Koi Pond Seasonal Care

 

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.

 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.

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.