What should you pay attention to when keeping koi at home?

Selection and setup of the aquarium

Choose aquariums of different sizes according to household conditions. Koi are large in body and highly active, so the water capacity should generally 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 strong oxygen demand, 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 relatively large number of koi, can use an air compressor or a large-power, high-output air pump for air supply; medium and small 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. Either animal bait or plant bait can be used as koi bait, such as water fleas, tubifex, rice, pasta and so on. However, it is better 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. According to usual observation, feeding them only 70 to 80 percent full is enough, and it is best not to feed them at night.

Generally speaking, the number of feedings per day should 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 given around dusk. If there are weather changes such as evening showers or a temperature drop, then feed a small amount or do not feed. The morning feeding can be carried out in the early morning. After each feeding, judge whether the koi's digestion is good according to whether they can finish the food within one hour, and also by referring to the color of their feces, and then decide the amount for the next feeding.

Water quality and temperature

Keeping koi requires relatively high water quality conditions, and the pH value should preferably be PH7-7.4. Turbid, whitish water in the aquarium is most likely to cause fish deaths. If this situation occurs, measures should be taken promptly or the water should be completely 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 the aquarium. One day before changing the water, water-aging measures need to be taken. After leaving tap water standing for 24-48 hours, 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 healthy fish, so maintaining clear water quality is the primary task. In hot summer, it is necessary to clean the dirt once a day, while in other seasons the interval can be appropriately extended. The method of cleaning the dirt is to use a rubber hose to suck out the koi feces, leftover bait and other objects deposited at the bottom of the aquarium, and then add an equal amount of new water.