Maturing your koi pond
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Efficient biological filtration enables Koi to live in a pond. Without it, the pond would quickly become impossible to live in due to the build-up of toxic ammonia from koi wastes.
In the nitrogen cycle, waste matters (urine and waste discharge from koi, unfinished koi food) are mineralized into Ammonia and Ammonium. This is then oxidized by bacteria into Nitride (NO2). In turn, this Nitride is further broken down into the relatively harmless Nitrade (NO3) which is removed during regular partial water changes.
The beneficial filter bacteria (the biomass) occur naturally in air and water, but, to colonize the filter and multiply to viable levels, they require nourishment in the form of koi waste discharge and unfinished koi food, etc and very importantly together with a constant supply of dissolved oxygen, and time.
Chorine in tap water is lethal to filter bacteria. Ensure the pond water pH is between 7.2 and 7.8 and that there are no residual contaminants like lime from untreated mortar. If your pond is fiber-lined this becomes less of an issue. Take note that bacteria will not grow if the pH is lower than 6.5 and that the higher the pH, e.g. pH at 8.2, ammonia becomes a lot more toxic compared to pH of 7.2 and could well kill the koi in your pond. Aeration of the water would provide a better environment for bacteria growth but at this stage keep the UV light switched off. To kick-start having bacteria in the filter chambers, add a liquid suspension of live filter bacteria into the biological filter chambers.
Close monitoring of the various water parameters like pH and dissolved oxygen level would be required. When koi is finally introduced to the pond, ammonia level is the next parameter you need to pay particular attention.
It would be necessary to turn on the overflow water supply tap to allow a constant drip of fresh water to the pond which would in turn drain off water via the discharge pipe.
It can take one to several weeks (as there are many elements that can create havoc to what you are trying to do) for the pond to achieve the required biological balance to accommodate your koi. With proper planning and execution you should get there.
Enjoy your new hobby and take good care of your collection of koi.
PH Ong / KK House
4:09 AM |
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