Koi don’t generally live in saltwater habitats even though they’re known to survive in brackish water, but not for long. Some carp species used for sustainable aquaculture such as rice-fish farming can handle a higher level of salinity. However, these fish have been selectively bred for symbiotic purposes. Ornamental koi are strictly freshwater species, but this doesn’t mean they should be stocked in a garden pond filled with pure water. Pond keepers are responsible for regulating water chemistry, and this includes providing some salinity for the benefit of koi and other species. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, would like to share some details …

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Natural ponds get their water through various sources. Some of them get filtration from small streams and aquifers, but most of their water supply will come from rain. In the case of garden ponds, fish keepers provide most of the water, and they’ll invariably use municipal tap water treated with dechlorination and beneficial bacteria, which are some of the most crucial koi pond supplies. A natural supply of ground water is nearly impossible for garden ponds with concrete or plastic liner bottoms. The exception would be uncovered ponds because they can get rainwater. It’s easy to assume rainwater would be beneficial to a koi pond, but this may not always …

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Crystal-clear water is a goal of all fish keepers, particularly those who take care of koi ponds. It’s generally easier to maintain clear water in a tank than in a garden pond. You have to accept that koi aren’t only larger species but also messier. There’s also the matter of koi ponds being exposed to more elements that can turn the water dirty. Outdoor ponds are at the mercy of biomass, which means the water can be affected by more than just food waste and fish excretions. Dirt, pollen, and dead leaves can accumulate and provide enough nutrients to stimulate algae bloom, a biological process that can result in pond …

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Jumping behavior isn’t uncommon among koi species. Some pond keepers have noticed their fish jumping as high as two feet in the air or leaping from one end of the pond to the other. Chagoi carp, a friendly species that’s treasured in Japan because its scales match the color of tea leaves, is known to jump often out of playfulness. Shusui carp are as colorful as they are active, and this often results in jumping behavior. There are various other reasons koi jump out of the water. In some cases, the behavior may indicate issues with the aquatic ecosystem. The knowledgeable staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of koi …

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Pond aquaculture dates back to the days when the Jin Dynasty ruled the unified territory of China in the 5th century BC. At that time, Amur carp were bred in extensive rice paddies for sustainability, and it took a few centuries before Japanese fish keepers started breeding selectively for color. As Cyprinus rubrofuscus became a more colorful and domesticated species, its behavior started to change to the extent of becoming a fish you can actually feed by hand. In other words, koi have dynamically adopted social and gregarious traits, and this allows them to live alone in most situations. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond …

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Virtually all species that can be kept in a backyard pond will need some sunlight. Some will need it more or less than others, but koi in particular should be exposed to sunlight a few hours a day. Similar to the way humans need sunlight for the purpose of producing vitamin D, koi seek the rays of the sun to help them boost their immune system, enhance their pigmentation, and improve their overall health. On the other hand, too much exposure to sunlight can be problematic for koi ponds, which is why being able to provide shade is crucial. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond …

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Bottom drain mechanisms are part of some koi ponds and even some fancy reef tanks. They serve various purposes, but their most common function is to make it easier to keep the water and substrate clean. In the natural habitats of ponds and small lakes, waste is removed naturally by various organic processes of filtration as well as scavenging by some species, but in small garden ponds these processes are far more limited, which is why fish keepers are expected to take care of them. The trusted staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a reliable provider of koi pond supplies, explain the benefits of having a bottom drain in a koi pond …

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Fish keepers have various ways to prevent algae growth from getting out of hand in their ponds. Some methods are mechanical while others are chemical, but many aquarists prefer to go with more natural and organic methods. Japanese aquarists are known to favor organic algae growth control, which involves the introduction of certain species, because this method promotes the development of a healthier ecosystem. With the right balance of plankton, plants, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, algae bloom can be kept to a minimum. Moreover, the pond will require less maintenance thanks to the diversity of biological processes. With this in mind, the staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of …

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Aquarists who keep ponds in their properties are essentially recreating habitats that are smaller and more shallow than lakes. As such, many of the species that thrive in natural pond ecosystems could be introduced to koi ponds, but this will depend on the level of care and involvement fish keepers are willing to put into their aquatic habitats. Koi will do fine by themselves in a pond. However, habitats with a greater diversity of species are considered to be healthier and more efficient ecosystems. Look into shubunkins for a different type of fish, or maybe even paradise fish of hi-fin sharks. There are several types of aquatic life you can …

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The most difficult aspect of setting up a pond is the structure of the habitat. First you have to consider how much space the pond will take in your property, then you need to create the below-ground space that holds the ecosystem. Other considerations include shade, the aeration system, the biological filtration area, the often overlooked but important surface skimmer, the liner, rocks to provide hiding spaces for your species, and all of the essential pond equipment. All these will need to be in place before filling the pond with water and observing how the structure holds. The next step is to establish the pond so it starts turning into …

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