Koi Care



Posted: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

by Efe Giolla
http://koicareadviser.com

Koi fish are famous for their variety of colors and are used for decorative purpose in outside ponds or water gardens. Colorful as they are, Koi fishes also have a long lifespan. It was recorded that the longest living Koi died at the age of two hundred and twenty six.

In the 1820's the Japanese began to breed common carp for their color. And the fish we came to know as Koi was born. They have a large variety of patterns and colors; some of the common colors are red, orange, white, black, silver, orange yellow and blue. Due to their vibrant color, they attract predators. This is why Koi fishponds are intricately designed to protect the fishes. Trees, other plants or nets are placed in the ponds so as to prevent predators from swooping down and eating the fishes and providing them with proper Koi care. Other than protecting these Koi fishes, these plants and trees also add more appeal to the ponds.

Koi cared in an aquarium inside the house is also possible for smaller koi fishes.  And once the Koi fishes grow larger, it should be transferred into a bigger aquarium or an outside pond. In transferring Koi fishes, it should be placed in a plastic bag with water and oxygen. The plastic should be allowed to float in the new aquarium for 30 minutes so as not to shock the Koi fish in the new environment.

An average modern Koi,cared for properly, can grow at about 80 cm and this is why they require ponds that are about five hundred gallons or more. Although seeing a lot of Koi fishes in a pond could be breath taking, it is not advisable for owners to crowd a large number of fish in a small pond.Their size and health depends on their environment that fish owners provide for them. The water quality is a very important factor in their life, they are cold-water fishes and thus the temperature of the water should range from 61 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Water filters are also needed to provide proper Koi care and to keep the aquarium, tanks or fish ponds clean.

There are a lot of commercial pellets available in the market to feed the Koi fishes. In addition, owners should not only provide Koi care but should also provide care for the plants that may serve as food and decorations in their aquariums and ponds.

Koi fishponds are commonly found outside because of their space requirement and because these wonderful fishes could withstand winter conditions. Like bears that hibernate in the winter they too hibernate. At this state, their digestive system starts to slow down so feeding them in the winter is not advisable. The food they take in may grow rancid in their stomach and could cause sickness or even death.

Having a Koi pond in your home or place of work gives a taste of the serenity of nature. Watching the Koifishes swim with their colorful patterns provides a sense relaxation. Truly, Koi fishes brighten up and bring joy to the world of not only their owners but to other people who see them too.

Efe Giolla is a koi expert. For more great tips on koi care and koi ponds visit http://koicareadviser.com.
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