The next question is; I want a Koi pond but I live in a state where the lakes and ponds freeze over. Will the fish survive? There are fish in those ponds and lakes such as bass, blue gill and carp, which Koi are in the carp family. The Japanese would grow rice in the summer, but flood the rice fields in winter to raise Koi, cutting holes in the ice to fish for them.
You will,however, need your pond to be 4 to 6 feet deep to make sure the water stays about 40 degrees on the bottom. Turn off the drain and waterfall and draw water from the skimmer to ensure the bottom stays still. You can put swimming pool solar blankets over the surface.
However, if your pond is deep enough, you can let it freeze over, you will need to put in a horse tank heater to keep a hole open in the ice for the ammonia gas from rotting debris on the bottom to escape. Take the Koi inside and put in an aquarium for the winter if your pond is less than 4 feet deep.
Can I keep Goldfish and Koi together? Yes, they are both cold water fish, in the carp family. Other fishes you can add include; rudd,shubunkins, orfe, blue gill, guppies, mosquito fish, bass and sunfish. For sunfish, bass and blue gill, they must be in a deeper pond where the mean temperature is 65 degrees or less on the bottom. as per www.articlesfactory.com
Should my pond have a bottom drain? It is essential for a healthy pond, but if it is exposed and the suction is strong enough, fish and turtles might get stuck to it, therefore not being able to get loose. There should be two drains hooked in series, to relieve the pressure between them, like in a swimming pool. These bottom drains pull waste that falls from the fish before it gets to the bottom, therefore keeping it clean.
In places where it does collect, you can sweep it over to the drains to be cleaned up. If you`re using a submersible pump or getting water from a skimmer, the water is not getting circulated properly on the pond`s bottom. This is where the rotting debris is that is making ammonia and other harmful gases. For more info, you can visit: www.askdoughoover.com
Image source en.wikipedia.org used with permission
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- Some Most Asked Questions About Koi Ponds Waterfalls Are Answered, Part 1
- The Importance Of The pH Level In Your Koi Pond
- How About A Koi Fish For Your Aquarium?
- How, What When To Feed Your Koi Fish
Article source: http://www.petanim.com/15705/msutton/asked-questions-koi-ponds-waterfalls-answered-part-3/