Essentially, pond plants are able to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into oxygen in the water and use it to produce energy in the form of sugars.  Of course, this is commonly known as photosynthesis and is even active with pond plants.  Pond plants are very useful in your outdoor pond because they effectively consume nitrogen chemicals like nitrates and phosphates that build up in the water.  These chemicals are harmful to whatever life-forms you have in the pond so having the pond plants to take care of them is a great thing.  Once you remove nitrates from the pond, algae and blanket weed are much less of a problem to the aquatic life.

Water garden plants are very useful at oxygenating the pond water.  If you go out to your pond on a sunny day and look carefully on the water surface, you will see little bubbles of oxygen coming from the leaves of the plants.  This is a sign that they are actually working to oxygenate the water.

Pond plants are also useful at providing shelter for whatever life-forms you have dwelling in your pond.  Having sunlight directly impacting the aquatic life is not good for all types of fish and sea creatures so having pond plants is a good way of protecting them when they really need it.

Take a look at some of the best pond plants available that will provide the benefits you need for your pond:

• Schoenoplectus lacustris – green and white foliage, and the crown is to be planted 5cm below water
• Carex elata – green-yellow foliage that needs to be divided every 2 years
• Cyperus involucratus – hardy pond plant that should be submerged
• Iris laevigata – flowering pond plant with purple flowers
• Veronica beccabunga – bears flowers from May to July
• Anemopsis californica – bears white flowers between June and September and needs to be submerged

Once you choose pond plants from the list above, you’ll be sure to get the results you need from your pond.

Article Tags: koi pond plants

The butterfly koi is so called because the fins significantly resemble the wings of a butterfly.  The resemblance is there in the fluidity of the fins, as well as the colors that many butterfly koi fish fins come in.  Although it is a breed of koi, many breeders and owners do not consider the butterfly koi a true species, because it is actually a hybrid of the traditional koi fish.

While traditional koi fish were developed in Japan sometime in the 19th century, the history of the butterfly koi is not even half as long.  It was only a few decades ago that the butterfly koi hybrid was created so its history is not anywhere near as vast as the traditional koi.

Although the true origin of the butterfly koi fish is up for debate, most people agree that it was formed by crossing a traditional koi with another type of Asian carp fish like the Indonesian long fin carp.  Regardless of what the mix is, breeders have been able to create many variations of the butterfly koi, thus making it a very popular choice for people who want to own koi fish but are not necessarily interested in spending a lot of money.

When it comes to care, the butterfly koi is very easy on the budget.  It also has a very peaceful temperament and is not as aggressive as the traditional koi.  Depending on the patterns and rarity of the butterfly koi you are interested in, you can spend anywhere from $75 to $500 to get you just one fish.  If your local pet store does not have the butterfly koi available, there are many resources on the Internet that offer these fish for sale.  Take a look at some of the most popular ones that generally have a good supply of butterfly koi:

• http://www.mokoi.com
• www.koisale.com
• www.rockymountainkoi.com
• www.aquariumfish.net
• www.live-koifish.com

As you can see, owning a butterfly koi collection is really just a click away!

Article tags: butterfly koi for sale

Things like the class, quality, price bracket and source of the Japanese koi are important factors before you make your purchase.  Koi fish of different classes and quality will have varying prices because some of them are more in demand than others and hence will cost much more.  Depending on your budget, you may or may not be able to get the koi fish you truly want.  Also bear in mind that maintaining the koi fish and keeping them healthy is a key factor you need to make sure you have the kind of money need to do that.  These fish thrive best when they are fed properly and medicated when needed to prevent them from getting disease.

You should also consider and note that koi fish are probably the greediest fish you will ever come across.  Especially when the temperatures are warmer, they tend to eat a lot more so be prepared to have enough money to keep your koi fish fed.

When buying live koi fish, here are some other factors you need to consider before making your final purchase:

• Koi fish are healthier when feed low protein foods.  Bear this in mind when you are stocking up on food supplies for your fish.
• As koi fish grow older, their value increases as long as you keep them healthy.  If you are rearing koi fish for investment purposes, this should be a good point for you to note.
• Koi fish tend to be very aggressive and will jump and perform tricks just to get a little bit of food.  Therefore, look out for extra active koi fish so you do not get your fingers nipped.
• If properly cared for, koi fish can grow up to 40 inches long within 5 to 10 years.  At that size, you can expect to sell your high-class koi for about $3000.  Other species can even sell for more.

Once you offer your koi fish the best care possible, you can easily end up with a companion for up to 70 years, depending on the species.  Just consider all of the factors mentioned before so you know what you are getting into and can sustain the life of your koi fish.

Article tags: koi carp

Essentially, the pond pump functions very similarly to the filtration system in the human body that consists of the liver and kidneys.  Its main purpose is to break down any toxic materials built up in the pond.  If you are pond pump decides to fail, there will be absolutely zero filtration of the pond, which will result in deterioration of water quality and subsequent health of your fish.

Here are some valid tips for choosing a good pond water pump so you can ensure the life of your fish and pond plan is maintained.

• Depending on the volume of water, you will need a filter that can handle it.  If you are pond has a volume of 1500 gallons of water, then you would need a pond that is capable of pumping 750 gallons per hour.
• Choosing a magnetic driven pump is a great idea because they are much quieter and more energy-efficient than a direct drive home.  They also have less effect on your energy bills as a result.
• At all costs, avoid purchasing the cheapest pump on the market.  The first thing you should consider when looking for a good pond pump is finding one that is energy efficient.
• Bear in mind that any good pond pump you purchase will come with at least a two-year warranty.  If the pond pump that catches your eye does not come with warranty, chances are it is not a good quality pump.

Here are some popular models that can consider if you are setting up a pond in your backyard:

• CrystalFlo Pond Pump – $229.99
• · AP-20 PONDMASTER AIR PUMP – pond/koi/water garden/Hakko – $125.85
• · LEADER VERTY-GO 3000 PUMP-Pond-Pool-Water Garden-Sump – $248.85
• · Savio Water Master Clog Proof-Garden Pond Pump; 1450gph – $224.50
• · Sunterra 137016 Extra Large Fountain Pump, 320 GPH, Black – $39.99
• · Beckett 7060110 210 GPH Underwater Pump for Small Ponds, Fountains, Waterfalls – $67.99

Choosing any of these pond pumps will ensure your pond remains clean and healthy for whichever life-forms occupy it.

Article tags: submersible pond pump



Generally, external pond filters are larger than the ones submerged in the water.  You would generally have them situated outside but very close to the pond.  The main benefit of working with external fish pond filters are the fact that it enhances the quality of the water.  Having a filter on the outside as opposed to on the inside will prevent additional exposure to bacteria.  An external pond filter is also much easier to clean than an internal one and it also supports a huger fish load in your pond.  Many people choose not to have an external pond filter because of how visible it is due to the size.  However, if you are clever enough, you will be able to find innovative ways to cover it or hide it behind your plants so it is less noticeable.

The beauty about internal pond filters is the fact that they are versatile and come with different filtration methods.  Quite commonly, you can get an internal pond filter that offers biological, chemical or mechanical filtration systems.  What is great about the submerged filters is that they can also be used for other purposes like water fountains or pond splitters.  Thus, people choose this option because they seem to be more functional than an external filter.

Generally, choosing popular models of pond filters is a good way to ensure you are getting a good unit for your pond.  The reason the following units are popular is because they fulfill the intended purpose!  Take a look:

• Sky Enterprise 36 Watt Aquarium Ultraviolet Sterilizer Fish pond UV Filter – $74.95
• Sky Enterprise 18 Watt Aquarium Ultraviolet Sterilizer Fish pond UV Filter – $64.99
• All – In – One Complete pond Filter System by TopDawg Pet Supplies – $325.46
• Ani Mate UV Bio pond Filter 16Watt Compact – $217.00
• Emperor Aquatics PSP-1 Top-Mount 16″ Pressurized PSP Filter – $452.10

With so many reliable and affordable options, you can certainly find the right pond filter for your outdoor pond.

Article tags: koi pond filters

I have laid out a step-by-step routine you can follow to clean your koi pond in a quick and efficient manner. By following this method you will be doing it properly and safely (for both you and the fish). You will also be able to save money by not having to hire anyone to clean your pond for you.

The first step is to find an old kid’s swimming pool or aquarium to put your koi in. Make sure you don’t place them in the sun. Be sure to fill the tank or swimming pool with water from the pond, using your sump pump.

Now find a place where you can safely drain the water from the pond. Then be sure to place the pump in a basket to keep debris and fish from getting caught in the pump’s filter. If your pond is dirty, then be sure to clean the basket and the bottom of your sump pump to keep the filter clean. This will protect your pump and also allow the water to pump out much faster.

While the pond is draining, you will want to clean the waterfall and skimmer pads, along with the media filters. Simply spraying them with a hose should suffice. You can then use a dry rag to remove any leftover debris.

Once the pond is drained about half way, you will want to remove your koi. Be sure the tank or swimming pool has enough water to keep them submerged. You will also want to try and place a cover over them to prevent the koi from jumping out.

The next step is to remove the plants and decorations from the pond. You can squirt these down with a hose to remove and lose debris that may be on them.

Now using a pressure nozzle from your hose, you will want to spray out the pond. Be sure to remove and leftover gravel or debris with a wet-dry vac.

Now it’s time to put back your decorations and plants, then to start filling the pond back up. Be sure to add some de-chlorinator evenly throughout the pond.

Finally, place the fish back into the koi pond. Now you have a nice, clean pond for them to enjoy!

You may have to vary your search phrases and include certain keywords to learn about the different aspects of breeding koi. Focus your search so you get answers to the following questions:

1. When can you use your koi for breeding? Some sites advise to use 3-year old females although some say the ideal age for breeding is 4 to 5 years for females and 2 years for male. Do remember that if you breed younger koi, there is a great chance they might lose their colors and patterns. Don’t forget to learn how to tell the sexes of your koi or how to differentiate a male from female.

2. How do you select the right pair for breeding? You can find sites teaching you to pair like varieties and there are some sites that give information on the kind of offspring you will likely get when cross-breeding koi varieties.
3. How do you prepare your pond for spawning? Oh yeah, you will need to work on this one. While your koi will naturally spawn when they’re ready, you may want to take precautions so your adults will not eat the eggs. That would be a waste. You may also want to read up more on the ideal water temperature as that would be critical in spawning koi. Also, learn what materials can be used as spawning media.
4. How do you handle the eggs? Actually, you can choose to transfer the eggs to an incubating vat or remove the adults. It’s not advisable to keep the eggs in the growing pond because you’d be exposing them to natural predators like snails, tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, etc.
5. How should you look after koi fry? Learn about the food that you must give, the water conditions that you must maintain, and when to move them to the growing pond. Know why you must cull and how you should go about it.

Breeding koi is a lot of work but you can feel a lot of fulfillment when you get to see your babies swim about and start showing off their potentials.

Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, Koi Fish Keeping Info to help you find all the information you need about koi fish keeping and breeding.

My advice to most Koi owners is unless you live in the warmest of climates, consider heating your pond. By heating we’re not just talking about keeping it ice free in the winter. You want to maintain a minimum temperature of 54 – 57F. This will reduce dangerous fluctuations in temperature and allow your Koi to feed all year long. Remember that most of the fish that being imported into the colder climates have not been exposed to low temperatures in the cold months. Heating could prevent many and safeguard the health of your fish. You’ve made the investment, why not protect it.

There are basically two ways to heat your Koi pond. The simplest to install and most efficient is the inline electric water heater. The heater is fitted into the return pipe after the external pump if one is used in a gravity-fed system. You should figure about one kilowatt of electrical power per 1,000 gallons of water. Depending on the ambient temperature of the water this might vary. I always suggest getting a heater a little more powerful than you need so that it won’t have to run continuously in the coldest months.

The other option that you have is a heat exchanger system. Although they are more expensive to buy and install they are cheaper in operating expense. The heat exchanger is basically a radiator that pond water is pumped through to warm. The water in the radiator is heated by a small boiler that is fired by natural gas, electricity or oil.

Whether you heat your Koi pond or not, it is always a good idea to cover it in the cold months. Just don’t make it to air tight. The best covers have zipped openings to allow gases that build up to escape and to allow access to the fish if needed.

John Stoner is an author and Koi Fish Enthusiast. Learn more about Koi pond care and get many other tips in his latest book on Koi care

Depending on where you live there are some environmental issues that you might have to deal with. California has some ecological ponds that are eco friendly. Remnant of exotic Japanese gardens a Koi pond should be a tranquil place for you to relax at the end of a day and enjoy watching your Koi swim.

A lot of people try to build their own ponds and if you have the know how to do so then you can make a beautiful and engaging place. If you are not a builder then you might find yourself requesting the help of a qualified water landscaper. It’s best to ask for help so you don’t loose any Koi due to any inadequate building or constructing.

Because you can design one of a kind pond there are several routes you can take. You can have waterfalls and lights and even vegetation. You can build one right outside your breakfast nook or on your property provided you have enough room. There are many designers who can give you an estimate on how much it will cost to craft your Koi pond co and how much it will cost to maintain it year round.

If you want to build a low maintenance Koi pond remember that natural doesn’t always mean healthy. You should always have an extra pond for water runoff and for when it rains. A filter is the best investment that you can make, you should choose one that will do everything you need such as clean the water and keep the Ph balance at optimal levels for your Koi.

Your Koi pond should be at least 3 feet deep, it should be between 4 and 6 feet so that your Koi can have plenty of room. If it gets cold where you are a deeper Koi pond construction might be better since you want to have enough water for them to survive. Deeper ponds give them a better chance.

Always make sure your pond is higher than normal ground. Water runoff from lawns and rainstorms will kill your Koi and even though a filter is designed to protect the water it cannot work overtime if it’s clogged with debris. Do not place a Koi pond under a tree. The roots will seek out the water and leaves will upset the Ph balance in your water.

Pond construction should be advanced enough that the pump and electrical equipment can work year round without too much maintenance. You can build a Koi pond that will last for years to come if you do it right the first time. Koi pond construction is based on your budget, create a place that you can afford to keep and build on later if you want to.

Efe Giolla is a koi expert. For more tips on koi pond construction and general koi fish care, visit http://koicareadviser.com.

Both chlorine and chloramines can harm fish and can burn or kill pond plants. They will also kill the beneficial nitrifying bacteria in your Koi pond.

Chlorine, which is a volatile gas, breaks down with water circulation and exposure to air within 24-48 hours. Chloramines, on the other hand, take much longer to dissipate.

Municipal water supplies have begun adding ammonia along with the chlorine which results in the longer-lasting chloramines. If you add water to your pond from a municipal supply make sure to spray it in with a hose to add aeration that will help break down and move out the gases.

Another good option would be to let the water sit for a day or two before adding it to your pond to make sure it doesn’t constitute a Koi water quality hazard!

Sodium Thiosulfate removes chlorine from water and will also pull chlorine from the chloramines. You can make a stock solution by adding four ounces of Sodium Thioslufate crystals to one gallon of distilled water. One drop per gallon (50ml per 1,000 gallons) will safely de-chlorinate your pond.

pH is a measurement of whether the water is acidic or alkaline. pH is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14 with 7.0 being neutral

A pH range of 6 to 8.5 is considered to be acceptable for most pond life. The biggest worry associated with pH is its direct relationship to the toxicity of ammonia and nitrite. For each pH number above the neutral 7 there is a tenfold increase in those toxicities.

When the pH of your pond drops below 7 it is considered acidic. To raise the pH try adding baking soda or ground limestone.

If your pH exceeds 8.5 your Koi’s immune systems will be stressed to the point of becoming ill. A common cause of this can be cement or mortar leeching lime into your pond.

You do need to watch out for a “pH crash”. A “pH crash” is when in a relatively short period of time the pH begins to drop and won’t stop until it reaches 5.5. This can happen literally overnight in a small pond. At a pH of 5.5 Koi will begin dying within a few days.

Any time you see all the fish in your pond start to act differently at the same time you should suspect a pH crash. If this occurs you can raise the pH by adding 1 cup of baking soda for each 1,000 gallons of water and check and repeat every two hours until the pH is back to at least 7.0.

Run-off water is the main way that contaminants affecting Koi water quality enter your pond. Run-off water from a nearby stream, or collected rainwater may contain toxic insecticides, herbicides and/or fertilizers.

Rainwater from metal roofs or asbestos shingles will contaminate the pond and can prove toxic to both your Koi and your plants.

You will also want to be careful with your lawn care practices. Don’t use anything on your lawn or garden that you don’t want in your pond! Particularly if your pond is on lower level ground.

If you see white foam near your waterfall it can indicate a high level of dissolved organic compounds and you should perform some partial water changes and perhaps use an additive to help handle the higher organic load.

As you can see, you need to carefully monitor your pond water. If you are educated about what to test for, when to test and signs of some of the more common problems, you should be well equipped to maintain a high level of Koi water quality!

To find out how you can take the best care of Koi water and Koi fish make sure to visit KoiCareBasics.com. You can also receive a free mini-course about Koi and pond care from long time Koi enthusiast and author Alan Deacon.