Many Koi owners don't realize how important the right level of dissolved oxygen in their pond is to the health of their fish. As a result Koi pond aeration is something that is often neglected. They think, because they have an outdoor pond, oxygen is something they don't have to worry about.
The proper level of oxygen is important not only for the fish but also for vegetation in the pond and most important for the needed chemical processes that go on in a healthy pond including bacterial decomposition. Now every pond will develop its own particular oxygen demand. This demand is affected by the level of bacterial activity, the number of fish you have and by the decomposition of plant material in the pond as well as unwanted plant material that falls and collects in the pond.
There is just so much oxygen that can be absorbed into water at any given time. It depends on factors such as the temperature of the water, movement of the water (aeration) and salinity. Since we're talking about freshwater ponds here, salinity is not a factor to worry about.
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.
Check the amount of algae growth in the pond. Algae will add oxygen during the day but will deplete oxygen during the night. Too much algae can be a real problem for several reasons but affecting the oxygen level is certainly an important one.
Also understand that Koi fish will utilize more oxygen when they are feeding. So if you feed your fish during the hottest part of the day, you will run the danger of having the oxygen level drop below healthy levels.
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. - 20607
The proper level of oxygen is important not only for the fish but also for vegetation in the pond and most important for the needed chemical processes that go on in a healthy pond including bacterial decomposition. Now every pond will develop its own particular oxygen demand. This demand is affected by the level of bacterial activity, the number of fish you have and by the decomposition of plant material in the pond as well as unwanted plant material that falls and collects in the pond.
There is just so much oxygen that can be absorbed into water at any given time. It depends on factors such as the temperature of the water, movement of the water (aeration) and salinity. Since we're talking about freshwater ponds here, salinity is not a factor to worry about.
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.
Check the amount of algae growth in the pond. Algae will add oxygen during the day but will deplete oxygen during the night. Too much algae can be a real problem for several reasons but affecting the oxygen level is certainly an important one.
Also understand that Koi fish will utilize more oxygen when they are feeding. So if you feed your fish during the hottest part of the day, you will run the danger of having the oxygen level drop below healthy levels.
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. - 20607
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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