As you raise your pet Koi, you need to have the necessary filtration system for the pond. The Koi is sensitive to the pond's water quality compared to all the other fishes out there, that's why you really need to consider when it comes to having a filter in your Koi pond.
The filter is an equipment that helps in controlling the biological balance within the pond. Its function is to remove the waste produced by the Koi. In the wild, the waste that comes from the fish is being removed through the water volume of the area, and through the water's current as well. So, when the fish is being placed in a controlled environment, they really need to have such a natural function as well. There are two kinds of filters: the biological and the mechanical. The biological filtration uses bacteria to break down the toxic waste (ammonia or pH), into less harmful substances such as nitrates (while it's just normal to have continuous amounts of pH on a low level, it can also impose harm to the Koi in high levels). Nitrates are also harmful to the Koi if they come in great amounts.
A good filter for your pond will still be able to work properly without the use of a pump to force the water through to it. Your Koi pond is a large area, that's why the filter's strength isn't able to circulate the water just on its own. The pump is the one that pushes the water and also the one that circulates the water through the pond. Also, add-ons like waterfall and those small fountain can be put in your pond, stirring up water and allowing oxygen from the air to be folded into pond's water (this process is called aeration). Keep in mind that it's very important to have a continuous supply of oxygen for your pets.
It’s also necessary to test the water’s chemical make up on a weekly basis, and this can be done in two ways. The first option is to go to your local pet store and bring a sample of your pond's water so that they can test it for you, while the second option is to buy a home testing kit with which you can test the water all by yourself. You should keep the chemical mixture of the water at a normal level for your pets all the time.
Maintenance is always needed for your own Koi garden. It only takes a little bit of time and effort to maintain your pond, and having vital systems in it like the filter is one of the things that pond owners really need to have. Having a very healthy Koi pond and a magnificent Koi garden (plus the elegant and beautiful fish in your pond) makes the hobby of Koi keeping really a rewarding one!
