Koi Ponds

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Koi pond keepers know that the most important concern in keeping Koi ponds is the need to maintain a balanced environment conducive to Koi health. On the other hand, the most important factor that affects the health of the Koi is water quality. In their natural environment, the waste materials that Koi produce do not dangerously affect the vast water system in which they live. In a Koi pond however, because of the limits imposed by the pond itself, the wastes that Koi produce can significantly alter living conditions. Because of a reduced volume of water in Koi ponds, waste materials are not effectively diluted in the pond. Whereas the environment in natural ponds, lakes and rivers provide the Koi a stable ecosystem, the same is not readily available in a Koi pond. This does not mean though that these ideal living conditions cannot be achieved in a Koi pond. The key is to simulate the natural environment of the Koi in the Koi pond.

Changes in the natural living waters of Koi do not occur in sudden fluctuations. Usually Koi can adapt naturally to gradual environmental changes. In a Koi pond however, environmental conditions can swing and fluctuate rapidly. A sudden change in the Koi pond conditions can prove fatal for the Koi. To make sure that this does not happen, all that is needed is some understanding of the demands of a Koi pond.

The Koi are avid eaters and so they produce considerable amount of wastes. To treat these wastes in the same way as large water systems naturally treat them, the Koi pond needs filters and pumps. These gadgets may be seen as effective environment simulators designed to reproduce the essential features of the Koi抯 natural habitat. The filter strains the waste materials while the pump moves the water through the filter. Together they are able to treat the Koi pond itself. An additional feature to complete this simulation is the drain in the Koi pond抯 bottom which helps feed the filter.

Much of the work of simulation of the Koi抯 natural environment in the pond is done by the Koi pond抯 filtration system that handles both mechanical and biological purification of the pond抯 water. It also takes most of the work away from Koi pond keeping. The rest of the work demanded from the keeper involves simple maintenance of the filtration system and monitoring of the quality of the water. Only two tasks are foremost in this sense- filter backwashing or cleaning and checking of pond chemistry. Checking the pond抯 water chemistry can be done through simple test strip kits. Together, these two tasks ensure the quality of the Koi pond抯 water.

Providing the Koi with ideal conditions means nothing more than simulating their natural habitat. Koi living in natural lakes and rivers do not demand very clear water. But by understanding the demands of a Koi pond, good water quality and the correct water clarity can be achieved. A balanced Koi pond not only ensures the health of Koi but also complements the beauty of the Koi and adds to the joys of Koi pond keeping.