New Koi Pond Owners Care Tips

Congratulations,  you are now a pond owner, now it’s time to enjoy the sound of the waterfall, the colorful plants and playful fish that may become your favorite pets!

You can add pond plants immediately after installation and once the pond is more established (this usually takes a few weeks) you can then add fish. Stop by our store for supplies to stock your pond with as well as reliable advice, pond plants and fish. You can also request a personalized consultation from the pond maintenance department to explain the workings of your pond in further detail.

Beneficial Bacteria can be in a dry, powder or liquid formula

Suggested Supplies for a New Pond:

·         Pond Net (coarse), Skimming Net (fine mesh)   to scoop out debris

·         Beneficial Bacteria, Sludge Reducer (many options-you may need these eventually)

·         Algaecide (many options to choose from- "Oxy" pond cleaner, Barley Extract, etc.)

·         Water Conditioner (used when you do water changes or when adding new water)

·         Water Testing Kit

·         Fish, Fish Food

·         Pond Plants, Baskets or Pots

How Long will it take to Cycle? Your new pond will take 3-6 weeks to cycle depending on the weather and time of the year it is installed (warmer months it will cycle faster than cooler months).

General Maintenance:

·         Backflush / Backwash Your Filter Weekly, once established- Let Bead Filters Establish for 4 to 6 weeks prior to your first backwash. Refer to the manufacturers directions

·         Water Quality- Test your water weekly, especially for new ponds. Treatments may need to be added weekly or bimonthly depending upon how much debris (leaves, pine needles and algae) is present, fish and plant load.

·         Water Level- check the water level regularly to make sure the pond isn’t leaking. Top off when needed. You may have an “automatic fill valve” that will do this for you.

·         Fish will need to be fed and treated when needed.

·         Pond Plants- some are annual floating plants that you can purchase yearly- many others are hardy for our area and can be kept in pots. They will need to be repotted or divided every year or every other depending upon how fast they grow.

·         Filters, skimmers and pump baskets may need to be cleaned out and monitored to make sure they are working properly. Refer to Filtration Guide (separate sheet)

·         UV Bulbs, IONGen Probes and other parts may need to be replaced yearly.

·         Bottom Drain – see suggestions below.

Waterlilies compliment your pond with cover for the fish, acts as a filter and shades the pond from excess sunlight. Plants also provide hiding places and spawning areas for pond fish and other critters.

Detailed Steps for Bottom Drain & Koi Pond Maintenance:

1. Remove Debris: Regularly remove leaves, twigs, & other debris from the pond bottom using a pond rake or net. This prevents excessive build-up around the bottom drain. 

2. Clean the Drain Cover: If your bottom drain has a cover, remove it and clean any accumulated debris. This can be done with a brush or by rinsing with a hose. 

3. Check for Blockages: Periodically inspect the bottom drain and its associated piping for any signs of clogging or blockages. If you notice reduced water flow or unusual noises, investigate for potential issues. 

4. Clean the Pond Liner (if applicable): If you have a pond liner, you may need to drain the pond partially or fully to clean the liner and remove any algae or buildup. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose to gently clean the liner. 

5. Consider a Full Cleanout: Depending on the size of your pond and the amount of debris, you may need to perform a more thorough cleanout every few years. This may involve draining the pond, removing all debris, and cleaning the liner and other components. We have a maintenance division that can do that for you!

6. Add Beneficial Bacteria: Adding beneficial bacteria to the pond can help break down organic matter and improve water quality. 

7. Maintain Water Quality: Regularly monitor water parameters like pH & ammonia levels. Use appropriate treatments to maintain a healthy environment for fish and plants. 

8. Consider a Pond Vacuum: For larger ponds, a pond vacuum can be a helpful tool for removing debris from the bottom without needing to drain the entire pond. Our pond store also has a rental vacuum if you are interested in trying it out.

9. Install Pond Netting: If you have a lot of trees around your pond, installing pond netting can help reduce the amount of leaves and debris entering the pond, making maintenance easier. It may also help keep predators out of your pond.

Pond Fish- generally Koi and Goldfish- school together well and eat the same types of food

Learn more about caring for your Koi pond- stop by Nature Perfect Pond & Supply Store- we have treatments, supplies, pond plants and koi & goldfish! Or take one of our classes- refer to the events page for more detials. And if you need someone to come out to look at your pond we do that, through our pond maintenance department.