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What Chemicals Should You Use to Maintain a Koi Pond?
A well-maintained koi pond can be a beautiful and serene addition to any outside area. However, when not properly maintained, a koi pond can become both an eyesore and health risk to the fish living there. When a strange smell or algae buildup is noticed, it’s important to use the right pond chemicals to fix the problem and return the koi pond to a cleaner state. Here’s a handy checklist, provided by Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of pond, freshwater aquarium, and saltwater aquarium supplies.
Chlorine Removers and Water Conditioners
Before placing any fish in the pond, or when adding new water, consider using a chlorine and chloramine remover if you’re using tap water. Prime is the most popular water treatment our customers buy at Aquatic Warehouse:
https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/seachem-prime-water-conditioner-250-ml?search=prime&category_id=0
Many chlorine removers also remove metal and other chemicals that may be harmful to koi. Chlorine removers are the most important chemical that can be used in a koi pond, as chlorine causes painful chemical burns on gills, and they often also function as a water conditioner. Water conditioners create the ideal pH for both koi and a healthy pond system, which is particularly important if the water source is too hard or too soft.
Algaecide
Koi ponds are an ideal environment for algae to grow. Although some algae are beneficial, an overgrowth of algae can result in the pond’s plants being deprived of nutrients and sunlight. In addition, significant algae growth can be an indicator that pH and nutrient levels in the pond water are incorrect. There are many types of algaecide. However, when using chemicals in a koi pond, avoid those that aren’t specifically designed to be safe for fish. Copper algaecides can have negative effects in smaller ponds and shouldn’t be the first treatment for an algae bloom. The safest for your koi and the environment is an organic but strong product we sell hundreds of—Clarity Max +:
https://www.aquaticwarehouse.com/crystalclear-claritymax-25-pound?search=clarity&category_id=0
Beneficial Bacteria
Although bacteria naturally occurs in ponds, there are circumstances in which the bacteria can be killed off due to algae or pH treatments, and of course winter cold. Beneficial pond bacteria can improve water clarity and decrease algae growth. When an algae bloom is first noticed, consider using beneficial bacteria instead of a traditional algaecide. Beneficial bacteria can be killed or damaged by most algaecides and UV filters. When using a UV filter, consider adding beneficial bacteria. The bacteria often comes in a small packet that can be added directly to the water, but it will naturally multiply as well if pond conditions are right. The biggest seller for strong, high-potency pond bacteria is Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II:
We always get fresh shipments at Aquatic Warehouse.
Barley Pond Cleaner
Another more natural option is barley pond cleaner. Although not quite as effective as what we listed, barley can improve water clarity and inhibit algae growth. Barley straw cleaner can be used all year long, but is more effective if applied before significant algae growth has occurred. Conveniently, barley pond cleaner seemingly doesn’t have any negative effect on other pond life.
At Aquatic Warehouse, we have everything you need to keep your koi pond looking beautiful all year long, including pond vacuums, filters, pumps, and lighting. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give one of our knowledgeable representatives a call at 858-467-9297.