Koi Supplies For Keeping Koi

As a responsible Koi fish owner, what are the Koi pond supplies that your need?  Here are some essentials:

1.    Pond filtration systems and pumps
You need to install a double filtration system to maintain the quality of the pond water.  The double filter system is made up of a mechanical filter and a biological filter to remove solid waste matter and chemical pollutants (especially nitrogen compounds like nitrates and ammonia) respectively.

Koi Pond Mechanical and Biological filter sytem

Your filtration system needs a pump.  This pumps the pond water through the filters thus removing the unwanted matter from the water.  This pump should be different from that which runs a fountain or waterfall in the pond (see below).

2.    Aeration system
The easiest way to aerate your Koi pond is to build a waterfall or fountain in the pond.  This provides a soothing sound, beautifies the general view of your Koi pond garden and churns the water so that oxygen from the air dissolves into it thus aerating the water.  You will need a separate pump for your aeration system because the one you use for the filtration system should be used exclusively for the filters.

3.    Koi pond test kit
When putting together your Koi supplies, do not forget to have Koi pond test kit.  This kit would normally include equipment to test the pH and chemical content (such as nitrate level) of the water, dechlorinator to remove chlorine, pond salts, baking soda and other supplies.  The dechlorinator is used when replenishing the water level of your pond with tap water.  The pH level and the nitrate level of the water should be checked on a weekly basis.  Pond salt or baking soda should also be kept on hand on a regular basis.  They help maintain the pH of the pond water at an optimum level for Koi fish (the ideal pH for Koi is 7.4).

4.    Anti-predator measures
Because Koi come in such brilliant colors, they are susceptible to fall victim to outdoor predators like Herons, kingfishers, foxes, raccoons, cats and badgers.  This is why your Koi pond should be at least 3 feet deep.  This prevents these predators from wading in.  You can also construct overhangs on the side of your pond high enough to prevent predators from reaching the water.  Alternatively, you can purchase a net that can be placed over the pond ensuring the safety of the Koi and obscuring the view of the pond from the sky.  A net will also prevent leaves from falling into the water.

5.    Koi food
The most important Koi supply is Koi food.  Koi are not fussy and are known to eat a wide variety of food, apart from Koi food pellets from the pet shop.  Koi can even eat out of your hand and therefore snacks and treats can be offered to your fish (see my article on koi feeding).

When setting up your outdoor pond and considering the kind of supplies you will need, remember that although Koi keeping take effort, they are mesmerizing, gorgeous fish that are well worth it.