The Tetra Air Pump is a very popular device that gives oxygen to koi and the ponds they inhabit. It is designed to withstand harsh winter conditions and is the optimal solution when ponds reach freezing temperatures. How Does The Tetra Air Pump Function? The kit is comprised of a thirty foot air tube and porous objects that slowly distribute miniature bubbles to enhance the oxygen available in the water. After taking in the air, the pump will compress and then deliver it via the pump unit. The compressed air will be emitted by air stones which are positioned around the pond. The air pump is de ..read more

The Bekko Koi comes in three variants. The first of these is Aka Bekko, which is a reddish koi with black patches. The second is Shiro bekko, which is a whitish koi covered in black patches. And the third is Ki Bekko, a koi yellow in color that has black patches. All three are rare and sought after by collectors both in and outside Japan due to their fabulous color. Ideal Coloration The sumi markings of the bekko must be completely black and uniform in appearance. White (which is also known as Shiro) as well as red and yellow are acceptable when combined with black body markings. However, no b ..read more

Mycobacterium, which is also referred to as fish tuberculosis, is a disease caused by a specific bacterial group. The bacteria can be identified as environmental organisms which are free living, usually in the mud which collects near the bottom of ponds. Below is a detailed analysis of this condition and how to treat and prevent it. What Are Mycobacteria? Mycobacteria are best known to scientists as the smallest life forms that can perform self-replication. They differ from other bacteria in that they don’t have cell walls. There are 3 species that can be found within koi, and these are M smeg ..read more

No koi pond is complete without plants, which serve as a source of nutrients and domicile for the fish. There are many plants to choose from, and one of the most prominent is the parrot feather. Overview Parrot feather is a diverse aquatic plant that can be grown either on land or submerged. It can be invasive if not properly controlled, and works best in either container gardens or ponds which are lined. It is pleasing to the eyes, with leaves that are feathery with red woody stems. In warmer areas it might appear ever green. The plant is originally from the Amazon but has spread across the w ..read more

The dangerous thing about koi ulcers is that they can be difficult to detect until it’s too late. They are the result of pseudomonas and aeromonas bacterial strains that infect fish and which can be present in ponds even if it appears visually that the water is clean. Below are some ways to identify, treat and prevent this condition. How Do These Bacteria Enter The Pond? The bacteria strains are naturally found in every pond, but are typically not large enough to cause problems. Additionally, most koi have natural defenses against harmful bacterial such as slimy coats and a robust immune syste ..read more

Shusui is a Japanese term which translates into “autumn sky,” and it is also used to describe a specific breed of koi fish. It was first created by Kichigoro Akiyama in 1912 while he worked at Tokyo Fisheries College as a teacher. Below is a detailed overview of this fish and its characteristics. Appearance This fish is related to the Asagi and shares many of its visual attributes. However, it is distinct in that it has a back which is clear blue in color, with a collection of scales which are large and dark blue that are perfectly arranged in a hi pattern which is complementary. The blue colo ..read more

Pond chemicals are best used in koi ponds when a problem has been detected, and not as a routine habit. Medications are no substitute for proper management, and there is no such thing as a miracle cure. Below are some tips that can help you safely use pond chemicals. Always Calculate The Pond Gallons In Advance This is extremely important, since overdosing may kill your koi while too little medication won’t work. Read the labeling and follow the instructions to the letter. Most medications have a dose level which is determined by its concentration, and this can vary depending on the brand. For ..read more

The Atlantic BF1600 is an outstanding filter that provides a number of benefits. It is one of the latest products from the Oasis Series and offers a level of performance which is considered contractor grade. The good news is that it has been miniaturized so that it can be applied to smaller projects. Features Aside from the fact that the Atlantic BF1600 can be used with smaller ponds or water gardens, it also combines a waterfall spillway and biological filter within a single unit. The support bar and top grate are reinforced, which means rocks can be put on top to serve as a form of camouflag ..read more

Koi ponds situated in regions that receive harsh winters require elaborate procedures and tools to remain safe. One such tool is the deicer, and below are some reasons why every pond owner living in the northern hemisphere should have one. How Cold Weather Affects Ponds Ponds will change in response to the weather. During summer and spring, debris will be collected that will settle to the bottom, and by autumn, leaves which have descended from nearby trees will be added to the mix. When winter finally arrives, these materials will be in the process of decomposition. This decomposition will res ..read more

Microbe Lift is a bio augmentation based product that is designed to help nature keep up with the manmade compounds and pollutants whose levels are much higher than what is normally found in the environment. Below is an overview of how it works, and why every koi breeder should own it. How Does Microbe Lift Function? Microbe Lift is comprised of a specialized formula of good bacteria which when applied to an area that is polluted will rapidly reproduce and eradicate the compounds in the soil and water which create pollution and the bad odor that is associated with it. Serious pond owners use i ..read more