The koi pond is a natural small body of water for your koi fish. There are a number of different things to be considered when you are planning to clean it. A few simple rules must be observed to ensure the correct way to do it, and successfully make a clean pond for your koi fish.

• You would need a fine mesh net to scoop out dirt and debris from the water. If the water has a foul smell, stop temporarily and transfer your koi to a safer place. Gently take out the koi out of the water and place them in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the koi float in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. While the koi are settled in the bowl, you will need to make a kiddie pool with either an air stone or small pump to oxygenate the water. Make sure that the water in the kiddie pool is dechlorinated (with an air stone) for the koi to be properly suited to the water. Then, place the koi into the kiddie pool with a netted cover and an air stone or pump while you clean the pond.

• Clean and drain the pond completely of dirt and debris, most especially dried leaves which cause harm to the health of the koi fish.

• If you have one, use a high-pressure hose to clean the debris off the rocks. Try not to scrub all the debris away since some of these are algae, which are beneficial in the development of food cycle inside the pond.

• Refill the pond with water. Make sure that the water is free of chlorine. You can use a homemade dechlorinator or buy one from a pet store to remove excess chlorine. Add water slowly, so the koi will be able to slowly adjust to the water temperature. The use of air stones and pumps will help oxygenate the water that is being added. This is important for the koi fish to survive.

• The water in a pond should have sufficient oxygen for the koi to have and this is where you can make use of aerators. These aerators help keep the water cool which the koi prefer.

• The koi pond should always be kept clean for the koi fish to be healthy and stress free. The water is their natural habitat and if not kept in a good and clean condition, the koi will eventually die.

A very good tip to remember is this: Check your koi pond and try to see the ground under the water. If the water is not clear and you can’t see the ground, then it is time to clean your koi pond.

Jonathan Pitts

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