[Worldwide Koi Club] Ammonia problem
Hi Don, You are absolutely right about that fact that we can never have “TOO MUCH biofiltration with koi in the pond.” In my fitration system, 50% in volume is taken up by the japanese filter mattings, which is similar to matala, but are more fine and denser. The lava rocks are placed in the plant baskets and the baskets are submerged in the filter by sitting on top of the mattings. Pretty much my filters are filled all the way up to the top of the water level. I use the plant baskets for easy moving and removing of the lava rocks. I do weekly partial water change of 5-15% and drain the bottom of the filter once or twice a week depending on how poor the water is. As far as the feeding go, three handful of koi food is adequate for the load of fish, and they consume all within less than two minutes. Usually, I feed them four times a day, four hours apart from each feeding, starting from 9am. Sometimes, I do add the extra fifth feeding at 1am whenever I feel that the biofilter can handle it. I live in S. California so the weather is warm at this time of the year. The temperature of the water in my pond averages 70-72* F early before sunrise, and 72-74* F late in day when the sun is setting. I have had a few problems before with the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate level rising to a critical level that I had to cease feeding until they fall down to a safe level. My main concern is next year when these koi will outgrow the pond. My local dealers suggested to thin out my pond and keep as few as I could. But knowing how we koi lovers are, we cannot have enough koi, and keep on adding more to the pond…it’s just a joke, you know. By the next year, I will have to build another bigger pond with a larger fiter system. Wish me the best of luck! Darren
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
