Aquatics Information - Hyannis Country Garden

Koi In The Watergarden

Koi can be included into a densely planted pond, if the area is large and deep enough. The Koi will do much better if the population is kept small and they are not confined to smaller spaces. In stocking a pond, the usual recommendation is for no more than one inch of fish per square foot of pond surface area. The water quality of well-stocked ponds should always be closely monitored to prevent ammonia levels from becoming toxic.

Koi have special environmental needs and are, therefore, not really suited for life in the water garden un-attended. Even though Koi may be fed sufficiently, they still require fresh greens in their diet. The submerged grasses and tender submerged lily growth often prove irresistible. Trying to curtail their appetite with daily feedings of fresh lettuce and celery leaves, may not prove to change some of their habits. The pond is a virtual smorgasbord to a Koi. It may be worthwhile to culture some small pots of leaf lettuce. You can put these in the pond if you cover the topsoil with some rocks so they won't nudge them over, and then set them in the pond for the Koi to feed on.

Like wild carp, Koi are omnivorous, and in captivity are normally fed once or twice a day. They can be offered processed food (pelletized food) that has been especially made for the Koi's nutritional requirements.

Koi can be very hard on your plants because of their persistent rooting habits. They will root around looking for insects and larvae to feed on. Any valuable plants should be planted in tubs, which are then placed in the pond.

Also make sure that if you are using bricks as a platform to set your plants on, to use some concrete pond paint on them to prevent them from leeching lye into the pond. This will be toxic to the fish and cause you to have extremely high pH levels.

Pond Fish

Sometimes, unfortunately... we are not blessed with good water, and must use the 8.6+ pH city tap water in our ponds. These high pH levels are not real good for many species of Koi. It may be better for you to keep some common goldfish, comet goldfish, or shubunkin's instead. These fish will grow huge just like the koi, and they will be much easier on your budget. Plus they are pretty hardy, and the shubunkin's are very colorful.

Some species of catfish, tilapia and the aquarium plecostimus (algae eater) may be introduced to the pond in warmer climate zones. These fishes are scavengers and will help keep the bottom of the pond cleaner (This is no excuse not to clean your pond). Continual maintenance of your pond is crucial, and keeping a beautiful pond has proven to be too much work for many people.

Pond Fish Health

Regular observation of your fish will allow problems to be detected early. Be familiar with your fish's normal shape, size and color as well as swimming habits.

A change in these factors may signal a problem. The problem must be identified in order to know the steps to take for treatment. Every pond owner with fish, at some time or another, will probably have to medicate their pond.

Though Koi and Goldfish are extremely hardy, it is very important to keep a watch on their environment to keep them at their healthiest.

Attention should be paid to the quality of water and balance of the pond (i.e. pH levels etc.). However, if problems do occur, the first step is to remove the individual fish or decide whether to treat the entire pond.

It is sometimes difficult to be aware of a problem with a fish until its too late. Be aware of your fish's behavior patterns so changes can be detected early. A change in your fish's behavior is usually the first sign that that your fish are stressed or ill.

It is important that you know your pond's volume. All treatments are based on the number of gallons in the pond. The wrong dosage could result in killing your fish.