What Causes a Koi Pond to Have a Lack of Oxygen?

Oxygen is as vital to koi and all pond species as it is for humans. Dissolved oxygen molecules are absorbed through koi gills and carried through the bloodstream to support biochemical processes that range from breathing and circulation to cell formation and digestion. When we mention all pond species, we’re also talking about the many different strains of live beneficial bacteria, which need oxygen to feed on nitrites that keep ammonia levels down. Pond water isn’t a perfect H2O chemical model. In fact, stagnant water filled with biological waste under the sunshine can have 10 parts per million (PPM) of oxygen volume, which is still sustainable. When this measurement drops below 4 PPM, the health of koi and the entire ecosystem will become compromised and even deadly.

Checking Oxygen Levels in Koi Ponds

Dissolved oxygen test kits can be obtained from aquarium shops. They include a reagent that’s used in a manner similar to those used to check ammonia levels. As a koi pond keeper, you’ll want to keep O2 levels flowing are at least 10 PPM, which is what you can expect in a clean habitat with plants, an adequate bioload, and essential koi pond supplies such as an efficient biological filter and a sufficient aeration system.

When Oxygen Levels Drop in Koi Ponds

You don’t always need a testing kit to figure out that dissolved oxygen molecules are insufficient for the pond ecosystem. When you see koi always swimming near the surface and gasping for air, you can assume O2 levels have dropped below 3 PPM. If this happens on a hot summer day when koi—which are cold water species—prefer to face the sun instead of staying cool at the bottom, you’ll know O2 levels are critically low.

What Causes Oxygen Loss in Koi Ponds

When temperatures rise, dissolved oxygen levels will drop. This happens in all natural aquatic ecosystems, but you can keep them from dropping below 6 PPM with adequate pond care even during the hottest days of summer. Algae bloom is another biological event that can decimate dissolved oxygen because this is what these organisms consume. All the same, you know algae bloom is a sign of a dirty pond, so we can safely say that failing to adhere to a water changing schedule will contribute to reduced oxygen levels.

Preventing Oxygen Loss in Koi Ponds

Aside from keeping water clean through frequent water changes, you need to keep the bioload down, and this starts with not overstocking the pond. Plants can help with the biochemical oxygenation of pond water, but it’s more important to keep the water column moving with proper aeration, preferably from a fountain or waterfall in addition to a source of water bubbles emanating from the bottom. Finally, try to keep the pond from being exposed to direct sunlight for more than six hours each day.

Ensuring your pond has sufficient oxygen is just one of the key elements of caring for it properly. You’ll need to acquire several supplies to keep your fish happy and healthy for many years to come. Whether you need koi pond filters, submersible pumps, supplements, or vacuums, Aquatic Warehouse has all this and much more. Come stop by our store located in Kearny Mesa, or order your supplies on our website and have them delivered directly to your house. To speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives, call 858-467-9297 today.