How to Keep Koi Pond Water Clear

Keeping the water in your koi pond clear is essential to maintain the health of your fish, as well as make it easier for you to enjoy your slippery friends.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the right size filtering system for your pond. If you're inexperienced or unsure, opt for the bigger filtering system. Get recommendations on pond filter size from The Water Garden (see Resources below).

    • 2

      Build a structure to keep your pond shaded if it gets a lot of direct sunlight, which can encourage algae growth. Alternatively, add foliage to help shade your pond, but be aware that koi will eat plants

    • 3

      Control algae growth in your koi pond by adding barley straw to your water. Alternatively, try using plants to filter the water or add chemicals to help keep the water clear. Learn about the difference in algae-controlling systems at PetEducation.com (see Resources below).

    • 4

      Add a ultra-violet sterilizer to your pond's plumbing system for a low-maintenance way to control algae or if you have serious algae issues. A UV sterilizer kills the algae as it is pumped through the system.

    • 5

      Test your pond often to make sure the water has a neutral pH. Ammonia from koi waste often throws off the balance of the pond.

    • 6

      Remove some fish if your pond is overloaded. A buildup of ammonia in your water will affect the health of all your koi. For help, consult the stocking recommendations from Britain's Biggest Petshop (see Resources below).

    • 7

      Check your drains, plumbing system, filter and pump if you continue to have problems. You might have a clog or a mechanical issue.