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Fish
Question 1: Is there a rule of thumb to determine how many fish can be in a garden pond?
The calculation is approximately 20 cm fish length per 1000 litters of pond water. However then you must include future growth in the calculation. The fish stock should be checked annually and corrected as needed.
Excessive fish stock can cause murky water, algae growth, plant damage, and fish disease.
Question 2: Do fish need to be fed the entire year?
Fish are cold-blooded animals, e.g. when the water temperature decreases then metabolism slows and the need for food decreases. This is the case with water temperatures of app. 12° and below.
Question 3: How do determine the sex of koi?
Male koi are mostly thinner and usually have larger pectoral fins, the anal opening is a slit form. In our climate sexual maturity is reached after 3 – 4 years.
Female koi are rounder, have smaller pectoral fins and a round anal opening. Sexual maturity is reached at app. 4 – 5 years. Precise identification is not possible for young fish.
Question 4: What prevents parasite infestation with koi?
Treat the affected fish individually with a salt bath. Details: 20-30g cooking salt or sea salt per litre of water (produces a 2-3% solution). Do not do this in the pond but in an individual pool, otherwise small creatures, plants, or filter bacteria could be harmed.
Leave the fish in the salt water for app. 15-20 minutes. Then the parasite must be determined – the veterinarian has appropriate medication for further treatment.
Question 5: How long does it take for a koi to get used to the new pond?
Habituation times of up to 14 days are normal. It is important to leave the koi alone. Stress and hectic net movements are better avoided at this time.
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