Sitting next to the koi pond watching the koi fish swimming around can be so relaxing. The hobby of koi fish should be enjoyed and not be a ‘second job’, otherwise it won’t be as relaxing anymore. With the right skills in place and by receiving the right advice, your family and friends will enjoy spending time around the koi pond as much as you do.
1. Green water
There could be two reasons why you have green water in your koi fish pond. The first possibility is that your UV globe needs replacing, and the second reason could be that your filtration system is dirty. By replacing the UV globe and/or cleaning the filtration system, you should be able to clear the water.
2. Sunburn
You might not know it, but koi fish do get sunburn. The typical symptom of sunburn is a red rash, and is particularly visible on white areas of the koi. The solution is simple – get adequate shade for the fish. This can be done by building a partial deck over the pond, or simply by adding big rocks that create shade and under which the koi can hide from the sun. Trees and plants also create shade, and so does umbrellas, if you need temporary shading.
3. Pond depth
Koi fish are most comfortable with a pond that is between 1.2 and 1.5m deep. If the pond is deeper that 1.5m, there are a few factors to keep in mind. If you are not sure, rather consult an expert.
4. Pond planning
If you are planning a koi pond, it is important to get the right advice before you even start. By getting adequate advice, you will save money in the long run. Do keep in mind that water flow in a koi pond is critical to assist in aerating the pond. Another factor to keep in mind is cracks – something that you don’t want in the pond. It is considered poor quality workmanship and will have an influence on the water and the fish.
5. Koi health
Just like it is important to take your other pets to the vet for check-ups, it is a good idea to have a koi health expert on hand for advice. It is also important to conduct water analyses and microscope analyses at least twice a year. This will assist in retaining your koi’s health.
6. Importing koi
For various reasons, people often want a specific koi fish, which are handpicked and then imported from Japan. A koi health specialist has to oversee the transportation of the koi, and introduce the new koi to the pond effectively. A proper quarantine plan is necessary, and the koi health specialist will assist here as well.
7. Emergency accommodation
In an emergency, it may be necessary to house a koi, such as when the pond has a leak, and then it is necessary to make use of a professional koi specialist to assist with the setting up of a portable pond on site with the required oxygen.
8. Maintenance contract
Some people have all the time in the world to tend to their koi ponds, but in other cases people need some assistance. For those who love a koi pond, but just don’t have the time or means to do it themselves, a monthly maintenance contract can be the solution. This is a convenient service, will help to keep the pond in an excellent condition, and will assist in delivering healthy koi food.
Relax
With the right professional people by your side, you can keep a healthy koi pond with happy koi fish, and at the same time relax while watching the koi swim in your pond.
