If you have a question, please email to eip@sierrakoiclub.org <mailto:eip@sierrakoiclub.org>. The question will be posted on the website. Anyone can submit their answer to eip@sierrakoiclub.org <mailto:eip@sierrakoiclub.org> and will be posted within 24hrs. 

Q.: I am thinking of a new pond, and I have never had one. Where do I start ?

A.: Join your local koi club. They will have invaluable information regarding your area such as weather, wildlife/bird concerns, and advice on what works.

Q.: Can I have a pond on a budget ?

A.: Depending upon how many koi you want, almost anything is possible. As a minimum you will need filtration, pump, and a pond of some type.

Q.: Do I really need to join your club ? What do I get out of it ?

A.: A lot. Basically the fee to join for a year, is less than the cost of a decent koi from your local supplier. Not only do you learn about the hobby, you get to meet other koi keepers and discuss plans before you start to dig. These contacts save you time as well as money.

Q.:What is new pond syndrome?

A.: This is typically the description used for a new pond and cycling that is required for the pond to be balanced. A balanced pond typically has zero ammonia and zero nitrites. A new pond, MUST have very few koi. Some koi is necessary to begin the cycling process. To learn more about ammonia and nitrites please visit www.koivet.com.

Q.: Why are koi ponds 3 feet or deeper?

A.: One of the primary reasons is it keeps your koi safe from raccoons and birds. Steep sides without plants is preferred. Plants shelves allows raccoons a convenient place to sit and fish.

Q.: What special things should I do to my pond in the Spring ?

A.:  Don’t feed your koi unless water temperature has been above 55 degrees for more than a couple of days. Water temperature should stay above 55, for a period of time as well. Insure pond is clear of all debris including dead water plants, leaves etc.

Q.: What special should I do in the late Fall?

A.: Similar to Spring regarding pond debris and feeding. Some people cover their ponds, leaving some area available to natural sunlight. For heavy/cold winters pond keeper should insure that ice does not cover pond 100%. Using air stone or other methods will enable bad gases to escape.

Q.: When I clean my pond, I smell something really strong, like rotten eggs. What is that, and can it hurt my koi?

A.: This is very bad. Please visit www.koivet.com for details. Basically if the koi come in contact with these gases they can die or become very sick.

Q.: When should I stop feeding my koi ? And when can I start feeding them ?

A.: Generally rule of thumb is 55 degrees feed them, if you think it will stay warm. Around 50, don’t feed. This temperature is rather dangerous for you koi, regarding digestion as well as being able to fight off dieases.

Q.: What is the difference between a water feature and a koi pond?

A.: Generally a water feature is for people wanting the water, sound of water and some plants. Not necessarily fish. Water features are more economically as they do not require filtration, expensive food and bottom drain issues. A koi pond is generally much larger, usually a minimum of 3’ deep, have one or more filtrations, skimmers and the like.

Q.: I want a nature looking pond. Do I have to worry about drainage into my pond ?

A.: There are trade offs. Many koi ponds can be very natural looking but may require a little more attention than those ponds that are built regarding conditions such as drainage into ponds etc. There are examples of both in our club. Generally surface drainage into the pond is not good. During flooding, the koi could escape their safe pond. During common rain, the rain and fertilization of plants could drain into pond creating such things as green pond.

Q.: Why do people have bottom drains?

A.: All koi eat and generate fish waste. Fish wastes are solids and liquids. Generally the solids are heavy and drop to the bottom of the pond. These wastes can and do rot, creating a bad living condition for you koi. A bottom drain, through circulation of the system water into the filters will suck the heavy solids out of the pond. If you have a settling tank, these solids drop into this area, while the rest of the water cycles into your filter reasonably clean of solids.

Q.: What do I do if my fish start looking sick, acting strange or I have medical questions?

A.: Contact us or visit www.koivet.com. The website listed will enable you to define your search and find matches to the symptoms you are seeing and ways to fix the problem through injection or medicine. If you join our club, we share common behavior of koi as well as behavior that should be immediately given attention.

Q.: What are my choices if I need a good book on koi and koi care?

A.: One of the best we have seen is available through www.koivet.com. The use of this book, once, more than pays for the cost.

Q.: Are there any visiting koi experts coming to Reno? When is the seminar, and what can I expect to learn? What is the cost and how do I apply ?

A.: Dr. Erik Johnson DVM will be visiting Reno area in 2007. His host is Rail City and Sierra Koi Club will be assisting the sign up and seminars. For detailed information please keep checking back this website.

Send mail to eip@thekoisupply.com with questions or comments about this web site.