Koi keeping is both a passion and an investment. Because you care so much for your koi and keeping them healthy, maintaining their aquatic environment is a necessity. And because koi produce so much waste, keeping their pond hygienic and in good quality is all the more important. Keeping up with your pond not only benefits your koi, but it saves you money too. Here’s a guide to koi pond cleaning.

Pond Debris

Netting is an important part of the cleaning process. With a dip net, you can easily scoop out all kinds of debris, both at the surface and at the bottom, that could potentially clog up the filtration and lessen its effectiveness. You may also want to purchase a pond vacuum to clear out large debris.

If your pond is located around or underneath trees and foliage, you may find yourself netting out many leaves, especially in the fall. Consider purchasing a leaf netting, which covers the pond to prevent foliage build-up.

Otherwise, plan on netting the leaves out. If they are left in the water, the organic material will decay and pollute the pond, potentially causing an algae build-up. Natural enzyme solutions can be purchased to fight against muck and algae growth in ponds. Barley straw can also be used as an algae control.

Cleaning With the Seasons

Because algae growth rates are higher throughout the sunny summer months, cleaning becomes even more important at this time. And because of the increase in koi activity, more waste is produced during the summer as well. During the warmer months clean the mechanical and biological filters each week to help keep your pond pristine.

Cleaning may also take some extra work during the springtime thaw, where you’ll see some leftover debris from fall combined with springtime pollen. Wait until April or May for a deep cleaning so your koi will have gained their strength back.

What’s in the Water?

Replacing pond water can be tricky. Koi are very sensitive to any change in their aquatic environment. However, partial water changes are needed in koi pond cleaning – a 10% change in water is recommended each week. By just replacing 10% of the pond water, koi fish are less likely to suffer stress from a drastic change. Koi may be left in the pond during a water change, but remember to dechlorinate any tap water that is added during this transference.

Plant Life

Don’t forget to keep up with your pond plants when cleaning. Pond plants can shed debris into the water, especially if they are being picked at by curious koi fish. When the weather cools and plants growth slows, trim back any brittle or dying parts to prevent these from settling into the pond.

Do you have any tips for koi pond cleaning? Leave us a comment and share with other koi connoisseurs!