What You Need to Know about Koi

Koi are popular pets in the garden; that’s why they are currently very popular on the market today. However, you must realize that just like any other animal or pet, they require money and time in order to keep them healthy and happy at all times.

Before you start the steps in efficient Koi keeping, you must first know the basics. This is to prevent you from making any mistakes on your end, which may equate to loss of funds or, worse, death of your fish.

The Koi Pond

Before you start purchasing Koi, you must produce its home. For this, you may need to research on some important information, namely, the materials you need, the best location to build the pond, the most effective size of the ponds, and proper water temperature or climate, among other things. You may also ask opinions from different experts such as other Koi dealers, pet stores, or pond builders.

Your pond must also be equipped with an excellent filtration system. This comes in two types: (1) biological and (2) mechanical. The biological filtration system eliminates all wastes that are already dissolved but are still in the pond. It employs the nitrogen cycle. On the other hand, the mechanical filtration system helps the pond in removing insects, dead algae, and other Koi pollutants.

Most of all, it is essential that the water is kept clean and fresh at all times. Like any other fish, it would be impossible for the Koi to survive its habitat if the water is dirty and full of pollutants. As an owner, it is your responsibility to equip yourself with knowledge on proper water maintenance.

How to Buy a Koi

Today, there are more than a thousand various kinds of Koi, with over 20 popular kinds the most commonly raised all over the world. And there is no stopping there, as hundreds are becoming more attractive due to their amazing patterns and colors.

Before you put the first Koi into your garden, your pond must be complete, meaning you have the necessary equipment with you to ensure that they can live for a long time.

You must also note that the number of Koi you purchase as well as their sizes should be proportional to your pond—if it’s small, then you buy smaller fish. Avoid getting more Koi than your pond can handle. Sooner or later, a lot of these Koi will die if there are too many so that the water cannot be kept clean. Don’t waste your money or the lives of your fish by taking risks that are not necessary. Make sure your pond is fully functional and the water is clean and stabilized before bringing your fish home.

Baby orangutan Aurora adopted by surrogate mom at the Houston Zoo - Houston Chronicle (blog)

Houston Chronicle (blog)

Baby orangutan Aurora adopted by surrogate mom at the Houston Zoo Houston Chronicle (blog) In this photo Aurora is visiting the koi in the orangutan habitat moat with her care giver Karen Johnson and Zoo Intern Katherine Gautreaux. (Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo) Each morning, one of Aurora s care givers takes her to the orangutan exhibit at ... and more »

Selma Blair Home Listed At $1.78 Million (PHOTOS) - Huffington Post

Selma Blair Home Listed At $1.78 Million (PHOTOS) Huffington Post ... with more privacy hedges and has a patio area for outdoor dining and a koi pond. Blair paid $1.315 million for the property in 2004, so there may be some wishing on a star going on here. Blair is a first-time mom (baby boy born in August). and more »

Wild and wacky animals at zoos around the world - msnbc.com

msnbc.com

Wild and wacky animals at zoos around the world msnbc.com Sakchai Lalit / AP A visitor feeds dried fish food to koi fish and carps out of a milk bottle at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok on Jan 10. Martin Meissner / AP A two-month-old anteater climbs on its mother's back at a zoo in Germany on Jan. 9. A baby white tiger ... and more »

Homeless mothers and children find a lifeline at Hope Gardens - msnbc.com (blog)

msnbc.com (blog)

Homeless mothers and children find a lifeline at Hope Gardens msnbc.com (blog) By Lucy Nicholson, Reuters photojournalist Lilly Earp changes the diaper on her 5-week-old baby sister Emily with the confidence another child would have cradling a doll. She's only 8, but she already shows the street smarts of an older child as she ...

Community Calendar - The Doings Clarendon Hills

Community Calendar The Doings Clarendon Hills Story times are: Babies, Books and Songs - Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 9:30 am, for babies up to 24 months with an adult caregiver. Walkers - Thursdays at 10:30 am for babies 13-24 months with an adult caregiver. Terrific Twos - Tuesdays ... and more »