Instructions
Build your koi pond large and deep. Koi grow bigger faster in large ponds. Japanese koi breeders grow their fish in huge 3- to 5-acre ponds that are very deep. The deeper the pond, the better able you will be to keep water temperatures stable. A koi pond should be at least 4 feet deep, but 6 to 8 feet deep is better. A 10,000-gallon pond or bigger is best for koi, according to Koi-PondFish.co.uk.
Feed koi a high-protein fish food that is made up of at least 35 percent protein or more. Feed fish small amounts several times a day rather than a large amount all at one time. Regular small feedings will prevent ammonia spikes in the water after feeding and help improve water quality and promote growth.
Invest in a good biofiltration system and clean it daily, or even more often if possible. Constant maintenance of the filtration system is necessary to provide optimum water conditions necessary for rapid growth.
Keep pond water temperature warm. Keeping the pond at optimum temperatures---77 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 59 to 62 degree Fahrenheit in winter---to keep koi growing constantly. Koi can survive in cold water, but the colder the water, the slower they will grow. Rapid swings in temperature should always be avoided. Add a heating device, especially if you live in an area that experiences cold seasons.
Provide an aeration system to your pond. Vigorous aeration through air stones or vortex filtration systems can help promote growth. Studies have shown koi convert their diet to tissue much more efficiently when oxygen in the pond is high, says Pond-Doctor.co.uk.
Keep the fish to pond size ratio low. The less fish and the bigger the pond the better for koi growth. Be sure to not overstock your pond with too many fish. If fish growth seems too slow, you could have too many fish for the size of your pond.
How to Make Your Koi Grow Faster
There are three major factors that affect the growth of Koi fish: genetics, environment, and what and how they are fed. You can't do much about the genetic makeup of your fish except to buy from breeders who have proven fast growth in fish for several generations. And unfortunately, koi that most resemble the common carp tend to grow much quicker than prettier varieties, according to PondKoi.com. But there are many ways to control the environment for your fish to help speed the growth process. Keep in mind that growing koi too quickly when they are very young can cause them to lose their color.