How to Maintain a Koi Pond

Many beginners think they can just put koi into a pond and watch them grow, but like an aquarium or pool, koi ponds take a lot of work. Koi are very sensitive fish and changes in their ecosystem can lead to poor health or even death. Maintaining your koi pond regularly will help your fish thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Skimming net
  • Pond vacuum
  • Fish additive
  • Algaecide or other algae-control method
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the surface of your pond clean by removing debris and leaves, which can disrupt the balance of your pond's ecosystem. Alternatively, place a structure or a net over the pond to catch falling debris.

    • 2

      Check your filter and skimmer, if you have one, every week or two to ensure it is working properly and not clogged. A good filtration system is the best way to maintain a clean environment for your koi.

    • 3

      Vacuum the bottom of your pond when there is a buildup of food or other debris. If you remove your koi from your pond for the winter, vacuum the pond before reintroducing your fish. Vacuums can be bought at websites such as AZPonds.com (see Resources below).

    • 4

      Check your pond's water level once a week. You'll need to add more water to maintain the level as water evaporates. If your pond is losing large amounts of water, however, you probably have a leaky pond liner or filtration system.

    • 5

      Monitor your fish. Koi's personalities, as well as their beautiful colors, are what make them so intriguing. If a fish it acting or looks strange, it's probably a sign of poor health. For example, a koi that rubs itself often against the side of the pond could have a bacterial problem.

    • 6

      Promote fish health by using an additive of nutrients and minerals such as Koi Solution, which is available at AquaticHouse.com (see Resources below).

    • 7

      Control algae in your pond using an algaecide or a more natural method, like adding barley straw. Adding plants can also help reduce algae, but many owners like to put a barrier between such plants and koi, which will eat and possibly dig up the plants.

    • 8

      Remove some fish if you find it difficult to maintain your pond. Fish waste builds up on the bottom of ponds and can make the water toxic for all your fish. Experts recommend one small- or medium-sized koi per 500 gallons of water.