How to Move Koi From Ponds to Aquariums

Koi carp can normally overwinter safely in a pond except in very cold climates. Since they can reach a length of over 12 inches, moving the adult fish to any but the largest aquarium is not feasible, although they could be moved to stock tanks. If you need to move small koi from a pond to an aquarium for the winter, to display them for sale or because you are emptying a pond, you need to minimize stress to the fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Air pump
  • Aquarium filter
  • Bucket
  • Net
  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a coldwater tank for the koi with air pump and filter. You need at least one gallon of tank space per inch of fish. Collect some aquatic plants and rocks from the pond. Ideally, fill with water from the pond as well, about 2/3 full. Collect the water in the bucket. Let the tank settle for 12 to 24 hours.

    • 2

      Drain the pond, if practical, to a depth that fish can move at but are easy to catch.

    • 3

      Catch the koi in a bucket or plastic container if you can. Nets can damage the fish and should be a last resort. If you do use a net, transfer the koi to a bucket of water immediately.

    • 4

      Slide the koi into the aquarium by slowly emptying the bucket. Because the aquarium is not yet full of water, it doesn't matter if water from the bucket goes into the tank. Try to partially submerge the bucket as you do this to minimize stress to the koi.

    • 5

      Leave the koi about a day to acclimatize before feeding and be careful not to overfeed. You also need to clean the tank with a siphon and bucket about once a week.