Pet Help

It is every Koi fish owner’s dream to have healthy Koi swimming in crystal clear water. But how to do that has always been a challenge. There are a few pieces of equipment that will help you in your quest for that elusive perfectly clear water.

The ozone unit is one piece of equipment that you could consider. Aquarium owners have used ozone for some time but it is relatively new to Koi ponds probably because they are very expensive. The ozone is created by passing air through a high voltage electrical discharge. This adds an extra atom to the oxygen. When this is detached it creates a very powerful disinfectant process.

Now ozone itself is highly dangerous for Koi fish. It can never be allowed in the Koi pond. The water is fed through the ozone unit as part of the filtration process, treated and returned to the pond free of disease, bacteria and parasites with much improved clarity. The unfortunate part of this is that these units are very expensive. But they are something to keep in mind and may be added later as you can afford them.

There is another less expensive alternative for improving water quality. This piece of equipment is the UV clarifier. These units remove singled-celled algae that proliferate in sunshine and high levels of nitrates and phosphates. The water is passed through the ultraviolet light causing the algae to decay. This unit is different than the UV sterilizer that is used in aquariums.

This unit is also different from the UV sterilizer that is often used in aquariums. The clarifier allows a higher volume of water to pass over the ultraviolet light. The sterilizer lets less water pass closer to the light for a higher dose.

Another option is the use of a variety of “water polishing” units. Traditionally this was done by passing the water through a sand filter after the last main filter stage before the water was returned to the pond. Today there is a more cost effective way to accomplish this using a canister device containing a series sieve plates designed to capture extremely fine particles.

Consider these options as you look for ways to get that extra water clarity in you pond. It will make a real difference and greatly enhance the enjoyment you get from your fish.