Temperature
Overview
The Koi pond is exposed to differing temperatures. As the water has got a very high heat capacity, not every outdoor temperature fluctuation is immediately passed to the water. But of course, the pond in winter cools down, while in the summer it heats up. In winter, it must be ensured that the temperature does not drop below 4 degrees. Feeding has to be adjusted to the temperature.
Further information
General
The temperature of the pond has a direct impact on the Koi in the pond and the running of bio-chemical processes. At lower temperatures the bio-chemical processes in the pond slow down or even stop completely. The solubility of gases, oxygen is noteworthy, rises with falling temperatures. The fact that rising temperatures increase the bioactivity of Koi, and thus the oxygen consumption, but the oxygen concentration in water drops two opposing curves emerge, that meet at an optimal point. This is approximately at 20-25 ° C. Other bio-chemical processes slow down, as the nitrification. It is delaying significantly at 12-14 ° C and stops completely at 5 ° C. This can be accelerated at increasing temperatures by bacterial injection
Limits
a winter Koi pond may not have a temperature below 4 ° C. Precautionary measures against cooling down have to be taken. Thus, the pond can be heated or covered with insulating materials. Overwintering in an indoor pool has to be considered as well. In literature it is reported of an upper limit of 38 °. This in our latitudes plays a minor role. But even here, there are ways of optimizing the water. We mention a heat pump with reversing function. You can cool the water with a pump of this kind.
Growth
In order to achieve an optimal growth of the Koi, it is not enough, to observe the limits of 4-38 ° C. The optimum temperature for Koi is at 20-23 ° C. The closer the optimum temperature can be kept, the better it is for the health and growth of the koi.
Feeding
At temperatures above 28 ° C feeding should be restricted. Between 18 and 28 ° C protein-rich food can be given. Below 15 degrees feeding has to be reduced. A Koi should not be fed below temperatures below 8 ° C.
