Pond Care in Spring
Fact
Spring marks the perfect time for pond owners to initiate koi pond care. Ponds in Canada, except in BC, usually experience low temperatures or freezing during winter. The koi inside are in a state of hibernation. The harsh winter weather can weaken the immune system of koi and disturb the equilibrium of beneficial bacteria in the pond. A water test will help establish the current state of the pond, and partial water changes will ensure the right water conditions for the koi's health.
Why Spring is Dangerous for Your Koi
It is important for pond owners to recognize the danger that the spring season can bring to their koi. The accumulation of debris and lack of water changes during winter can result in an increase in ammonia levels, which may cause harm to koi once the temperature rises. Harmful bacteria can reactivate at 4°C or above, coupled with heightened ammonia toxicity, causing stress, fin rot, and ulceration. Left untreated, this can lead to secondary infections possibly with parasites, causing further harm to your koi and potentially causing huge losses in your pond.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Koi Safe
As a pond owner, taking care of your koi is crucial for their health and well-being. Following are the steps to keep your koi safe:
1. Water Changes: As the temperature increases, perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and fresh. A 30% water change every 3-4 days, repeated 3-4 times, is recommended. *(Note 1) This will help to prevent issues like ammonia buildup, which can be harmful to your koi.
2. Regular Inspections: Inspect your koi regularly for any signs of stress or infection. Keep an eye out for flashing, abnormal swimming behavior, or any physical abnormalities. Early detection of any issues will help you address them before they become more serious.
3. High Ammonia Levels: If the ammonia level is high or your koi are showing significant signs of stress, you may need to start doing water changes earlier or under lower temperatures to prevent any harm to your koi.
4. Salt Treatment: If you notice any stress in your koi, you can add 0.3% - 0.5% salt to the pond water. This helps to relieve stress and prevent infections. *(Note 2)
5. Quarantine: Any infected koi should be removed and placed in a quarantine tank for proper treatment.
6. Beneficial Bacteria: Dose your pond with beneficial bacteria weekly when the water temperature reaches 13°C or higher. This will help maintain a healthy environment for your koi and keep the water clean.
7. Feeding: Avoid feeding your koi until your filtration system is fully matured and the water temperature reaches 13°C or higher. Overfeeding your koi or feeding them too early in the season can cause health problems.
By following these steps, you can keep your koi safe and healthy, ensuring that they thrive in their pond environment.
*Note 1: If weather permits, start performing water changes in late March or April if you're in Ontario.
*Note 2: Do not use table salt. Use non-iodized salt or water softener salt. To produce a 0.1% salt solution, add roughly 1lb of salt to 100 gallons of water. It is best to use a salt meter to verify the salt level. Remove all plants before adding any salt at a concentration of 0.1% or higher, and only use salt when necessary. Continuously adding salt to your pond water is not recommended.