An introduction to keeping koi carp
The Koi carp is a beautifully coloured fish that has steadily grown in popularity in the UK since the late 1960s. Initially bred as a mutant in the rice fields of Japanese farmers, it has since become a worldwide phenomenon.
Before venturing in the fascinating world of Koi keeping though, you have to consider a few things. You have to allow a considerable part of your budget to first set up the pond, and many of the equipment is essential rather than optional, and the cost varies depending on the size of your pond.
We’ve compiled a list of the essential equipment needed, many of the products being available on the Swell website as well:
- Pond lining
- Filter system
- Pond pump
- UV unit
Air pumps and water purifiers are other recommended gizmos you can consider depending on your budget.
Water quality is important for a proper Koi development and growth, and luckily, water is one of the most temperature-stable environments, so fish can enjoy constant conditions all throughout the year.
Unfortunately, water companies add chemicals to the composition of tap water and treating the tap water is essential. There are a whole variety of treatments available out there, and you can simply dissolve the substances in the pond environment.
The health of Koi is directly dependent on the water quality, but above all, stock density. If the pond is overcrowded, the Koi become stressed and stress is one of the main factors that lead to disease.
If such a misfortune happens, treatment is essential and it should be administered as quickly as possible. There are specialist vets out there and your Koi dealer will know to send you to an appropriate one. You might want to consider buying a temporary pond to carry the quarantine procedure.
Feeding your fish properly is the best way to keep them active and happy.
Consider the specialist Koi food specially designed for these carp. Feed them just as much as they can eat in a few minutes and do it once a day, less during winter.
It’s essential to remove any uneaten food, as this will dissolve nitrites in water that will mess with the health of your fish. Treats can be introduced in the diet, such as bits of orange and shrimp, but this shouldn’t equal more than 5% of the total.
This sums up all the basics, and even though the initial investment seems a bit much, once this is done maintenance will not break the bank and you can happily enjoy your beautiful Koi pond.