Summer Pond Tips
Low Oxygen levels Kill Fish
Use an oxygen tester and air stones to keep your
available oxygen level to at least 7.0 parts per million of dissolved oxygen in 90
degree F. water. Koi and goldfish start showing signs of stress at oxygen levels of 4.0
ppm and will start
dying at 3.0 ppm. The higher the water temperature goes the less oxygen that's available.
Water temperatures over 90 degrees will also affect fish health so keep the temperature
under control by providing shade during the hottest parts of the day.
It's
Parasite Season Warm water causes an increase in parasites such as anchor
worms, fish lice or flukes. Some parasites such as anchor worm and fish lice are visible
and can be treated with Dylox, Dipterex or Masoten. Invisible parasites such
as external protozoa and flukes can
not be seen but they usually cause symptoms including extra thick mucus, constant
scratching by rubbing against objects, flashing, or jumping. Some variations will cause a
noticeable head shaking and yawning. COntact your pond specialist for treatments
because different symptoms are indicative of different infections. Follow label
instructions at all times or you could cause serious injury or death to your fish.
Summer Koi Feeding Tips
If you water is between 70 to 85 F. then feed a
low protein food in a quantity that is equal to 1.0% to 1.5% of total koi
body weight in pond. Estimate total koi body weight in pond and feed recommended % of food
daily based on season and water temperature divided into intervals of about 2-2-1/2 hours.
Takes koi about 2- 2-1/2 to digest food in warmer water and 4-8 hrs in colder water
when feeding is begun. So in warmer ideal water temperatures feed 5-8 times daily the
individual portions totaling daily amount needed. In cooler temperatures feed 1-3
times daily.
Sunblock for your Koi
Koi are not immune from
sunburn, especially in shallow ponds
that get direct sunlight. Provide shade such as water lilies or a rock overhang. Even a
beach umbrella will do in a pinch. Watch for Evaporation. Depending
upon the surface area of your pond, you can lose several inches per day to evaporation.
Monitor and adjust your water levels daily or as neccessary. Remember, do not use
water with chlorine in it if you have fish! Five Quick Tips For Healthy
Summertime Water.
Ensure that you have good mechanical and biological
filtration and that your pump will turn the pond water over totally at least twice per
day. Operate the pump 24 hours a day. Provide adequate shade
by having 60 to 70% of the pond's
surface area covered with floating plants or other types of shade. Add
water clarifiers and bottled bacteria if your water remains cloudy even when good
filtration is present. Test oxygen levels daily and add air stones if levels fall
below 7 PPM.
