When you plan to keep Koi fish at your home, a lot of questions may come to your mind about their maintenance and care.
Here is a list of common FAQs on Koi fish keeping.
What is the ideal size of a Koi fish pond? You should consider building up a pond of 1000 gallons for the first pair of Koi and 450 gallons for each one added thereafter.
Why so much big tank? Koi can grow up to 4 feet in size.
This variety of fish is fond of swimming constantly and it also makes a lot of mess.
So with all these considerations, a bigger pond is always desirable.
What is the lifespan of Koi? The average Koi can live up to 30 years.
However there are records showing Koi fish living up to 200 years! Can I put Koi in a tank? This is not a practical idea.
They grow very large in size, more than any other pond fish.
They make a lot of waste which an average tank may not be able to cope up with.
Is heater required in the pond for this fish? Koi is a cold water fish and so no heater is required.
Is there any possibility of putting other types of fish along with the Koi in the same pond? Usually you should avoid this idea.
Koi is very aggressive in nature and it may eat the smaller ones.
I have already put Koi in a tank.
Now what to do? This will shorten the life of Koi.
It is best to consider building a pond if possible or gift the fish to someone who has pond.
The last option is to return it to the shop from where you purchased.
What is the duration of changing the water of the pond? Usually you should change it every week at the rate of 25 per cent per week.
If you pond is getting a supply of natural water continuously, then such change is not required.
When I cycle the pond, is it necessary to remove Koi before start of the work? Yes it is strongly recommended because you are dealing with the most expensive variety of fish.
Which is the best place for the purchase of Koi? If you are able to import them from Japan, that will be the best thing.
However if you find a breeder in your area, you can buy from him also.
The only thing you should ensure is that the breeder is experienced.
If you buy from the breeder, you can be rest assured about the condition of Koi.
Your pet shop may not be able to accommodate them due to insufficient place.
What to do if the fish is sick? Internet is a good place to find solution.
Observe the symptoms and make your search accordingly.
You can also post questions in a forum to get guidance.
The first thing to do when you notice a sick Koi fish is to put it in isolation.
You should feed the fish lightly until the treatment is complete.