Did you know that most Koi will grow to 24" within the first 5 years? Some will become 30" and are considered jumbo. This will only happen with the right environment and genetics. A poor environment will cause your fish to be anywhere from 14 inches to 20 inches. I know that I want the biggest, prettiest, healthiest Koi possible. I'm sure you want the same for your Koi. Let us take a look at the factors that impact your Koi size.
• The first and most important factor that impacts their size is genetics. Just like our genetic makeup determines how tall we'll be the fish genes also impact their size. This is not something we can change. You will need a Koi with good genes.
• Do not have too many Koi in your pond. Overstocked ponds stress your koi and stressed Koi are not healthy. They will not grow. You should not have more than 1 Koi per 300 gallons of water.
• Avoid large water temperature changes. They can handle temperature change if it is slow. Otherwise your fish become stressed.
• Nutrition is very important. Try to feed your Koi a diet rich in protein, at least 35%, during the warm months. Don't over feed them or feed them once a day. They are better if they eat small amounts several times a day. Does that sound familiar? Yes, just like us our system works better digesting a small amount several times a day. When fish overeat it creates a quick infusion of ammonia. Smaller amounts are easier for your system to turn into nitrates.
• Ensure there is plenty of oxygen in your pond. Fish do best when there is more oxygen. Remember more oxygen is needed during warm weather and during the night. Plants also use the oxygen at night.
• Water quality is extremely important. The filtration system must be adequate for the size of your pond. It must do a good job of removing solids. Also the ammonia level must be controlled.
• Water pressure or currents are needed for the fish to exercise. Exercising goes hand in hand with the food they are given. Swimming against currents or up and down in the pond contribute to muscle growth.
• The last factor is the pond depth. This is a controversial factor. Some experts say it is important and others say it isn't. The thought is that if there isn't the depth in the pond for the fish to swim up and down then a current should be created. A current would create the same impact as a deep pond. I tend to think that pond depth is a factor. Large fish have more room to swim and play in a large pond. Fish that don't have enough room to play may become stressed.
It all boils down to three main things. For you to have healthy large Koi in your waterfall pond the environment, food and genetics must be right. You can't over feed your fish and cause the water to be bad or feed the fish less to have good water and hungry fish. There has to be a balance. It really isn't as difficult as it sounds. Just make sure you have a good pond filtration system and you feed your Koi the best food.
Vickie Talley
Knight Enterprises LLC
http://www.pondfiltersandmore.com
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