Aquaculturists in the Far East have been keeping and breeding koi for centuries. This practice started in China for consumption since before biblical times, but once keepers noticed colorful mutations in a couple of carp species, ornamental ponds emerged along with domesticated and selective breeding. Japanese society in the 19th century became deeply interested in koi ponds, and the fish eventually became a symbol of friendship and affection, probably because of their mating and spawning behavior. Even though koi breeding in the wild mostly happens as a group, keepers shouldn’t be surprised when the sole adult couple in their pond decide to reproduce. They may wait a few mating seasons …

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Similar to aquariums, there are various methods to provide water surface aeration and oxygenation to koi ponds, and not all of them require electricity. However, some of the most efficient aeration and filtration systems feature electrical power plants. You may have seen photos and videos of elaborate koi ponds kept by Japanese aquarists that seem to do very well with just a waterfall, but you don’t get to see the intricate aeration and oxygenation systems. In many cases, the waterfall is mostly ornamental, and the pond water is constantly treated by intricate pumps and pond filters. Here are the basics of aeration and oxygen levels you should know before setting …

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In the fishkeeping hobby, aquarists who have ponds need to know there’s more to maintaining a pond than just having the right pond equipment. They should also remember all species enjoy having plenty of space to swim, relax, explore, hide, and spawn. There’s no such thing as giving fish too much space. A single goldfish will be happier and healthier in a 10-gallon tank complete with plants and substrate when compared to a fishbowl. The same rationale should be applied to a pond insofar as always avoiding overstock situations. If you have a backyard pond that can hold 500 gallons, you can introduce just one male and one female koi …

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While koi are usually mellow fish, situations can arise where these gentle creatures turn into outright bullies within their pond. Here’s a guide to the main causes of aggression in koi, brought to you by the staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of koi pond supplies. If you have any concerns about your koi, this should provide some guidance on the matter. Natural Mood Not all koi are the same, and some are just more prone to acting aggressive. They often squabble over food when they’re not chasing down their pond mates and tend to be the first to surface if they know it’s feeding time. Time of the …

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A common discussion surrounding the construction of a koi pond is if it should include rocks. Although there seems to be a general consensus to not use them, it’s far from unanimous, as many also point out several pros of using rocks. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a leading provider of koi pond supplies, would like to share some information to help you decide if you’d like rocks in your pond. They Create a Natural Look Aesthetic reasons are often at the core of why owners and installers decide they do want rocks in their koi ponds, and many people believe ponds look better with rocks. Rocks create a natural …

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The beautiful fish you often see in indoor ponds in Japanese restaurants and outdoor ponds in some people’s yards are called koi. Though some people think they’re a type goldfish, they’re actually a type of carp. When they hatch, they’re small, about 1/2 inch long, but they grow quickly. Jumbo koi may grow as big as 30 inches long and from 12 to 30 pounds in their prime. If you choose to raise koi as a hobby, your best ally will be a professional pond and aquarium supplier, such as Aquatic Warehouse. Our aquatic experts can advise you how to raise your koi from young, small fish to large, attractive …

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Although to some people they look a little like oversized goldfish, koi are actually a species of carp that were originally bred in Japan and are known for their beautiful colors. Because koi often live for two decades (or even longer), creating and maintaining a koi pond can provide years of enjoyment. One very important factor that impacts the long-term health and even the coloring of koi is their daily diet. Here’s why the right food is one of the most crucial koi pond supplies and what to consider when feeding your fish. Feeding koi is one of the most exciting parts of having a pond. Koi can be hand fed …

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Clear, clean water is essential to maintaining a healthy environment for the fish in a koi pond. Additionally, after you’ve put time and energy into building your pond, the last thing you want is algae and murky water ruining your view. Luckily, there are some easy ways to ensure the water in your koi pond stays crystal clear. Don’t Overpopulate A good rule of thumb is that your pond should have no more than 10 inches of fish for every 100 gallons of water. To be clear, this generalization is taking for granted that you have very good filtration. Because fish waste is a major contributor to algae growth, having …

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Koi ponds offer a truly elegant beauty to a garden or home. You can enjoy these magnificent fish swimming freely surrounded by a well-maintained landscape. What brings even more warmth is adding proper mood lighting to accent the pond. Lighting might not be one of the first koi pond supplies you think you need to get, but it’s definitely an important consideration. Here are some of the top benefits of adding lights to a koi pond. Creates a Focal Point In any garden or landscape, there tends to be one area that stands apart from the rest. Having a koi pond is the perfect focal point to draw in attention. …

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Koi ponds are a beautiful addition to a home’s yard. As gorgeous of an addition as a koi pond may be, there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing to have one built on your property. Upkeep for a koi pond is absolutely important to maintain the radiance of its natural appearance and protect the health of the fish that dwell within it, which you can do by purchasing the necessary koi pond supplies and keeping the following maintenance considerations in mind. Keeping Koi Fish Fed The fish are one of the top priorities of maintaining a koi pond. Without living fish, you would have only a …

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