Max number of Koi?
Question:
I rebuilt my pond enlarging it to 14ft x 11ft, 3600 gal. pond with 3 levels, of 2.5ft, 4ft and 4.5ft, a skimmer, waterfall, an aerator, several variety of plants, a 3700GPH ext. pump and 150 gal. stock tank filter. It’s been operating about 2 months now. I live in Montana, where it can get down to -30F to -40F degrees in the winter. My previous 1200 gal pond last year weathered temps down to -30F with a 1200W stock tank heater and the waterfall never stopped flowing. I currently have 4 KOI ranging from 5in. to 16in. in length. 1. What’s the max number of KOI that would do well in my pond, once they get full grown to about 24in. to 26 in.? 2. Would you recommend covering the stock tank filter over the winter and include a small heater, in addition to the stock tank heater in the pond to prevent the stock from freezing? Thank you!
Answer:
It is hard to answer question # 1, because there are many, many variables. It depends =”https://www.pondmarket.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=631″>Test the water regularly to make sure nitrite and ammonia levels are at 0. Stocking the pond with plants and adding a good beneficial bacteria product to the filter and the pond can increase the fish holding capacity of the pond somewhat, but…in case of a power outage there has to be enough surface area for each fish to supply sufficient oxygen.
Question # 2: It would be a good idea to add a heater to the stock tank. Covering it would also help.