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koi in a bass pond

25 9:50:53

Question
I have an approximately 2 acre pond fed by an artesian spring.  The water is crystal clear when it hasn't rained for a few days, but is green during normal summer weather.  It is around 6 feet deep and a little more shallow at the banks.  We are in the panhandle of NW Florida, so no freezing over.  The pond has bass and bream and catfish of varying ages and sizes.  A friend is trying to convince me to raise some KOI.  I bought this property to bass fish and have a place for all the family children to swim, play, and fish.  If I put KOI in the pond, will it be damaging to the ecosystem and hurt the fishing?  Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

Answer
There should be no negative effects caused by adding koi.  The bass, if agressive, may chase the koi around and nip at them.  You may end up catching a few koi on your line.  Algae is nearly impossible to get rid of in a naturally fed pond.  Your only option is to agitate to water with a few large aerators.  They are about $300 or more a piece.