How to Clean Out My Backyard Koi Water Pond
Homeowners hoping to add variety to their outdoor landscaping sometimes add a koi pond. The fish are very sensitive and need monitoring and care, and homeowners need to keep their environment well maintained for the fish to stay healthy. If you feel you don't have the time or patience for all this maintenance, then a koi pond might not be for you. However, if you're willing to put in the time and effort to care for these curious, colorful fish, you should learn how to clean your backyard koi pond properly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Install a filter on your koi pond. The filter can either be a skimmer filter or an underwater filter. Both kinds will circulate and clean the water regularly, ensuring the health and happiness of your fish.
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Clean the filter on a regular basis. Different types of filters will have different cleaning recommendations, so it's important to read the manual and instructions carefully. Generally, you will need to remove any built-up debris from the filter to ensure it continues to function properly.
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Remove debris from the surface of your koi pond using a net. This debris can settle on the bottom of the pond and will hurt the fish in your pond if not removed.
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Vacuum the bottom of the koi pond, using an underwater vacuum cleaner made specifically for koi ponds, to remove any debris that has settled near the bottom.
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Use a chemical algae inhibitor to prevent the buildup of algae and pond scum, too much of which will harm the fish in your koi pond. Add the product to the pond's water periodically to prevent algae buildup. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You will also need to add chemicals to kill harmful bacteria in the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep just one fish for every 500 gallons of water in your koi pond. Having too many fish will cause an excess buildup of waste, which can become toxic.
References
- Photo Credit japanese koi carp image by Geoff Hobbs from Fotolia.com
