventually hinder its quality. Due to this inevitability, you will lose at least 10 to 15 percent of water on a weekly basis and need to refill the pond to the required level—depending on the size of your pond. Also, it is never recommended to do a full water change in your pond, as this will shock your fish and their habitat.

• Monitor and control the algae

Algae-covered pond in Township, Michigan by Dwight Burdette via Wikimedia Commons.

During the filtration process—which we will delve into later—ammonia in the pond is transformed into nitrate—a harmless substance. However, nitrate allows algae to grow and thrive throughout, which can be detrimental to the koi. A superfluous amount of algae can deprive the koi of oxygen. To prevent this, use algaecides and carefully read the instructions, as the frequency of use will depend on the product in question. Perform regular tests on your pond water quality.

• Make sure to clean your filter

Fish pond with a barrel used for the filter by cskk via Flikr.

Typically, most biological pond filters should be cleaned and maintained every two weeks. However, this largely depends on the ratio of fish to water, and the surrounding conditions, too.   You will also need to determine how often the filter needs to be backwashed. This can be done by checking the pressure gauge—if it is reading much higher than usual, then you’ll need to backwash it.

• Seasonality

Koi pond meditation garden by Wonderlane via Flikr.

Your koi fish pond maintenance strategy will also be dependent on the season. During colder months, it is imperative to cut or trim all dying leaves from the aquatic plants.  Also the surface of your pond may freeze during the winter (depending where you live), so it’s important to purchase a floating pond aerator to put in one of the sections of the water to prevent freezing. 

For the spring and summer months, the time for pond cleaning becomes much easier, and more apparent—thanks to debris carried over from the winter. For this, transfer the koi to holding tanks to make for a more streamlined, expeditious cleaning process, since there will likely be a lot of debris to clean out and will ensure lower stress levels for the koi fish. 

• Address and remedy any leaks

A koi pond by brewbooks via Wikimedia Commons. 

As mentioned, water levels decrease naturally due to evaporation. If the leakage is increasing, it’s probably safe to assume there is a leak. Overall, it is normal for a koi pond to lose about ½ inches of water per day. However, any loss greater than that rate is likely an indication there is a leakage. To stabilize the pond’s conditions, repair any leak(s) as soon as possible. 

For more of our products, specifically one that helps transfer your koi fish during a spring or summer cleaning, check out our heavy duty waterproof koi fish transport sock.