It’s easy to think of koi as a tropical species because they’re known to thrive in regions with moderate climates. However, their natural habitats in Asia tend to feature seasonal cold water temperatures. Koi are the ornamental variety of Asian carp, hardy and resilient fish that enjoy swimming in freshwater lakes and streams. The truth about both Asian carp and koi is that they may not survive freezing temperatures under some conditions. The knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, has some details to share about whether koi fish can survive in cold water. Koi Freshwater Latitudes Asian carp are excellent aquaculture fish because they …

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Asian aquaculture is filled with interesting lore and tales about the ancient days of this sustainable practice. Even though Japanese rice farmers started breeding koi for ornamental purposes in the 17th century, they had already become familiar with their origin species, Asian carp, which was introduced to the Nihon Rettō archipelago around the 5th century. Making rice paddies a comfortable habitat for carp is a very smart method of organic cultivation, and Japanese farmers noticed that certain fish would outlive some of their relatives. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, would like to share some information about the average lifespan of …

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When setting up a garden pond, you really should take your time with everything, from the fish you choose to acquiring all of the essential koi pond supplies. Many beginners in this hobby often dream about the day when they get to stock their pond with the most eye-catching fish, but rushing toward this step of the process isn’t recommended. Instead of watching YouTube videos featuring lavish ponds filled with exotic koi, a better idea would be to think about introducing suitable species progressively. Plant life should always be first because it’s conducive to proper establishment and a full nitrogen cycle with the first bacterial colonies sticking to the biological …

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Recreating natural habitats as much as possible is a goal all koi pond keepers should strive for. A fiberglass pond form or liner materials that hold water certainly don’t fit the description of a natural bottom, which is why many koi keepers choose gravel and rocks as a substrate. Aquarists who keep freshwater tanks don’t think twice about the use of gravel at the bottom. In the case of saltwater reef tanks, substrates tend to combine sand, shells, and rocks that would normally be found in coastal habitats. The knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of koi pond supplies, wants to share some considerations about putting gravel at …

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All garden ponds are bound to experience loss of water. Even natural aquatic habitats go through this process, but the difference is that koi ponds are exposed to even more external factors that can result in lower water levels. Adequate depth is crucial for koi and other garden pond species, which is why it’s important to learn why water loss may take place. The trusted staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, has put together a list of six reasons your koi pond might be losing water. 1. Water Evaporation This natural process is even more prominent in regions where the summer months feature higher temperatures …

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Most koi ponds feature liners made of materials designed to hold the water volume necessary to keep fish and other species. Unless the bottom of your pond is made of a fiberglass form or solid impermeable concrete like a swimming pools, there may come a time when you notice water levels retreating at a pace faster than evaporation. Dry summer conditions without the benefit of rains will cause evaporation of as much as two inches per week. If you notice faster water loss or bubbling in a single surface spot, there could be a tear in the liner, and it will need to be repaired. The trusted staff at Aquatic …

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Koi are the ultimate ornamental fish for various reasons. First of all, the coloring and patterns of their scales make them gorgeous. Second, they’re extremely resilient and have been bred for centuries to adapt to many climates. Finally, koi are known to be docile for the most part. For example, the popular chagoi breed is known to be friendly to the point that it will enjoy being fed by hand. When you have chagoi in your pond, other koi will become more curious and gregarious. Even though koi aren’t schooling fish, they sometimes enjoy swimming next to their aquarium mates, but there may be other times when they’ll chase each …

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Most koi ponds have a certain level of aquascaping for ornamental reasons. If you plan on keeping a garden pond, it makes perfect sense to start it off with plants before stocking it with fish. You want the plants to take hold and establish an ecosystem that’s naturally balanced in terms of pH, nitrogen, and low ammonia levels. You also want the plants to bloom, grow, and reproduce so they provide a nice and harmonious look along with the koi. Resilient aquatic species can thrive without plants. For example, edible tilapia can be raised in very large tanks devoid of plants, and this type of farming could apply to koi, …

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A July report broadcast on the Fox Business Channel featured the completion of a very large and elaborate koi pond at the Atlanta mansion of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. We’re talking about a pond complete with six waterfalls, a beach entry section, and more than 100 tons of rock. While Shaq’s pond took two years to complete, not everyone is digging out their backyards for their pond projects. Above-ground koi ponds are also sensible solutions for homeowners who wish to keep digging to a minimum or skip it altogether. In terms of caring for a koi pond, the differences between in-ground and above-ground are subtle. 1. Choose a Location for …

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There’s no need to drain a koi pond and remove all species to thoroughly clean it. Some people do this once or twice a year for the purpose of ending up with crystal-clear water, but seasoned pond owners will tell you this method is not only unnecessary but also counterproductive. In the regal koi ponds in Japan, fish keepers rarely (if ever) drain their ponds unless they intend to relocate them. Old water isn’t necessarily bad water. It should be noted that draining a pond will deprive the ecosystem of plankton and beneficial bacteria that make healthy habitats, thus actually shocking the biological system enough to harm the koi, which …

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