You also need pond filters. Without proper filtration, your koi pond starts to turn green and becomes a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria which may eventually kill your koi.
There are essentially two types of koi pond filters. Firstly, the mechanical filter. This type of filter is to remove solid matter and debris from your koi pond such as fallen leaves, sand, dead algae and insects, koi waste etc. The type of mechanical filter I'd recommend is the type that employs a vortex system. This typically consists of a conical chamber that draws solid waste into its funnel where it is drained away into a settlement chamber at the bottom for removal. Be sure, however to choose a vortex system of an appropriate size for your pond.
The second type of filter is the biological filter. This removes dangerous toxic chemicals from the water, primarily nitrites and ammonia compounds. The ammonia comes about due to the koi's urine while other nitrogen compounds are the result of the activity of anaerobic bacteria that converts ammonia to other compounds such as nitrites, which are also toxic to your koi. If you notice a blue tinge at the top of the eyes of your koi, it indicates that your nitrite levels are too high. When these dangerous chemical compounds build up in your pond, it will kill your koi in a matter of days.
The most efficient method of biological filtration today is the Trickle Tower filter. Pond water is released from the top onto layers of perforated biological filter mediums. Good examples of such biological filter mediums are Japanese matting and Honeycomb matting. When your pond water is released onto these matting, nitrogen bonding bacteria will form in abundance and they remove ammonia and nitrites from the water. That's how these toxic chemicals are removed.
The final equipment that is absolutely necessary for your koi pond is an air pump. The function of the air pump is primarily to aerate your pond water. It would be a nice thing to have a pump-generated waterfall or fountain in your pond. This not only aerates the water but adds to the overall aesthetics of your pond as well. If you are not keen on a waterfall or fountain, you can use airstones and rings for aeration as an alternative.
These are the must-have equipment for you to maximize the growth and health potential of your koi.
Finding the best information about proper koi keeping and koi ponds can be overwhelming at times. One of the best places we found online for the straight facts on koi keeping and where you can get a FREE 10-part mini course on 'How to Keep Koi Tips and Tricks' is KeepKoi Resources. To find out more about which filters you need to use, go to Koi Pond Filters.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_H._Andrews
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