Koi carp for garden pond: how to take care of it?

Koi carp for garden pond: how to take care of it?

Koi carp is a beautiful ornamental fish very popular in Southeast Asia. There are several colors to decorate outdoor pools. Easily tamed and enjoying the contact of humans, these elegant fish can measure up to 90 cm when adults and have specific needs. Discover them in this complete file.

Koi carp: who is she?

The koi carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) is an ornamental fish similar to the subspecies of common carp. This small freshwater fish can grow to a large size and 60 to 90 cm long as an adult.

Koi carp are popular in Asia, especially in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, especially because it symbolizes virility and love. She was born from crosses made from the very beginning of the XIX ^th century between several common carp living in rice fields. Like the fighting fish, koi carp easily tames and appreciates the contact of the man, especially to eat him in the hand or to be caressed.

There are several varieties of koi carp. They can be white, black, red, orange, blue, yellow, etc.

What are the needs of koi carp?

Koi carp is a fish with very specific needs.

Behavior and character

Koi carp is a peaceful animal that likes to live in a group. These fish move in groups of schools in the basins they occupy. Koi carps very well for the presence of fish of other species as well.

The animal has the advantage of being resistant; its average longevity varies between 18 and 25 years, but some still reach 70 years under optimal conditions!

The koi carp is beautiful to watch. These animals move with grace in their pelvis and their colors mingle for a most beautiful effect!

Food

The koi carp is an omnivorous fish, but herbivorous, which explains its pacifism; indeed, she does not try to attack other fish to eat.

The animal eats very well adapted to pond fish, which facilitates feeding when several species coexist. On the other hand, it needs 20 to 30% of proteins, although it is most often satisfied with plants. Dose correctly the amount distributed according to the number of individuals in your pool.

In winter, when the temperature drops below 6 ° C, it is not useful to feed them, because koi carp hibernate.

Environment

Koi carp is an animal that is ideal for life in the pond. She likes sandy or silted bottoms because she enjoys looking for food. To breed koi carp, you will need a large pond or an outdoor pond. Do not try to raise them in an indoor aquarium, as these animals need a large volume of water, about 1 cubic meter per adult. If you buy your small fish, do not forget that they will grow quickly!

The temperature of the water greatly influences the koi carp's appetite. Indeed, a high temperature makes it voracious, while a pool at less than 6 ° C makes it go into semi-hibernation and it almost stops eating. In cold weather, the carp is hidden in the bottom of the pond, among the mud, to keep warm and to spend the winter away from temperature variations.

How to build a good koi pond?

You want to install a garden pond or you may already have a small fish pond? Be aware however that you will have to develop it to accommodate koi carp. Indeed, they need a basin adapted, well maintained and sufficient to live there in perfect health and peace.

How to design the basin for koi carp?

Koi carps need a pool with a minimum depth of 1.50 meters. Do not expect less, because this depth will allow the animal to hide in the bottom, in the mud, during the winter periods.

Avoid aquatic plants in the natural garden pond where koi carp swim because they will feed on them. These plants are however ideal to ensure a good filtration and a good depollution of the pond, we advise you to place them in small floating baskets that will protect them from carp.

Complete the action of plants with a powerful filter, a heater and a UV-C filter for the well-being of your little residents.

Watch out how many fish you put in your pond! As mentioned before, a koi carp needs at least 1 cubic meter of water! Adapt your construction to the desired number of carp, or limit the number of fish purchased to the capacity of your pond. Do not forget that they grow quickly and that they can reach 90 cm long!

Choose a sunny location for your pond. Plants will be enough to protect the carp during the hot summer.

What water for your koi carp?

For the proper development of your koi carp, pond water must meet the following characteristics:

• pH between 7 and 8.5,
• nitrate level less than 50 mg / liter,
• nitrite level less than 0.1 mg / liter,
• ammonia level less than 0.1 mg / liter,
• calcium carbonate level between 100 and 300 mg / liter.

How to properly maintain your koi pond?

The maintenance of the basin will be regular and properly carried out to ensure the welfare of carp.

• Remove all dead leaves so that they do not rot at the bottom of the pond, which can lead to water acidification and algae growth. Help yourself with a net for the surface and a vacuum suitable for the bottom.
• Never empty the pond entirely, as the balance will be disturbed and the stressful experience for your carp. Remove only a few liters that you will replace immediately for clean water.
• Clean the filters regularly.