What Are Koi? Are They Right For Me?
“Nishikigoi” commonly referred to as Koi fish, are a Japanese ornamental carp that is typically found in outdoor ponds. Koi can live for 25 to 35 years, although with the right environment they can live for much longer than that! Koi can sometimes grow quite large, its not uncommon to see some that reach up to two feet, or sometimes larger, so its important to ensure you have adequate space and do not overstock your pond. Koi fish can be kept by anyone, with a basic knowledge of pond and fish care its a hobby the whole family can enjoy.
Introducing New Koi To Your Pond
Purchasing new Koi, whether big or small, is very exciting for any Koi hobbyist or professional. However, it can at times be a stressful process for our new pond pals.
- Here are a few key tips to help make the introduction process as easy and stress free on your Koi as possible -
1. Your Koi will be coming home in a large air sealed bag filled with water and pure oxygen.
DO NOT open the bag and pour the Koi and water into your pond.
2. “Float” the sealed bag in your pond for 20-30 minutes to acclimate the temperature of the water inside the bag to the water in your pond.
3. After floating your new Koi for the appropriate amount of time, remove the bag from the water and use scissors to carefully cut open the top of the bag. Grasp the bag firmly at the top and bottom and drain the water from the bag, and then carefully place the new Koi into your pond by hand.
4. Observe your Koi for a few minutes to ensure they are swimming happily, we recommend not feeding your new Koi for at least 24 hours so that they acclimate properly. It is important to keep an eye on your water parameters weekly to ensure a healthy and adequate environment for all your fish and plants.
What To Do With A Sick Pet
There are many ways our Koi can become unhealthy, from flukes, parasites, and lice to lack of oxygen and improper water parameters. Test your water weekly to ensure healthy water and treat as necessary to provide a PH level of 6.5-8 anything lower or higher may create an environment of stress which could lead to health issues. Ammonia, Nitrates, and Nitrite are also extremely important to fish health, Ammonia should read as .1 or as closer to 0 as possible, there are many treatments available on the market today that are used to ensure proper water parameters.
As for Flukes, parasites, lice, and other organisms that can be deadly for Koi consult your local Koi specialist or vet who can identify the signs and symptoms of various ailments and conduct the proper tests to ensure the correct treatment.
Quarantining a fish that is suspected to be ill is a preventative measure that can be taken if you have the available space and materials to do so, new fish should also be quarantined to ensure they do not introduce any illnesses or parasites to your already established and healthy pond.