Koi Care Secrets

Black Koi

koicare — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:32:35 +0000

Black Koi Information

It is well understood that Koi fish come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Black Koi are set apart from other Koi varieties due to their coloring and not much else. Koi fish can live for an extended life time even living as long as two hundred years but, normally live for about twenty-five to thirty-five years of age. They are regularly seen in outdoor ponds all over the world. Koi males can be easily recognized by their concave anal section. They may also display breeding spots on the head. Spawning may result in as many as 1,000 eggs. Baby Koi known as fry will start emerging in about four to seven days, depending on the temperature of the water. Amazingly their color doesn’t emerge until the fry are about three to twelve weeks of age.

When the Japanese started breeding these magnificent fish from carp mutations, they only came in one or two colors. With more breeding throughout the years came more color varieties and combinations of patterns.

Black Koi can grow to be about thirty-six inches in length. Like all Koi fish because of their length, black Koi need to be kept in large ponds. The Magoi Koi species is one of the first all black mutations and can grow to very large sized. They are actually a deep bronze but they look black when viewed from above. Because of their possibilities in size, Magoi blood is being reintroduced into other species to hasten and maximize growth potential.

One Species of black Koi fish is the Karasu meaning “crow” in Japanese. The Karasu is another extremely old species. It has black fins and a black body. This species can also have a white or orange belly.

Koi have a tendency to change color due to the effects of their environment or due to their diet. These color changes typically entail the fish going from a duller or brighter shade of color. The Matsukawabake Koi species takes the ability to change color. It is a black Koi that typically has areas or white on its body. According to the temperature of the water or the seasons the color of this Koi fish can change completely. This Koi can turn completely black or completely white. But, amazingly the Koi will return to its original pattern once the conditions change.

First appearing in the 1980’s, the Kumonryu is the most popular of the black Koi species. The name means “dragon fish”. The Kumonryu received its name because some were reminded of the bodies of the dragons depicted in ancient paintings. Some also thought that these fish looked like dragons ascending through the white clouds in the sky. Like the Matsukawabake, these Koi can also change their color.
One of the attractions that draw pond owners to the Koi is the large variety of colors that they come in. An even more attractive notion is that of having the ability to own a fish that will literally be able to change color before your eyes like some of the black Koi species can.

Black Koi is a post from: Koi Care Secrets

Koi Supplies

koicare — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:30:59 +0000

Koi Supplies

Koi fish are some of the most beautiful and colorful pond fish but, keeping them requires at least a basic knowledge of fish and outdoor ponds and a few essential supplies.

Part of giving your yard a tranquil feeling is placing a fountain in your pond. This not only drowns out unwanted noise, it stirs the water and is the easiest way to put oxygen back into the water which is important for the health of your fish.
Owners will also need to install a filter in their pond that is designed to maintain the quality of the water. A filter removes unwanted pollutants which will decrease the chance that the Koi will have health issues. Because the only way a filtration system can process the water is if the water is moving, you will also need to install a pump. A pump is also extremely important for the health of the pond. Having a fountain or waterfall in the pond aids in the water’s movement but, they should not replace a pump entirely. Unfortunately, they are not strong enough to help with the filtration of the pond on their own.

Some supplies are not used on a daily basis but should still be kept on hand. Dechlorinator is used when replenishing the water level of your pond with tap water. It is essential to eliminating harmful chemicals from the tap water. The pH level and the Nitrate level of the water should be checked on a weekly basis. Pond owners do this by using test kits that are available in any pet supply store. Pond salt or baking soda should also be kept on hand on a regular basis. They can be added to the pond water to regulate the pH and Nitrate levels of the water when tests show the chemical levels are off.

Because Koi come in such brilliant colors, they are susceptible to fall victim to outdoor predators like Herons, kingfishers, foxes, cats, raccoons and badgers. Owners can keep their fish safe through the design of their ponds. Owners can keep water deep enough to prevent Herons from wading in it. They can also create overhangs on the side of their ponds high enough to prevent predators from reaching the water. Plus, if the pond is set under the shade of a tree, it will block the view of the pond from the air. Pond owners can also purchase a net that can be placed over the entire pond ensuring the safety of the Koi. A net will also prevent debris like leaves from falling into the water and messing up the pond.

Food is the most important supply. Koi eat a variety of foods but it is important to keep a basic food source on hand. Koi have been known to eat out of their owner’s hands and therefore snacks and treats can be offered to your fish.

When setting up your outdoor pond and considering the kind of supplies you will need, remember that although Koi take a little bit of effort on the part of their owners, they are mesmerizing, gorgeous fish that are well worth the effort.

Koi Supplies is a post from: Koi Care Secrets

Supreme Air Pump AP-20

koicare — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:33:11 +0000

Supreme Air Pump AP-20

For saltwater and Freshwater aquariums - All AP Series air pumps operate on standard 110V electric a
Easy to use
High volume with steady air flow
No lubrication necessary
Air diffuser included

Ap-20 air pump-oxygenating aquariums for a cleaner aquatic enviroment. Aquarium use.

List Price: $ 158.39

Our Price: $ 81.99

Click Here For Info About Supreme Air Pump AP-20

Pondmaster Proline 5000 Pond Skimmer for Koi Gold Fish Ponds
$249.95
Time Remaining: 10d 16h 59m
Buy It Now for only: $249.95
Buy It Now

YEAH 480 GPH SUBMERSIBLE 560 GALLON KOI FISH POND WATER PUMP
$32.95
Time Remaining: 45m

Koi Care Secrets

Black Koi

Koi Supplies

Supreme Air Pump AP-20

Best Quality Koi Net / Size By Danner Eugene Pond

2600 GPH Submersible Water Pump Pond Pump Fountain Waterfall Pump

Growth Color Pellets Koi Food with Probiotics – 10 lb. – Bucket

Sho Koi Impact – Small Floating Pellet (2.6mm) 4lb (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Pond Fish Foods)

Tetra Pond KoiVital Water Treatment, 16.9 Ounces, Treats 2,500 Gallons

Top Quality Sho Koi Impact – Small Floating Pellet (2.6mm) 10lb

Pond Matrix, 20 L / 5.3 gal.