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Fish are just like any other pet and are recommended to have regular exams done by an aquatic veterinarian. If you are having these annual or biannual exams done you can catch health concerns faster and start to treat the issue before it gets worse. It is hard to find aquatic veterinarians in some areas so it’s best to do research on an accessible veterinarian before purchasing fish.

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It is very important to monitor your fishes health and one main way to help keep your fish healthy is to maintain the water of the pond. If we can keep the water clean, parasite, and fungal free then that is the gold standard. Along with a filtration system, you can proactively treat the water occasionally for parasites, but careful not to overuse a certain type as the parasites may become resistant to it. Another option is to add 1 pound of sea salt per 100 gallons of water to kill a variety of protozoal parasites.

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Fresh water is recommended as Koi fish and Goldfish do best in pond water. The temperature should be around 22-28 degrees Celsius. A proper filtration system will be installed as well as physically removing debris and waste products in order to keep the quality of the water at optimal.

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Koi and the shubunkin goldfish should be fed a high quality pellet food in addition to the natural food sources in their habitat. Hikari pellets is a multi-season fish food so it is great to feed year round. This food was created to be easily digested in even colder waters. This food is safe to feed both fish. The koi fish should be fed up to two times daily and the goldfish can be fed small amounts up to three times daily.

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Bullfrogs are a good asset to have around a pond, although they may need to be observed closely as they like to prey upon smaller koi fish. On the positive side, they are a form of natural pest control and can help keep the mosquitos at bay.

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The Shubunkin goldfish are great for cohabitating with koi fish as they are both cold water fish and excel in similar environments. They can thrive in many types of water and are social fish so they will get along with a wide variety of fish.

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The Kohaku koi is easily recognizable by its stunning white color with red accents. They can live from 25 to 50 years if their environment is maintained appropriately and they are cared for properly. They can tolerate colder waters so they do well with being kept in a pond all year round.

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While Koi can handle a varied range in pH 6.5-9.0, however we want to keep our pond water around 7.2-8.0. A rapid change in levels can cause koi to become stressed which can lead to further health problems. When a rapid change in pH occurs the gills can become affected. The gills are what filter the water and allow them to get oxygen. During this they can become inflamed or damaged making it hard to get enough oxygen. The use of test strips will accurately determine the pH of the tap water before use and after the pond is set up.

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The Japanese trapdoor snail is great for keeping algae down in a pond and can withstand cold water temperatures. They are docile creatures so there will be no worries when mixing them into a new habitat.

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One of the dangers most present for koi is having a water environment that has low levels of oxygen. Dissolved oxygen levels should be around 7-9 mg/L for the koi to thrive and a fountain can significantly improve their habitat by providing constant levels of aeration to meet this level.

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This submerged plant offers koi a chance to forage from and hide in. It is a great addition to the bottom of the pond since it acts as a natural water filter.

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Koi can feel vulnerable in open areas of a pond, especially with predators around, so fish caves provide a safe retreat. Creating a pond that includes several of these along with rocks and floor plants, mimics their natural habitat, which helps them feel more secure. Caves also offer enrichment, allowing koi to explore and interact with their environment.

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Creates natural ledges for koi to explore and provides extra surface area for beneficial bacteria. The pond depth should be tiered, offering shallow areas for basking and deep zones where koi can retreat to regulate temperature and avoid predators. This design mimics the natural habitat, promoting a healthier and more balanced ecosystem. Large stones should act as an above-ground border for our pond.

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Planted along the edges, this beautiful plant offers erosion control and shade. Their strong root system aids in soil retention and gives koi and other animals a sense of security.

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This rapidly growing plant is an excellent snack or meal supplement for our koi; it is rich in nutrients and provides oxygen for the water. This plant also reduces excess nutrient buildup of nitrogen, phosphorous, toxins, and pathogens by serving as a natural water filter. However, this plant is prone to overgrowth, so make sure it gets managed weekly.

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Creates a safe retreat for koi fish, reducing stress and offering protection from common predators like raccoons, herons, cats, and larger birds. It also provides shade to help regulate water temperature while also encouraging beneficial bacteria growth, which contributes to a healthier ecosystem. As a decor piece, it blends in with rocks and aquatic plants, adding a rustic, natural aesthetic that enhances the overall beauty of the pond.

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Provides shade for the fish which will keep the water temperature cooler/regulated especially in the summer months, prevents algae growth, and adds a lot of beauty to the pond when the flowers bloom. This plant, along with other floating plants, are effective at reducing algae since it reduces the sunlight needed for algae to grow.