How to Keep Koi Healthy

The koi, also known as "nishikigoi," is considered Japan's national fish. With proper care and planning, this hearty breed usually enjoys good health, often living for 25 to 35 years or more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pond Filters
• Pond Kits
• Pond Liners
• Lettuce
• Koi Pellets
• Koi Fish

1. Buy koi pellets to feed your fish. Other foods they can eat include shrimp (fresh or dried), lettuce and cooked rice.

2. Feed your fish one to two times a day, depending on the season. (Once a day during the winter, twice during the summer.)

3. Be sure to keep the water aerated and filtered at all times.

4. Avoid sudden temperature changes in the water whenever possible.

5. Remove any debris from the floor of your pond.

6. Use a chloramine remover if you add tap water to the pond.

7. Clean your filter two times a year, even if the water looks clear.

8. Take care not to strip the protective slime from your fish if you handle them. This coating helps them resist fungus and bacteria.

9. Change water in the pond gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes.

10. Remember that as koi grow, they will need more room and more oxygen. In anticipation of this, try not to overfill the pond with too many fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Koi can survive for close to two weeks without eating anything.
• Know that if your pump ever breaks, you should hold off feeding your koi, since they use more oxygen up after eating.
• Avoid sudden changes in pond temperature and other severe conditions; the koi may not survive the resulting stress.

on 11/22/2005 If you're trying to kill a bird that has been eating your Koi, you can try to shoot it with a BB gun. Make sure the gun is working before you sit for 3 hours waiting for the bird (only to fire and realize that the gun does not even work).

on 11/22/2005 Don't feed fish when water is below 50. Balance water & clean debris from pond bottom. Remove pump/filter prior to freezing weather. Cover or net pond. Have heater available to keep air hole in ice when frozen. Check pond frequently. Wait for Spring ...

on 11/22/2005 Koi are frequently lost to predators! Have plenty of ledges in your pond for them to hide under. You might even have to rig up a net to protect them.

on 11/22/2005 Be aware that koi will jump under certain conditions, such as breeding, sudden change in water conditions, or simply outgrowing the pond. Plan your koi pond accordingly!