Anyone know where I can get information on how to raise koi fish?

Question

My friend just recently gave me his 125 gallon tank and im thinking about raising koi fish. I've never raised fish before so i want to know somethings to do and not to do and any other information like that. I tried searching, but no luck.

Answer 1

http://www.watergarden.com/koi-goldfish/
http://www.pricesfishfarm.com/koicare.htm
http://www.coloradokoi.com/
http://www.pond-doctor.co.uk/catnewpond.htm

Have fun!

Answer 2

The common carp is a hardy fish, and koi retain that durability. Koi must be kept in a 240 gallon container per fish. This means two koi would require 480 gallons of space. Koi are cold water fish, so it's advisable to have a meter or more of depth in areas of the world that become warm during the summer. In areas that get harsh winters, it is a good idea to have a pond that is a minimum of 1.5 meters (4 1/2 feet) deep so that it won't freeze solid. It is also a good idea to keep a space open with a bubbler and a horse trough heater.

Koi's bright colors put them at a severe disadvantage against predators; a white-skinned Kohaku is a visual dinner bell against the dark green of a pond. Herons, kingfishers, raccoons, cats, foxes, and badgers are all capable of emptying a pond of its fish. A well-designed outdoor pond will have areas too deep for herons to stand in, overhangs high enough above the water that mammals can't reach in, and shade trees overhead to block the view of aerial passersby. It may prove necessary to string nets or wires above the surface. The pond should include a pump and filtration system to keep the water clear.

Koi are an omnivorous fish and will often eat a wide variety of foods, including peas, lettuce, and watermelon. Koi food is designed not only to be nutritionally balanced, but also to float so as to encourage them to come to the surface. When they are eating, it is possible to check them for parasites and ulcers. Koi will recognize the person feeding them and gather around at dinnertime. They can even be trained to take the food from one's hand.

In the winter their digestive system slows nearly to a halt, and they eat very little, perhaps no more than nibbles of algae from the bottom. Their appetite won't come back until the water warms up in the spring. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 °C), feeding, particularly with protein, should be halted or the food can go rancid in their stomach causing sickness.

If kept properly, koi can live about 30–40 years. Some have reportedly lived up to 200 years.

Answer 3

I have 6 beautiful Koi's. Though we have them outside in a 200 gal pond. They are so easy to take care of. I have had mine for 3 years now, and they are a joy to watch.
I do not do anything special for them. I do change out 10% of the water and add Stress Coat at least once a month. I do have a UV light, such as the Turbo Twist, to control the algae and two bubblers. I also add aquarium salt, just a small amount. Mine seem to like the soft sticks food available at any pet store or Walmart.
They also like earth worms. Just make sure you have a bubbler for oxygen or live plants. Some will eat it the live plants. Oh, they love zucchini and squash pieces. I cut mine into triangles, tie it with fishing string with a weight at the bottom. I feed mine the same time each day, and it is so funny to watch them come to the surface to greet me. You can find info on them at Petsmart (book), or go to google and type in raising Koi's.
Hope this helps!
Good luck and enjoy them. They can get big!!

Answer 4

Here is an excellent article-http://www.petco.com/caresheets/fish/Koi.pdf.