If you’re a new Koi pond owner, there are supplies you need to keep on hand to maintain your Koi pond properly. The list many seem daunting but the importance of the supplies cannot be dismissed. And by having the items on hand you will be prepared for any problem that may arise. Proper and quick action on any Koi pond problem will keep the pond beautiful and your Koi healthy.
photo credit: maybecrystal

Knowing the function of each item can help you understand why they are needed. And if you have a problem on a weekend or holiday you might have trouble getting supplies, so be prepared.

Koi pond supplies – Transporting

Bags- Have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Trash bags or regular plastic bags will not work and may injure your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. When selecting transporting bags make sure to get the right size bags to hold your Koi. They need to comfortable hold the fish without crowding and hold enough water to easily cover the gills.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. These rubber bands must be good quality. There will be a lot of pressure from the water on the rubber band to pop a weak rubber band in the middle of the transport.

Net- The net is not used to pull Koi out of water as it can injure the Koi but you will need one on hand. You use it to lead and direct the Koi to the place you want them. Then you use a bucket to remove them from the water. Make sure the net is big enough to lead the fish. Koi can get quite large as they mature.

Paint Bucket- a paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi. It will not injure your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is the right size to hold your Koi.

Pond maintenance supplies

Dechlorinator- Tap water can contain chemicals that may harm your fish. When adding new water for any reason, you must add Dechlorinator to eliminate these chemicals.

Filters- a filter removes unwanted pollutants and maintains proper water quality. Without a filter, water quality issues can occur and will cause your fish to have health issues. The addition of a filter also helps to keep the pond cleaning thus cutting back on the amount of cleaning you do.

Pump- a pump is essential to the health of your pond. Moving water can also be from fountains, waterfalls and other water features, but these features con not be used place of a pump. Its important to make sure the pump is in good running condition.
Test Kits- You will need to have ammonia and nitrite test kits on hand at all times. By performing weekly water tests you will know you have the proper water quality for a healthy pond.

Pond Salt and Baking Soda- Pond salt and baking soda are used to regulate kH and Nitrate levels in the pond. They are used in the event that you find a discrepancy in pond readings. Pay close attention to the amounts you are suppose to add to your pond. These will depend on pond size and the issues you are currently having. If in doubt call a vet or pet store.

Koi food and snacks.

Always have Koi food and snacks on hand. Feeding Koi is another topic as there are many choices but keep food on hand that you have bought at a pet store. Vegetables and fruits will also make a nice snack that Koi will enjoy.

Koi add color and entertainment to the backyard pond. And with proper pond care Koi will thrive and be a wonderful addition to your oasis paradise you have created.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am and is filed under koi fish. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.