Koi Pond Supplies

What are the requirements that you need when buying koi pond supplies

Heaters

Koi benefit from warm water. Gas fired boilers and electrically operated heaters where required will take up space and place an additional loading on the pump. As it is usual to find cast iron heat exchangers with copper fittings in both domestic and sqimming pool types of fas boiler, an external stainless steel heat exchanger should be used to prevent copper leaching into the pond water.

What about water filter? The role of filtration!

Efficient filtration keeps the water both clear and clean. It is a two stage system, the first stage separates out the solid matter by settlement so that it can be flushed to waste, and the second cleans the water to biological and occasionally chemical action.

If there is no mechanical separation then the biological media will double up as a strainer and consequently become prone to blockage. They will require regular cleaning, something ot be avoided if possible, because many beneficial bacteria will be lost during the process.

Koi pond filters can be placed either above the waterline or at the same water level as the pond. Some systems incorporate both elements.

The gas supply

A main gas supply is an advantage in cooler climates. Gas broiler are becoming very popular and several modified swimming pool types are available. When fitted with stainless steel heat exchangers, domestic and swimming pool gas boilers are easily capable of maintaning temperatures in excess of 20 C or 68 F. You may also need a specialist thermostat to give you more control of the system.

Ask yourself whether it is convenient to lay a gas supply to the pump house to run a gas boiler. Where there is a long run, use a larger gauge of pipe to prevent a drop in pressure. Check with the appropriate authority for regulations regarding minimum pipe depth and any protective covering required.

The water supply

You will need a supply of fresh tap water from the main, preferably on its own ball valve and maybe its own dedicated water purifier. This way, you can top up water levels and carry ut water changes without a hosepipe.

Mains water filters are commonly available now, particularly in areas where large amounts of additives, such as chlorine and chloramine are used. Depending on your filter, it may remove not only these toxic (to koi) chemicals from the water, but also basic minerals and vitamins.

In this case, it is vital that you offer the fish good quality food, with the correct balance of essential minerals and vitamins. An additive such as the powdered clay montmorillionite could be advantageous, it has vitamins and minerals added during manufacture.