Winter is a time of rest and hibernation in the Koi pond and the Koi pond will wake up at first signs of springtime with the return of warm weather. This is the time you will want to begin maintenance on your pond, before the pond becomes active.
photo credit: Mr.Thomas

This stage is easy to miss when the rest of the backyard is also waking and crying out for attention. But spring maintenance is very important in the Koi pond. Just remember when the temperatures are around 50 degrees its time to clean the pond and set it up for another year.

Since the Koi have been in hibernation, this is a time when they will be more susceptible to attacks from organisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. By cleaning the pool and adding treatment solutions you will be able greatly reduce the amount of disease. You will want to add another treatment once the temperature warms up to ensure that your Koi will be well protected while they gain energy and redevelop their immune systems.

Once the weather has warmed up the Koi should be ready for another healthy season in the pond.

The Koi pond is at its peak in the summer when the temperatures are beautiful and inviting. You are able to enjoy your pond more then during the cold winter months. Watching their antics and hand feeding them will offer much enjoyment to the backyard oasis. But remember, there is still maintenance that needs to be done to the pool to ensure the Koi stays healthy and the pond thrives and is beautiful.
photo credit: HousemanStan

The oxygen level in your pond decreases in the summer months so precautions should be taken. This is particularly important if you live in an area where temperatures stay high for the majority of the year. One sure sign of a problem is if you notice your Koi hanging out at the top of the water, and they seem to be gasping for air. This may be an indication that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.

Heat also brings on potential parasite and illness, which are not noticeable to the naked eye. You will need to watch your Koi for signs of illness. These signs could be that your fish are rubbing against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering. Each symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it is important to watch them closely.

If you notice such changes, contact your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible. Some parasites will cause little damage, but some Koi illnesses such as KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high mortality rate and need treatment as soon as possible.

With proper pond maintenance and healthy plants and your Koi pond will thrive and you fish should stay healthy and entertaining through all the seasons of the year. Koi add much color and enjoyment to the backyard oasis and can live for up to 30 years. So checking on their health and keeping the pond clean is essential.

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Adding Koi fish to your backyard will take planning a pond habitat that will fit there needs and learning about their care. But the addition of these amazing fish and a beautiful relaxing pond and possibly a waterfall or fountain will add to your backyard oasis paradise.
photo credit: dalangalma

Koi Fish, a variety of the common carp, and are often referred to as being “living jewels” or “swimming flowers.” They have very unique colors and marking that make each Koi stand out. And when swimming and dashing around in a backyard pond they add hours of entertainment for the family.

Koi fish are considered to be the most popular fresh-water ornamental pond fish. And the fact they are now bred in every country verifies their popularity. Some Koi varieties are known for their hardiness. Records claim Koi can live for long periods of time if simply wrapped in wet moss continuously kept damp.

It is believed that Koi originated in Persia and spread throughout the ancient world, possibly by trade caravans going to the Middle East. As time passed they slowly were traded and have become popular everywhere.

Koi fish are a wonderful addition to the backyard oasis pond. They make a great hobby for the entire family. They also help you to relax and relieve stress as you watch their antics in the pond. Although Koi will eat many natural food sources such as algae and plants, the greatest pleasure for many Koi keepers is in feeding them.

Koi look like piranhas at feeding time. They will churn the water, jump over top of each other, and some say they even seem to walk on top of the water when dashing for food. Koi will even swim up on lily pads to get food that got trapped there.
photo credit: goatling

Koi are very smart, and can be trained to eat out of your hand. But this takes time and patience. They are by nature bottom rooting and feeding carp but quickly learn to eat floating dry food. The food typically runs $1 to $2 per pound. They also like fresh fruit and vegetables. Some people feed Koi bread but I think the chemical in bread would not be good for the Koi fish

You can also buy floating found floating feeding rings to add to the enjoyment of watching Koi in the pond. They learn to “hang out” around the feeding ring.

Koi fish will add so much to your backyard pond and are very friendly. There will be many articles on how to set up aKoi  pond and  koi care at the Backyard Oasis so check back in to find more koi articles.

To ensure that they have the right environment set up for healthy living you may want to check out this e-book on Koi Ponds and Koi Care. There is also a free e-course you can sing up for .

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