I have kept and sold Koi for many years, therefore this has brought a wealth experience of these beautiful fish, throughout my years of keeping koi I have discovered that its not the koi that you need to look after but the environment in which they live in …the water in your pond, i cannot express enough the importance of water quality when it comes to keeping pond-fish and Koi.
I have seen koi introduced into newly established ponds and die within weeks, partly because of ‘new pond syndrome’ but also because of inadequate filtration and lack of knowledge of water management.
This website is devoted to giving you all the information necessary to enable you to not only maintain good water quality but also to enjoy your hobby as a Koi Keeper.
The importance of water quality when it comes to Keeping Koi and other fish is paramount, koi and indeed all other fish need to live in a clean and stable pond or aquarium, remember the old rule in koi keeping ‘keep water not fish’…if your water is good, chances are your fish will be too.
Levels of toxins and pollutants vary at different times of year and even different times of day within your Koi and Fish Pond so it is important that you have a good accurate water test kit to check and need be remedy any problems.
Well established Koi Carp Ponds are less prone to fluctuations in water quality due to a well established filter and the waters ‘natural balance’ being reached, however even well established koi ponds should be regularly tested.
It is estimated that 90% + of all koi and ornamental fish diseases are caused by poor pond water quality, Koi can be especially expensive so before you buy I believe it is important you have a good understanding of water management especially when it comes to keeping koi.
Parameters that you should regularly test the koi/fish pond for are as pH , Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate, it is also a good idea to check you koi pond’s (or fish ponds) buffering capacity, oxygen levels and hardness all play an important part in your koi health.
Problems often arise in newly established koi ponds or normal coldwater fish ponds, due to the fact that the filter has not matured, this instance is often referred to as ‘new pond syndrome’. Maturing a filter is not a case of leaving the pond pump and filter running for a few weeks, it involves the nitrification cycle this is the most important cycle that happens in your Koi Pond / fish pond see the links above for more information on this cycle.
Throughout this website on Koi and Coldwater fish all the above will be explained in greater detail, as well as other interesting and important Koi Facts.
