How Many Koi Fish Can You Have In Your Central Florida Pond?

How Many Koi Fish Can You Have In Your Central Florida Pond? There are many variables to this question, aeration, filtration, what you feed your koi and water quality are just a few things to consider when stocking your pond with koi.


Pond fish typically need 10 gallons of water for every inch of their length, but keep in mind they will grow larger over the years. Some pond experts even go so far as to recommend only ½ inch of fish per 10 gallons of water as a maximum stocking density.

Other pond experts measure the square footage of the pond and suggest that you keep the inches of fish slightly under the square footage. In other words an 8'x10' ponds is 80 square feet, or 6-8 10" koi.

Most of us however are over populated including our pond at home so how do we keep our koi happy and healthy?

• Pumps
• Aeration System
• Filtration
• Beneficial Bacteria
• High Quality Koi Food 
• Weekly Pond Maintenance
• Filtration Cleaning every 6 months
• FULL Pond Cleaning Annually (Spring or Fall) 

 

It all begins with water quality, we balance our water in many ways. Proper circulation and aeration are key. In Central Florida our water is warmer year round. The warmer the water the less oxygen there is in the water, the summer months can be very stressful and even deadly for the koi without proper oxygen levels. The pump needs to run 24hrs a day to add oxygen to the pond.  The addition of an aeration system is always recommended.



One of the of the most overlooked additions to aid in healthy water quality is Beneficial Bacteria. Each treatment adds billions of microscopic enzymes that digest the organics or waste in the pond. In Central Florida we add the bacteria weekly minimum. Personally, we add bacteria 3 to 4 times a week into our pond. Why? The more "hungry mouths eating the organic waste the better.

Remember clear water does NOT mean healthy water.




A high quality koi food helps greatly with the water conditions. The more filler in the food the more waste into the pond. A good food is higher in protein and healthy fats with less filler.
What you feed your koi is what you feed your pond.
Call to order today!







Regular pond maintenance to remove debris is a must. The more organics removed from the pond the less chance of poor water quality. 
We spend less than 15 minutes a week maintaining our pond.

The filtration and pond do need more intense twice a year. Every 6 months all filtration gets a deep cleaning and the pond gets cleaned out annually. All koi are removed and the pond is drained and cleaned. Let Pondtastic do the dirty work for you.






So before adding another fish to your koi collection, make sure you have ample space, aeration, filtration and treatments to ensured a happy, healthy home!

How to make your dream a reality?

If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details and options for your particular design and budget. 

Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.
       


                                                                                                       Jim and Theresa

Feeding Koi During a Florida Winter

As soon as the weather forecast mentions cold weather in Florida the phone starts to ring with people asking "When do I stop feeding my Koi?" or It's winter in Florida do the koi still eat?
Well, first can we really say we have winter in Florida? Yes the weather cools off and yes we need to follow a couple simple steps to ensure the health and safety of our beloved koi.






First, it is recommended to purchase a pond thermometer. Begin to monitor the temperature and when the water reaches upper 50° begin to reduce the feedings. When the water temperature has reached
50° stop feeding. Keeping in mind that the air temperature is much cooler than the water temperature so in Florida we really only have a hand full of days and nights that we do not feed the koi.

Lets explain why we reduce and stop feeding koi in cooler weather.

Koi start slowing down in preparation for a period of semi-dormancy as the temperature begin to decline. Their digestive and immune systems slow down, and they are not capable of digesting food the way that they can during the warmer months. Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food passes directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. The ensuing intestinal bacteria can pass into their bloodstream, causing sepsis which will debilitate or even kill the immune-suppressed fish.

When you resume feeding the koi DO NOT over feed them as this too can be dangerous for your finned friends.
If you are unsure whether to feed your koi or how much to feed them please err on the side of caution.  Always feed a high quality high protein food avoid foods with lots of fillers. We only feed our koi Blackwater Creek Koi food.
Don't worry, if the koi become hungry during this time they will dine on the algae in the pond.


How to make your dream a reality?
If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details, options for your particular design and budget.
Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.

Watching Koi Fish Is Good for Your Health

Have you ever noticed that many Dr. offices and Dentist offices often have aquariums in them?

           “Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors' surgeries and dental waiting rooms," said PhD student Deborah Cracknell.
Watching fish and marine creatures going about their daily lives, swimming and meandering is oddly soothing and hypnotic. And, according to research recently published in Environment & Behavior, it’s good for your health too.

I for one have spent many hours at our water garden pond watching my koi fish in an effort to relax.
Like you, I wear many hats in my daily life; I need the quiet time to transition from my workday at Pondtastic, to being Mom and Wife. I go to the pond armed with koi food and a glass of wine.

Like many pets our koi are happy to know Mom is home and the feeding frenzy begins. To me this is more comical than relaxing, many of our Koi are hand fed and that means I’m getting wet as they swim and splash like crazy to get their food.
Once they have eaten I sit on my huge rock (thanks Jim) that’s when the relaxing really begins.

My favorite fish in the pond are my butterfly koi, as their extra-long fins gracefully float by I can feel their calming effect. Of course I love my standard koi as well; they glide through the pond always looking for more food. Baby koi grant us with the occasional glimpse as the swim in and out of the aquatic plants.

After watching my koi for about 20 or 30 minutes I’m ready to switch hats and finish the night.

Is my health better? I think so; my resting heart rate is lower and I feel relaxed.
That’s good enough for me.