How to Raise Koi Fish for Fast Growth and the Ideal Number

Keeping 6 or 9 koi fish is considered auspicious. To ensure they grow quickly, you'll need a large tank, specialized feed, and regular water changes.

For housing koi fish, a large glass tank is ideal, preferably 80 cm or larger. Before introducing the fish, the water needs to be conditioned for at least 10 days. A robust filtration system is crucial. Allocate about 20% of the filter space for mechanical filtration using filter wool and bio-foam. The remaining 80% should house biological media like ceramic rings or bio balls. This is because koi have a high metabolic rate, requiring ample beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia and nitrites into less harmful substances.

Koi fish lack stomachs, so it is important to feed them small portions multiple times a day. Feedings should be completed within 3 to 5 minutes. While koi will eat a variety of foods, using specialized koi feed is essential for optimal growth and health. Koi feed is typically divided into types such as growth, development, color enhancement, wheat germ, and staple foods. Though koi enjoy live foods, these can sometimes pose risks. Each feed type has a specific purpose, and feeding should be adjusted based on the water temperature. When water temperatures dip below 20 degrees Celsius, it's best to avoid growth and color enhancement feed and to switch to wheat germ feed.

Koi fish are relatively adaptable to water conditions, but regular water changes are still required. They are also highly sensitive to sudden temperature changes. A sudden change in water temperature of 6 degrees Celsius can be fatal for koi fish. Therefore, water changes must be done with care to ensure that the new water temperature difference does not exceed 3 degrees Celsius.Related resource:Pet Training