What You Need to Know about Koi

Koi are popular pets in the garden; thats why they are currently very popular on the market today. However, you must realize that just like any other animal or pet, they require money and time in order to keep them healthy and happy at all times.

Before you start the steps in efficient Koi keeping, you must first know the basics. This is to prevent you from making any mistakes on your end, which may equate to loss of funds or, worse, death of your fish.

The Koi Pond

Before you start purchasing Koi, you must produce its home. For this, you may need to research on some important information, namely, the materials you need, the best location to build the pond, the most effective size of the ponds, and proper water temperature or climate, among other things. You may also ask opinions from different experts such as other Koi dealers, pet stores, or pond builders.

Your pond must also be equipped with an excellent filtration system. This comes in two types: (1) biological and (2) mechanical. The biological filtration system eliminates all wastes that are already dissolved but are still in the pond. It employs the nitrogen cycle. On the other hand, the mechanical filtration system helps the pond in removing insects, dead algae, and other Koi pollutants.

Most of all, it is essential that the water is kept clean and fresh at all times. Like any other fish, it would be impossible for the Koi to survive its habitat if the water is dirty and full of pollutants. As an owner, it is your responsibility to equip yourself with knowledge on proper water maintenance.

How to Buy a Koi

Today, there are more than a thousand various kinds of Koi, with over 20 popular kinds the most commonly raised all over the world. And there is no stopping there, as hundreds are becoming more attractive due to their amazing patterns and colors.

Before you put the first Koi into your garden, your pond must be complete, meaning you have the necessary equipment with you to ensure that they can live for a long time.

You must also note that the number of Koi you purchase as well as their sizes should be proportional to your pond—if its small, then you buy smaller fish. Avoid getting more Koi than your pond can handle. Sooner or later, a lot of these Koi will die if there are too many so that the water cannot be kept clean. Don’t waste your money or the lives of your fish by taking risks that are not necessary. Make sure your pond is fully functional and the water is clean and stabilized before bringing your fish home.

Surgery restores a koi's feistiness (Journal & Courier)

Dick Thomas' koi, Karla, really was a fish out of water.

Fish surgery successful (WLFI Lafayette)

A Lafayette koi fish has a tumor removed during an operation.

Fundraiser Set to Replace Dead Koi (NBC San Diego)

Balboa Park will host an event this weekend to raise money to replace nearly two-dozen koi found dead in the Japanese Friendship Garden's Pond last month.

Oil for French fries a factor in Summerlin house fire (Las Vegas Sun)

A Las Vegas woman was lucky to escape with her life after a fire that began in the kitchen quickly engulfed her West Valley home late Wednesday night.

Officers justified in man's fatal shooting, D.A. says (San Diego Union-Tribune)

SAN DIEGO: Six San Diego police officers were justified when they killed a gunman during a foot pursuit on Interstate 805 last year, the District Attorney's Office announced yesterday.