Most Koi fish owners, because their pond is outside, don't worry very much about the oxygen level in their ponds. This is a big mistake! They often forget about even simple Koi pond aeration. The fact is, the amount of dissolved oxygen in your pond is critical to the health of your fish. Don't forget to check it often especially in the warm summer months.
There are several reasons why you need to pay attention to the oxygen level in the pond. First, its critical for the fish - this goes without saying. But it is also necessary for any vegetation you may have in the pond and most importantly for the critical chemical processes that go on including bacterial decomposition. Every pond has its own unique oxygen demand and it's constantly changing. It's affected by the number of fish and the amount of plant decomposition that goes on in the pond.
The amount of dissolved oxygen that a pond can hold is dependent on several factors. Moving water can absorb much more oxygen then water that is standing or stagnant. The water temperature also affects the amount of dissolved oxygen along with salinity. With freshwater ponds, however, salinity is really not a factor.
The warmer the water the less oxygen it can absorb. It's during the warm summer months that Koi pond aeration is so important. Watch the dissolved oxygen levels closely when it's hot. They should be kept at least between 5.0 and 5.5 mg per liter.
Keeping the water moving will provide good aeration and the oxygen level higher. With standing water, the oxygen levels can drop very quickly as the water becomes stagnant and dangerous for your fish. Waterfalls or fountains can help keep the water moving.
Don't let the algae growth in your pond get out of hand. While algae creates oxygen in the daytime, it depletes it at night. Too much algae will make it much more difficult to control the oxygen level in your pond.
If you must feed your fish during the heat of the day, remember they will utilize more oxygen then if they feed in the cooler hours. That's why the oxygen level can quickly drop dangerously low if your fish are feeding in the heat of the day and the water temperature is the warmest.
A good pond aeration system will go a long way in controlling the oxygen level in your Koi pond. Adding simple water features like waterfalls and fountains will not only provide improved circulation but also add distinguishing features to your pond.
There are several reasons why you need to pay attention to the oxygen level in the pond. First, its critical for the fish - this goes without saying. But it is also necessary for any vegetation you may have in the pond and most importantly for the critical chemical processes that go on including bacterial decomposition. Every pond has its own unique oxygen demand and it's constantly changing. It's affected by the number of fish and the amount of plant decomposition that goes on in the pond.
The amount of dissolved oxygen that a pond can hold is dependent on several factors. Moving water can absorb much more oxygen then water that is standing or stagnant. The water temperature also affects the amount of dissolved oxygen along with salinity. With freshwater ponds, however, salinity is really not a factor.
The warmer the water the less oxygen it can absorb. It's during the warm summer months that Koi pond aeration is so important. Watch the dissolved oxygen levels closely when it's hot. They should be kept at least between 5.0 and 5.5 mg per liter.
Keeping the water moving will provide good aeration and the oxygen level higher. With standing water, the oxygen levels can drop very quickly as the water becomes stagnant and dangerous for your fish. Waterfalls or fountains can help keep the water moving.
Don't let the algae growth in your pond get out of hand. While algae creates oxygen in the daytime, it depletes it at night. Too much algae will make it much more difficult to control the oxygen level in your pond.
If you must feed your fish during the heat of the day, remember they will utilize more oxygen then if they feed in the cooler hours. That's why the oxygen level can quickly drop dangerously low if your fish are feeding in the heat of the day and the water temperature is the warmest.
A good pond aeration system will go a long way in controlling the oxygen level in your Koi pond. Adding simple water features like waterfalls and fountains will not only provide improved circulation but also add distinguishing features to your pond.
About the Author:
John Stoner is an author and Koi Fish Enthusiast. Learn more about Koi pond aeration and many secrets of koi care by visiting http://www.koifishenthusiast.com.
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