Need To Maintain Water Quality Of Your Koi Pond
Water quality is one of the most essential factors for every fish species, as without a suitable water habitat, it is not possible for them to survive for long or develop into a healthy specimen. The water quality and temperature has a profound impact on the metabolic activity of the species, which in turn effects its entire growth cycle.
The need to provide a pond environment, which is completely in alignment with the required essentials, is the way to ensure a healthy bunch of pet Koi. Some of the factors which need to be determined for ascertaining the water quality of a pond include chlorine, alkalinity, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, pH and oxygen etc.
Chlorine
Chlorine is added to kill the harmful bacteria in the water, but can prove to be quite toxic for your pet Koi. It is important to remove the chlorine from the pond water through the means of filtration and aeration. A liquid drop test is done to access if the water is chlorine free and safe for Koi or not.
Alkalinity
The carbonate hardness in your pond acts as a buffer and has an effect on the pH of the pond water. The bicarbonates and carbonates can be added or reduced to balance the water pH, and maintain the alkalinity levels of the pond water.
Temperature
Pond water temperature is an essential feature for Koi health, as the metabolic activity and appetite of the species is affected with the rise in temperature. Koi are known to have a high consumption rate and metabolic activity in temperatures reaching to 74F, while eating a minimum in water temperatures reaching to 54F.
It is essential to provide the Koi with the required water temperature, to ensure its regular growth and development.
Ammonia
It is found in the waste of Koi and affects the toxicity level of the water. Ammonia needs to be broken down, filtered or removed from the pond, in order to reduce any risk of the Koi suffering from exposure to the toxin.
Nitrites
Bacteria produce nitrites when they break down ammonia. The nitrites level of the Koi pond should also be checked in order to ensure that the high toxicity levels do not pose a threat to the health of the species.
pH Level
The pH level of the pond water needs to be regulated to ensure that the pet Koi thrive and prosper. Koi live happily enough in water with a pH within a range of 6 to 9. It is also very important to maintain the pH level of the pond so that the Koi are familiar and comfortable in their surroundings, and do not experience stress due to the constantly changing pH levels.
By ensuring the high water quality of the pond, it is possible to ascertain the health of your pet Koi.