Page 355 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

KOI 353

CLIMATE ISSUES
Winters can be harsh in places where Hot weather also brings its hazards. Increasing
koi originate, and today’s established water temperature can reduce the amount of
koi varieties are hardy enough to spend oxygen in the pond to dangerously low levels.
the winter in an outdoor pond in all but the Evaporation increases, and the pond is likely
coldest climates. An outdoor koi pond must be to require regular refilling with
sufficiently deep, however, to ensure that the dechlorinated water. Fish should be checked
fish will not become trapped in any ice that more regularly for signs of disease in summer,
forms. Pond heaters can help to prevent the because infectious agents can multiply more
surface from freezing over. quickly in warm weather. Screening may also
As water temperatures drop, koi spend more be required in very hot weather, to provide
time at the bottom of the pond and start to shade over the pond and to help prevent
eat less. Young fish may be better housed in pale-colored fish from suffering sunburn
an aquarium over the winter, since spending (see p.323). Canopies fashioned from bamboo
time in this torpid state temporarily slows matting on wooden supports are a popular
their rate of growth. decorative option for this purpose.

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