The number of koi you can stock a garden pond with cannot be distilled into a rule of thumb or a mathematical formula. There’s a loose axiom in the world of freshwater aquariums that warns fish keepers about going over one inch of fish per gallon of water, but this mostly applies to species that reach their full length shortly after growing out of their juvenile phase. You really don’t have to worry about such species getting larger afterward. Things are different with koi ponds because of the variants, size differences between males and females, and eating habits. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of …

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Koi are sometimes confused as being tropical fish, but this ornamental aquatic species is descended from Asian carp, thus making them cold water fish. The heartiness and resilience of koi allows them to withstand many climate conditions, but they will do much better when the water temperature isn’t too hot. This reason alone should prompt aquarists to set up their garden ponds in spots where they won’t exposed to direct sunlight for many hours during the summer, but there are other reasons as well. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, are here to offer some insight about the amount of sun and shade a …

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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 …

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Depending on its location and how it’s set up, a koi pond can be very similar to a natural body of water. Think about a garden pond where the backyard isn’t fenced and faces toward a greenbelt section or a lake. In this case, it wouldn’t be unusual for other species to become attracted to what they may consider a source of food and water. Beyond insects, frogs, snails, and turtles, backyard koi ponds also have the potential of attracting predatory species. What this means for koi pond keepers is that they should become aware of predatory risks, and they should also learn to minimize them. The friendly and knowledgeable …

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As one of the most ancient and resilient organisms on our planet, algae is something all koi pond owners should expect to find in their ponds. Paleontologists estimate that the most primitive forms of algae, which are microscopic, initially formed about two billion years ago. There are thousands of varietal algae species, and you can bet on dozens of them forming in your koi pond from time to time. It would be inaccurate to say algae is bad for koi ponds. Some types of algae are very beneficial in terms of promoting a healthy aquatic ecosystem, and you wouldn’t want to eliminate them. Other species such as phytoplanktonic algae actually …

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The Asian carp species that ornamental koi descend from were able to adapt from lakes and streams to rice paddies, but they wouldn’t do so well in a still water habitat. Chinese aquaculture farmers can raise carp in rice paddies where the water enjoys some form of natural aeration and motion. This is typically accomplished through irrigation and draining. In the case of garden ponds, a few species may be able to withstand a still water ecosystem, but not koi because they need proper oxygenation at all times. Aeration and filtration are some of the most essential koi pond supplies because they keep the water column in motion, thus promoting …

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Koi ponds aren’t generally considered to be real estate features that entice average homebuyers and move deals toward the closing table. Depending on how the agent and seller feel with regard to listing the property, an existing koi pond may not even be mentioned in the MLS description, which is silly because it’s a beautiful focal point and a relaxing destination in a yard. When you search MLS databases for homes with koi ponds, not many listings will come up. However, smart real estate agents know that including this niche feature in the property description will attract specific buyers. In essence, koi ponds are special landscaping features that may or …

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A koi pond without aquatic plants isn’t something pond keepers typically aim for. Raising koi without any plant life is like farming tilapia in a tank. It minimizes aesthetics and makes life less satisfactory for pond species. You should have aquatic plants in your garden pond not only because they look nice but also because they provide nutrition and shelter in addition to biochemical advantages such as oxygenation, algae control, and ammonia reduction. In warm climates, plants can help with keeping pond water cool, but they can also proliferate and become troublesome. Here’s a quick guide to keeping plants under control in a pond, brought to you by Aquatic Warehouse, …

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Koi are omnivorous aquatic species that thrive on a diversity of food. Centuries ago, Asian rice farmers introduced carp to aquaculture paddies because of their omnivorous traits. These fish proved to be voracious eaters of waterborne insects that plagued rice fields, and farmers kept them fed with fruit and vegetables so they wouldn’t end up eating crops. Cross-breeding of Asian carp resulted in the nice color variations of modern koi, which turned out to be omnivorous just like their predecessors. Nutritious food is one of the most essential koi pond supplies. However, in some cases, koi fish can eat many of the things their keepers enjoy, but there are limitations. …

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Keeping koi in a garden pond is an ancient practice that predates aquariums by more than a century. Ornamental koi ponds were initially derived from aquaculture farms in China, where rice growers noticed colorful fish spawning from the intermixing of carp breeds. Japanese koi pond keepers attached spiritual meaning to this species, which explains the custom of elaborate ponds in Zen monasteries. The beauty and resilience of koi make them very attractive to keep in a pond, and they’ll thrive as long as you can provide them with the following essentials that should be improved and upgraded as they grow. Plenty of Water A garden pond can support various aquatic …

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