| Koi fish are possibly the most beautiful, brilliantly | | | | Nitrate level of the water should be checked on a |
| colored fish you can have in your pond. Keeping | | | | weekly basis. Pond owners do this by using test kits |
| these beautiful fish healthy requires a basic | | | | that are available in any pet supply store. Pond salt or |
| knowledge of fish, knowledge of outdoor ponds and | | | | baking soda should also be kept on hand on a regular |
| a few essential koi fish supplies. | | | | basis. They can be added to the pond water to |
| Water Fountain | | | | regulate the pH and Nitrate levels of the water when |
| A water fountain stirs up the water placing much | | | | tests show the chemical levels are off. |
| needed oxygen into the water. This movement and | | | | Predator Deterrents |
| oxygen help keep your pond and koi healthy. Most | | | | Nothing is more disturbing than knowing your |
| people also find the sound of water motion soothing | | | | neighbors dog or other wild animals are eating meals |
| as it drowns out unwanted noise such as cars, radios, | | | | more expensive than you are so keeping your koi |
| and the like. | | | | safe is certainly a priority. It's the brilliant colors that |
| Pond Filter | | | | attract us and predators to koi. So the first step is |
| Just as you prefer fresh air and not the exhaust of a | | | | to "hide" the fish from the sky. The most attractive |
| diesel truck your koi will be much happier with filtered | | | | measure is to place a tree near by that can shade |
| water. The pond filter maintains the quality of water | | | | the fish from above. Second keeping the water deep |
| in your pond by removing unwanted pollutants | | | | enough to keep animals from wading in the water |
| reducing the chance of health issues and increasing | | | | helps as most aren't willing to go swimming. The final |
| the longevity of your koi. Because the only way a | | | | step is to either place some type of ledge preventing |
| filtration system can process the water is if the | | | | animals from being able to reach to the water or |
| water is moving, you will also need to install a pump. | | | | place a net over the top. |
| A pump is also extremely important for the health of | | | | Food! |
| the pond. Having a fountain or waterfall in the pond | | | | We love it and so do they. Koi eat a variety of |
| aids in the water's movement but, they should not | | | | foods but it is important to keep a basic food source |
| replace a pump entirely. Unfortunately, they are not | | | | on hand. A most rewarding sight is to train your fish |
| strong enough to help with the filtration of the pond | | | | to allow them to eat out of your hand. Oh, you may |
| on their own. | | | | consider a candy machine and charge the neighbors |
| Occasional Use Supplies | | | | 25 cents for a hand full of food. |
| Some supplies are not used on a daily basis but | | | | When setting up your outdoor pond and considering |
| should still be kept on hand. Dechlorinator is used | | | | the kind of koi fish supplies you will need, remember |
| when replenishing the water level of your pond with | | | | that although koi take a little bit of effort on the part |
| tap water. It is essential to eliminating harmful | | | | of their owners, they are mesmerizing, gorgeous fish |
| chemicals from the tap water. The pH level and the | | | | that are well worth the effort. |