Koi Pond Aeration - Oxygen Level Is Critical

The Oxygen level in your Koi pond is something you probably don't think about very often, but it is critical. To ignore it is a big mistake. Some koi owners don't understand the need for simple aeration of their pond for the health of their fish. This is even more important in the warmest months.

The proper level of oxygen is important not only for the fish but also for vegetation in the pond and most important for the needed chemical processes that go on in a healthy pond including bacterial decomposition. Now every pond will develop its own particular oxygen demand. This demand is affected by the level of bacterial activity, the number of fish you have and by the decomposition of plant material in the pond as well as unwanted plant material that falls and collects in the pond.

What affects the amount of oxygen water can absorb? There are several things. Moving water absorbs much more oxygen than standing water. Warm water cannot absorb as much as cooler water. The salinity of water also affects its ability to absorb oxygen but since we are dealing with fresh water ponds this is really not a factor.

As the temperature of the water rises, less oxygen can be absorbed. This is one reason Koi pond aeration becomes so critical in the warmer summer months. Keep a close eye on the dissolved oxygen levels in warm weather. Make sure you keep it at least between 5.0 and 5.5 mg per liter.

Good Koi pond aeration is so important to maintaining the proper oxygen levels. Aeration keeps the water moving. Without this circulation the water can become stagnant and the oxygen levels will drop dangerously low very quickly. Fountains and waterfalls are a very common way to keep the water moving.

Check the amount of algae growth in the pond. Algae will add oxygen during the day but will deplete oxygen during the night. Too much algae can be a real problem for several reasons but affecting the oxygen level is certainly an important one.

Remember to try and feed your fish during the cooler part of the day when it is hot. Fish that feed when it is warm utilize more oxygen than when it's cooler. During the hot part of the day when the water is the warmest, the oxygen level will be lower. This combined with the feeding can bring the oxygen level down very quickly.

A good pond aeration system will go a long way in controlling the oxygen level in your Koi pond. Adding simple water features like waterfalls and fountains will not only provide improved circulation but also add distinguishing features to your pond.