Koi Ponds

The Many Colors of Koi

2010-08-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

The Japanese have taken a great deal of pride in the careful breeding of Koi Fish to produce the many different fabulous colors and patterns that are available today. Koi fish are loved and treasured by their owners because of the gorgeous colors and patterns available.

The colors of the Koi Fish should be vivid and bright. Yellow Koi should be a vivid yellow, and black Koi should be a deep jet black. Dullness of color or spots that are slighly off color are undesirable qualities. Just as white Koi that are not pure white but contain specks of gray. Color is an indicator of the Koi's overall good health. Poor health as well as poor water conditions will cause the Koi to lose color and become dull and drab. Understanding the importance of color and what the colors should be will help a great deal when you are selecting your Koi. It will also help to keep an eye on the color at home as you are raising them to be sure the water conditions and care you are giving them is the best quality possible.

Koi Fish come in a large variety of colors. Some of the most seen Koi colors are red, black, white, green, blue, yellow and cream. Certain terms and descriptions are used by the Japanese to describe the different colors and traits of the Koi Fish, There are a large number of categories that have been identified by Koi breeders. Gosanke is the most popular variety and it includes many sub-categories such as Kohaku, Taisho Sanshoki and Showa Sanshoki Koi. The Kohaku are white with red patterns. The white on this breed of Koi should be pure white and the red should cover 50 to 70 percent of the body with well defined edges.

The Taisho Sanshoki category or Taisho Sanke or just Sanke, as they are also known, are white fish with red and black markings. Again the white coloring should be pure white and the black and red should be bright colors with distinct edges. Like the Sanke category of Koi, the Showa Sanshoki, or just Showa category are white black and red in color as well. The main difference is the black is the predominant color, with red and white markings. There are many other varieties that each come in their own color variations. The Ogon come in an assortment of colors but they are all one color. They sould be a solid bright color with no patterns, or markings at all.

You can help keep you Koi's colors bright and distinct by feeding them a rich diet. Some examples of the things added to a rich commercial diet are shrimp, marigold, plankton, and blue-green alge known as Spirulina. These foods are specifically geared to enhance the colors and markings of the Koi. Also, adding foods such as freeze dried brine shrimp and daphnia, you are ultimately feeding them color anhancing foods. Each of these fodds have high concentrations of carotenoids, and carotenoid pigments are the major pigments in the Koi's skin.

The Many Varieties of Koi Fish

2010-08-21T06:58:00.001-07:00

Way back in the 1820's when the Japanese began breedingKoi Fish they only came in one or two colors. They were started from carp mutations and so they were initially very limited. Then as the popularity of Koi exploded and more and more people began breeding them, gradually the variety of patterns and colors began to expand. They now come in a rainbow of colors and patterns including red, yellow, black, blue, green and White Koi.

In order to easily recognize the different varieties of Koi Fish you will need a basic understanding of the classifications the various Koi are divided into. There are different standards for each variety but a certain amount of diversity is usually acceptable. A couple stand out as the most popular varieties. Kahaku Koi is one of the most popular varieties. Another popular variation is the Hikarimono or Ogon Koi.

In the term Hikarimono the "Hikari" means metallic and the "Mono" simply means single color. So these Koi Fish are all one color but with a metallic appearance. They usually appear as Yamabuki Ogon or yellow and in white or silver and referred to as Platinum Ogon. Regardless of the color or the variety they should be the same shade of color from the head to the tips of their fins. In order to offset the plain color they have been bred to have larger fins for a better display.

Unique and popular in the world of Koi are the White Koi or Platinum Ogon, whose bodies appear to shine like the luster of precious metal. First appearing in 1963, these unique and glamourous Koi Fish were probably crossed with the Kigoi or graysh-silver Nezu(from the Japanese word "rat" or nezumi) Ogon. These have become very popular because they are easily cared for, are hardy and grow very rapidly. Standing out and easily seen in murky water they are the perfect choice for poorly filtered ponds. Nezu, Orenji and the Fuji Koi are other varieties of the Ogon Koi.

Most of the Platinum Ogon Koi are bred with what is known as Ginrin scales. The Ginrin scales make them appear even shinier, and are very different than the scales seen on the metallic or "Hikarimono". The regular scales have somewhat of a sheen on them and the Ginrin scales have a highly refective sheen over all or part of the scale. This creates a shimmering effect much like cut diamonds. In order to qualify as Ginrin they should have more of these scales than one can count as it swims past an onlooker. The accepted minimum is about 20 scales.

The large variety of colors and patterns is the main attraction for pond enthusiasts fo fill their pond with Koi Fish. Viewing directly from the top is the best way to see the Koi in all their splendor. Most of the Koi's pigment is in the top side of the fish. In Koi Fish shows in Asia the Koi are always viewed from top in round pools.

Koi Fish Ponds

2010-08-21T06:45:00.001-07:00

Outdoor fish ponds have become very popular among homeowners who use them to create wonderful outdoor living areas and fabulous gardens to create a relaxing and enjoyble atmosphere around their homes. Koi Fish, because of the longevity of their lives, gorgeous colors and the gracefulness of their movements have become the fish of choice for the ponds. They are relatively easy to care for as well and this makes them the perfect candidate for an outdoor pond.

It will take a pond of 500 gallons or more to accomodate the Koi Fish comfortably as they can grow to be very large. The health of the Koi fish depends a great deal on the amount of space and the quality of the water. Temperatures of 60 to 67 degrees Fehrenheit are best for the Koi as they are a cold water fish. Those people living in a cool weather climate will be happy to know they will also be able to keep Koi during the winter months. The Koi will hybernate in the winter when ice forms over the surface of the water. No need to feed them in the winter as their digestive systems slow down almost to a halt allowing them to easily make it through the winter.

The Koi are not the only thing that make the pond and yard into an enjoyalbe and relaxing place to be. Koi love to have live plants and lilies in and around their pond. The lilies can cover up to 70 percent of the ponds surface. Not only do they give cover and shade to the Koi, but they also cut down on the algae growth in the pond. Five or six hours a day is about the maximum amount of direct sunlight the Koi can tolerate and the lilies give the perfect shade to protect them from the sunlight. The lilies and other plant life also provied the omnivorous Koi with insects and larva to eat.

Building your Koi Pond under a tree is another good way to provide the Koi with extra shade. But you may want to consider the fact that being under a tree will also attract a good deal of debris from the tree and will create a good deal more work to keep the pond clear.

When planning the pond some thought needs to go toward the depth of the pond. Outside predators can be a problem with your outdoor Koi Pond and the depth of the water can provide some needed protection. Raccoons are always looking for a free meal and Koi Fish would be an ideal meal. About four feet of water will give the Koi good protection from raccoons and other ground predators. In some parts of the country you will also need to worry about birds like the Great Blue Heron who like a good meal of Koi as well. A Blue Heron can eat as much as 100 six inch Koi. To foil the Great Blue Heron you will need a water depth of about eight feet. Covering the pond with netting is another way to protect them from Heron and other birds.

Building your own Koi Pond gives you the freedom to use your imagination to build your Koi Pond and outdoor living area as lavishly and spectacular as you wish.

Raising Koi Fish-Getting Started Info You'll Need!

2010-08-13T06:27:00.001-07:00

What exactly are Koi Fish? With all of their glorious colors you would expect them to be some exotic breed of fish, when in fact they come from the carp family! Around 1820 the Japanese began breeding Koi, and as the variety and colors expanded their popularity exploded. Today Koi Fish come in a large variety of colors and patterns. The colors range from patterns of Black, red, orange, yedllow, silver green and blue.

There just isn't anything more relaxing than sitting around a Koi Pond and listening to the sounds of rippling waters and the occasional splash of a jumping fish. Turning a Koi Pond into a living garden as well can enhance the experience even more.

Mixing living plants into your pond will replicate a natural environment even more. Its necessary to employ some special tactics to your plants because sometimes plants and Koi don't exist well. Koi sometimes will knock over potted plants placed within the pond and even sometimes try diggin the plants up. But with a little effort you can avoid many of the problems and still have plants within your pond. Nettting can be wrapped over the pots to prevent digging and pea gravel placed on top. Also, river rocks placed around the pots can keep the larger Koi from tipping them over and making a mess of your pond.

Lilies are the number one choice to grow in your pond. They come in a large number of varieties that grow well in different depths of water. Lilies also provide shade for your Koi. Koi don't tolerate a great deal of sun so the lilies the shade and shelter that your Koi need. They also provide an environment for insects. As Koi are omnivores they will seek out the insects and larva as a food source.

As omnivores Koi require a variety of foods in order to stay healthy. Insects are only one source of food for your Koi. Koi have the ability to recognize the people who feed them and will approach them for feeding. you can purchase ready made Koi food from your local pet store and as its a good balanced diet for the Koi, you probably should, however Koi also enjoy a wide variety of people foods as well. Things like peas, lettuce and even Watermelon. With a little experimenatation you will be able to find a wide variety of food your Koi will enjoy, and the variety will help maintain the health of your Koi.

Having your own Koi Pond is truly a relaxing and enjoyable experience. They are able to add a great deal to the lives of their owners, and they are rewarded by the generocity and good care of their owners As well.

Mark Justice is a koi fish enthusiast. For more great information on koi fish, visit http://www.raisingkoifish.com

Koi Ponds Can Require A Lot Of Work

2008-04-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

Most of us have seen the beautiful water gardens in front of amusement parks, zoos and even some private residences. When we see these wonderful water gardens, usually in the form of koi ponds, we think we just have to have one. Good thinking! However, before you go investing that kind of money in something such as this, you should really learn about how much time and effort goes into keeping those koi ponds nice.

When it comes to a koi pond, you have to realize you will be setting aside quite a lot of time each week for care and maintenance. The fish, normally koi (hence the name koi pond), will actually be pets. They will be decorative, that is for sure, but they cannot be simply left alone as you would decorative items. If you are looking to put in something like a koi pond just as garden décor, you should really think again.

The fish in your koi pond will take a lot of love and care. You need to plan on time for feeding, cleaning, and overall maintenance of your water garden to keep the fish within alive and healthy. If you keep the environment of your koi pond healthy, you will keep the koi within healthy, too.
Other items that will require attention when you have a koi pond are water quality, debris removal, cleaning of filter media when necessary, and other general beautification efforts. Add all of that up and you certainly are looking at some labor! However, most that have koi ponds consider this a labor of love.

So, if you have read all of this and are still prepared to install a koi pond, congratulations! The beauty and tranquility associated with koi ponds will benefit you and your home for a lifetime.

Water Gardens Versus Koi Ponds

2008-04-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Although oftentimes these terms are used interchangeably, there may be a big difference between the two. Even though you may call your Koi Pond a water garden, you certainly cannot consider a water garden to be a koi pond. Here are some reasons why:

A water garden is simply put “a pond”. You can dig a hole in the ground, line the area, add water, add some filtration to keep the water from becoming stagnant, and then add some plants around the edges to make it look pretty (optional). That is all there is! There is very little you need to do with a water garden other than sit next to it and enjoy. Sometimes people will add a water feature, like a waterfall or fountain, which just creates a fancier pond.

However, koi ponds are so much more! The fish that live within the pond are linked to the environment you provide, as this is their home. With a koi pond, filtration and aeration of the water becomes a priority, as the fish will need these things to remain healthy and alive.

The pump your install in your Koi Pond will be a critical item. All the water within the pond should be circulated at least once in an hour timeframe. This means – for a 300 gallon pond, you should have a pump that circulates 300 gallons in an hour. For 500 gallon ponds, the pump should circulate 500 gallons in an hour.

A koi pond really should have a water feature, like a waterfall or fountain. Where in a water garden this would just be for decoration, in a koi pond it will be used for aeration. The koi in the pond need the bubbles to breathe.

Filtration will be a necessary thing in a koi pond, as well. All the large debris and trash can settle to the bottom of your pond, creating chemicals that are detrimental to your new pets. You need to maintain the filtration to keep the water clean and safe for the fish.

So, although often called a water garden, don’t be fooled into thinking your koi pond can maintain itself. It will take a lot of time and effort on your part when you add fish into the mix, but having these pets can make the effort worth the time.

What About a Koi Pond Kit?

2008-04-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

Pros and Cons of Installing Koi Ponds With A Kit

If you have decided to install a Koi Pond on your property, you may be considering the use of a pond kit. As with all projects that you try to do yourself, there are advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) to doing the work yourself. Create a list for your particular project and see if do-it-yourself is really right for your situation.

The biggest advantage to the use of a pond kit for creating your koi pond is the financial savings. When you hire the "professionals", they certainly charge a premium for their work. Using a pond kit yourself and creating your own koi pond environment can really keep the cost of the entire job down. However, if you do something which damages the materials required, or install improperly, you will certainly turn around and turn this advantage into a disadvantage!

Other advantages to creating your own koi pond are items like enjoyment of a job done with your own hands, bragging rights, getting your family involved in the project, doing the job exactly how you want it done, and the fact that the work will be great exercise!

The disadvantages of using pond kits to create your koi pond are numerous, as well. It can take a bit more time to install a koi pond yourself. Simple designs can take only a day, but the greater detail of your design, the longer your installation will take. If you have difficulty finding time to finish projects, something like a koi pond could take months!

Other disadvantages are that installation is a lot of work, you will have to buy or rent tools, you aren't a pro (so your work may take longer and not look as "clean"), all the materials are heavy and lifting will be your job, and you won't have any kind of "satisfaction guarantee" on the work.

It would be beneficial to you to create your own "Install My Own Koi Pond" pros and cons list before you start anything. This will give you an idea if it is a project you truly want to do personally.

Koi Ponds and Safety

2007-10-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

It is important to build your Koi pond keeping safety in mind. You want your Koi pond and the space you’ve created on your property to be one of peace and tranquility. You don’t want your Koi pond to become the scene of a tragedy that could drastically alter your life, that of a loved one, or that of an innocent child’s. By adhering to simple yet important rules when it comes to safety around Koi ponds, you can avoid a tragedy altogether.

The safety of children is mor important than anything else. Your Koi pond shouldn’t be accessible by children when you aren’t around your Koi pond or are away from home. Unfortunately young children have been known to drown in pools, spas, and even Koi ponds when they encountered these things and no adult supervision or precautions were in place, remember children are curious by nature. You should put a fence around your Koi pond to prevent children from getting close to the pond when you’re not around and is an important consideration for maintaining safety so you can enjoy your Koi pond with peace of mind. Then teach your children that they should never go near the Koi pond without an adult with them. Fencing will also keep your puppy or that of neighbors from getting too close to your Koi pond.

If you use motorized, electrical appliances in your Koi pond such as submersible lighting, waterfalls, or a pond pump there are a few rules you need to follow to be safe. Only use sytems and products made for outdoor use. If you do use such items as a radio or CD player when relaxing around your Koi pond, make sure to keep them far enough away so they don’t come into contact with the water which could result in you being electrocuted, or ruin your music player. Routinely check the cords attached to these appliances, checking for frayed, damaged, or worn areas. Immediately discontinue using any appliance with a damaged or worn electrical cord as using them could cause electrical shock or catch nearby items and shrubbery on fire.

Your Koi pond can be a source of great enjoyment for you and your entire family and an escape from the hectic lives most of us lead today by simply following these rules for safety around your Koi pond.

Koi Ponds-Time to Think Spring!

2007-03-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

As I sit looking out my office window watching th snow melt, I can't help but think of all the spring chores just around the corner. Of course, this time of year I look forward to getting out and working in the yard. And of course that brings me to my Koi Pond. I really haven't done any planning yet on what I want to do this year so I won't go into it now.

For now I'll just start planning what I want to do with it this year. It's just fun to think about on these last days of winter. It won't be long, I really look forward to my Koi Pond. Technorati Profile

The Benefits of Koi Ponds

2007-01-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sure, having a Koi pond is rather trendy these days. With their growing popularity it seems that everybody wants a Koi pond. But are there any real benefits to having your very own Koi pond? The testimonials of happy Koi pond owners, real estate agents, and even from doctors reporting on the improved health among their patients who have a Koi pond certainly indicate that there are benefits to having your own Koi pond.

The presence of a Koi pond on a piece of real estate raises that properties “marketability” many real estate agents will tell you. This makes it easier for the agent to attract prospective buyers to the property and often plays a key role in how quickly that real estate will sell and at what price. .Buyers are drawn to real estate that have such added amenities as Koi ponds and the mystical beauty they hold and many of them are willing to pay higher asking prices to purchase a property that contains a Koi pond. Real estate that has real market value not only increases the likelihood of a homeowner getting a higher asking price from a buyer, the real estate surrounding a property having a Koi pond are also benefited with higher values.

Koi pond owners report that having a personal Koi pond to enjoy at their leisure allows them to relax and reduce the amount of stress that the average always-on-the-go lifestyle that most of us lead can cause. De-stressing near the water’s edge is also a time for getting in-touch with one’s inner- spiritual self as well. Many of these Koi pond owners share that they feel “rejuvenated” after spending quiet time near their Koi pond. They report a sense of “centeredness” and feel they are more capable of handling the stresses of everyday life head-on.

Some doctors have begun to voice their opinions about the benefits of having a personal Koi pond. They have gained these opinions by witnessing improvements in such medical conditions as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, and some heart conditions in patients known to have their own personal Koi pond. Stress can exasperate these conditions and doctors are always looking for ways they can recommend to their patients for reducing the amount of stress in their lives for better health. Doctors have even found that many stroke and heart attack sufferers recover sooner when they have an area they can access frequently for relaxation, such as with a Koi pond.

What Are Koi Ponds?

2007-01-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot noise made about them in recent years. Everyone is talking about getting or already having a Koi pond, but just what the heck is a Koi pond? Is it a pond of special seaweed? No thanks! If I get a craving to be covered in seaweed I will schedule an appointment at the spa and follow my seaweed wrap with a soak in a tub of mud. Or maybe unlike me you actually know that Koi is a kind of fish, not seaweed.

Did you know that Koi is a carp fish? They are very much like the goldfish in .color and size that most of us think of when thinking about the kinds of fish in tanks and ponds. This is due in large part to the efforts of breeders wanting to increase the Koi fish’s’ popularity among consumers as some Koi fish varieties have an ‘inconspicuous’ gray coloring to them. Some of the more ‘colorful’ Koi are found to have colors such as: black, red, white, blue, and yellow. Koi have ancestral ties to China and Japan. Like goldfish, Koi fish are a hardy breed of small fish.

Koi fish don’t need a lot of fussing to keep them in optimum shape either which explains their popularity among the majority of us who aren’t looking for yet another task to add to our daily to-do lists. They are a cold water fish and therefore your Koi pond needs to be deep enough to allow them to find cooler water near the bottom of the pond during especially warm months of the year. A Koi pond that has at least 4 feet of depth will also allow your Koi fish to survive wintry temperatures when the surface of the pond is likely to freeze. It is a good idea to place your Koi pond nearby large, leafy trees as this will help to hide your Koi from would-be predators such as birds, raccoons, and neighborhood cats. If predation upon your Koi fish becomes a problem you may need to install some sort of netting that will keep predators from getting into the Koi pond and having a go at the Koi.

So now you have discovered that a Koi pond isn’t some new-age contraption for holding seaweed. Instead a Koi pond can be an a mesmerizing scene in which to relax around as you watch your Koi fish swim, eat, and maybe even peek at you from time to time.