Secrets To The Right Koi Water

Water quality can decide the growth rate and health of the fish. For example, Japanese believe that the hard water will make the pigment cells of the fish lie flat, making the fish appear dark red and vivid; almost prune-like. This is due to a natural protective mechanism in the fish from the hard water chemicals. On the other hand, when the water is properly softened, the pigments will stand up and give a beautiful velvety look to the fish.

Koi water should have a certain concentration of chemicals and hardness to be acceptable for the life of the fish. Carbonated hardness is one such important factor. Carbonated hardness controls the pH value of the water. It acts as a buffer substance. Value of pH in the water can be affected by daily activities such as fish respiration, fish urine, waste byproducts from filtration system bacteria, and plant life.

If the carbonated hardness in the water is reduced, the pH value will be affected by these natural factors. A carbonated hardness value around 3dH should be maintained in the koi water for proper fish conditions.

Another important factor in koi water is the amount of total dissolved solids. This includes carbonated hardness, fish wastes and even chemicals that are added. Lack of water maintenance will lead to a rise in total dissolved solid levels. Rise of the solid levels will slow the growth of the koi fish since it causes the fish to eat these solids instead of food.

Weekly maintenance can keep the total dissolved solids at acceptable levels. General hardness values of the water can be used to express the amount of total dissolved solids in it. It will be measured in parts per million (ppm), a German degree of hardness.

In order to maintain the good conditions in the koi water, a water filter can be used. When the water goes through the filter, it will remove unwanted substances dissolved in it. This will purify the water. As an alternative, you can change the water regularly.

Changing the koi water has to be done very carefully. It should not be emptied completely at once. Only about 25% of water is removed at one time. There are guiding tables available for emptying and refilling of the water. These standards have to be maintained. After refilling the tank, proper amount of chemicals should be added to maintain the hardness and all other required conditions.

Koi water preparation is not as easy as it seems. It needs lots of attention and knowledge. One has to learn extensively before attending to a koi pond. If the proper care is not taken, it can damage the koi fish. The koi fish may not necessarily die, but their beauty will wane. This goes to show that water is crucial in the health and well being of your koi.