When raising Koi fish it is particularly important for the inhabitants that the proper filtration is achieved in the pond environment. Due to the fact that Koi fish are known to be more sensitive to water quality than other fish, considerably more thought needs to be given to the equipment in the pond such as filters, for example.
The biological balance of the pond system is helped to be kept in control by the use of a filter and it is the filters job to take away the waste produced by the Koi fish. When fish live in the wild the sheer volume of water and its currents take care of this problem but fish kept in a contained environment need to have this natural function supplied in order for them to thrive and live healthy lives.
The majority of pond filters are run by mechanical and biological operation. The mechanical function ensures unwanted particles are removed from the water and dragged by means of gravity and water flow out of the Koi pond. A build up of material may be present in the filter and this has to be removed by the pond owner when undertaking regular maintenance sessions.
The biological filtration works by relying on bacteria tackling toxic waste found in the pond such as ammonia or pH, and breaking this waste down into less harmful substances like nitrates which only affect the Koi in a harmful way when present in large amounts. It is considered to be quite normal to have continuous amounts of low level pH but it high levels are present and they remain untreated, the livelihood of the fish are likely to be in danger.
A good pond filter requires a pump to also be fitted and used to force the water through it in order to get the best results. This is because the filter alone will not be strong enough to circulate the water in a big area like a pond.
As well as the filter and pump, pond owners sometimes add a small water fountain or another piece of water apparatus to the pond as this ensures a constant supply of oxygen is available for the fish at all times when the water is stirred by the workings of the device. This method of providing oxygen for the Koi fish is known as aeration.
The chemical make up of the water should be tested on a weekly basis by either using a home testing kit bought from your local pet store or by taking a sample of the pond water along to the store where the staff will test it on your behalf. Keeping Koi fish requires the chemical mixture of the water to be maintained at a normal and healthy level at all times.
Being the proud owner of a stunning Koi pond garden involves time and effort on your part and this should be taken into account prior to accepting the responsibilities associated with keeping Koi fish. However, it can be an amazingly awarding hobby which will bring you a great deal of pleasure for years to come if you go about it properly from the start.
