What are the correct ways to keep koi at home

The selection and setup of the aquarium should be based on household conditions, choosing different sizes of aquariums. Koi are large in body size and highly active, so generally the water capacity should preferably be no less than 60 kg. To keep larger koi, the aquarium water capacity should be no less than 200 kg. Because koi have a high oxygen consumption, the aquarium should be equipped with a water filter and an oxygen pump to ensure sufficient oxygen in the water and clean water quality.

Large aquariums or aquariums keeping a larger number of koi can use an air compressor or an air pump with high power and large output for air supply; small and medium aquariums or those keeping few koi can use a dedicated electric micro air compressor pump for air supply. In addition, the aquarium should also have sufficient lighting equipment. Bait and feeding methods: Koi are omnivorous fish, and either animal-based bait or plant-based bait can be used as koi bait, such as water fleas, tubifex worms, rice, pasta, etc. However, it is best to choose synthetic bait specially made for ornamental fish. When feeding in an aquarium, special attention should be paid to the fact that the feeding amount should not be too large; based on usual observation, feeding them only 70 to 80 percent full is sufficient, and it is best not to feed them at night. Generally speaking, the number of feedings per day should preferably be 1-2 times, once in the morning and once in the evening. The evening feeding should be early rather than late, and should be done around dusk. If there are weather changes such as evening showers or a temperature drop, then feed a small amount or do not feed, and the morning feeding can be carried out in the early morning. After each feeding, determine the next feeding amount based on whether the koi can finish the food within one hour, and at the same time refer to the color of the feces to judge whether the koi are digesting well. Water quality and temperature: Keeping koi requires relatively high water quality conditions, and the pH should preferably be 7-7.4. Turbid, whitish water in an aquarium is most likely to cause fish deaths. If this occurs, measures should be taken promptly or all the water should be replaced. The water temperature is generally most suitable when kept between 15°C-25°C. Changing the water is a simple and direct way to adjust the water quality of an aquarium. One day before changing the water, measures to age the water are needed: let tap water sit for 24-48 hours, then it can be put into the tank. Aging the water has the effect of increasing oxygen and allowing chlorine to escape. Keeping koi in an aquarium requires clear water and lively fish, so maintaining clear water quality is the primary task. In hot summer, it is necessary to clean out the waste once a day, and in other seasons the interval can be appropriately extended. The cleaning method is to use a rubber hose to siphon out koi feces, leftover bait, and other matter deposited at the bottom of the aquarium, and then add an equal amount of new water.