Koi Supplies: Getting The Stuff For A Healthier Pond

Koi fish is considered as one of the most colorful and beautiful fish that owners can have in their pond, but keeping them healthy will require at the very least the basic knowledge about outdoor ponds and fish, and also a few necessary supplies.

First off, you need to have filtration system that will maintain the water quality of your pond. There are two types of filters, the biological and the mechanical ones. The function of the filter is to remove those unwanted pollutants which will decrease illnesses that may affect your Koi.

Now, the only way for the filtration system to work in processing the water is when the water will move, that's why there's a need for you to install a pump, which is another important factor that will promote the health of your pond. Although you can have a waterfall or fountain in the pond to aid water movement, they should not completely replace the pump, as they don't have the necessary strength to help with the filtration of the pond.

The advantage of having a fountain in your pond is that it will give you feeling of tranquility, which will drown those unwanted noise, stir the water, and provide oxygen to the pond.

Other pond supplies, although they're not needed on a daily basis, should still be kept available when the need for it arises. The dechlorinator is a device used to replenish the water level of your pond with tap water (but you need to eliminate and remove the harmful chemicals of the tap water first).

The nitrate and pH levels of the water should be checked weekly with the use of test kits available in local pet stores. Pond salt and baking soda can be added to the water in regulating the nitrate and pH levels of the water when the test will show that the levels of chemicals are off.

Food is perhaps the most important supply for your fish. Although they eat a variety of natural foods, it is still necessary for you to keep a basic food source ready at all times. The fish can eat out of their owner's hand, so treats and snacks can also be offered to your pets.

Also, watch out for those predators. These are the herons, kingfishers, cats, foxes, badgers and raccoons. A good pond design can keep them in safety. Pond waters should be deep enough to prevent heron attacks. You can also create overhangs on the side of the pond to prevent these predators from reaching the water.

Another way to do this is by placing the pond under a tree, to cover the aerial view of the birds. Nets can also be placed entirely over the pond, and this will work two-fold: protection from predators and prevention for debris like leaves from falling into the water (which will really mess up your pond if left to fall).

Always keep in mind that Koi will take a little bit of effort on your part in taking care of them when setting up your pond and at the same time considering all of the supplies that you're going to need for it. But these are gorgeous and mesmerizing fish that are well worth your effort!