How To Care For Your Fish..

Recommendations to help your new koi settle in and thrive in its new home.

Acclimate Your Koi Properly

Float the koi in its bag in the pond for 15-30 minutes to equalize temperature. Slowly add small amounts of pond water to the bag every 5-10 minutes for about 30-45 minutes to help the koi adjust to water chemistry. Remember to place an oxygen stone into the bag so your koi have plenty of oxygen while they acclimate. It is highly recommended that you check the pH and temperature of your water. The pH level of the water at Black Swamp Koi averages 8.2. If the koi were shipped to you water temperature could vary from your tank or pond. If the pH of your water is much different than the water your koi arrived in, take more time to acclimate your koi. Add small amounts of your water to the bag every 15 minutes until the pH levels more align. When the koi have been acclimated, slowly release the koi into the pond without adding the bag’s water.

Provide a Proper Pond Environment

• Size: Koi need at least 250 gallons per fish and deep water (3-4 feet) for temperature stability.
•  Filtration: Use a high-quality pond filter to keep the water clean and oxygenated.
•  Aeration: A pond aerator or waterfall helps maintain oxygen levels.
• Water Quality: Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm, and maintain pH between 7.0 - 8.5. Test water regularly.

Quarantine New Koi  

(If possible, but recommended)

Keep new koi in a separate tank (2-4 weeks) to monitor for diseases. Koi are often stressed from shipping. Quarantine will allow them time to build up their immunity and  strength after their journey. Use a mild salt treatment (0.3% non-iodized salt) to reduce stress and kill parasites. 

Feed a Nutritious Diet

Offer high-quality koi pellets with at least 30% protein. Feed 1-2 times daily, only what they can consume in 5 minutes. Supplement with vegetables (lettuce, peas) and fruits (watermelon, oranges). 

We feed our koi Aquamax pellets by Purina. We grind the pellets into a powder for babies and very young koi.

Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can cause water quality issues, such as hign ammonia.

Maintain Seasonal Care

Summer: Increase aeration as warm water holds less oxygen. Fall: Reduce feeding as temperatures drop below 50°F. Winter: Koi enter dormancy; do not feed below 40°F. Use a pond de-icer to prevent freezing.

Regular Water Changes

Change 10-20% of pond/tank water weekly to keep water clean. Use dechlorinator if using tap water.