Pond Fish Food Articles | Best Koi Food To Keep Water Clear

Today, I would like to discuss the best feeding pattern for Koi carp, living in a pond environment.

One of the magical qualities of Koi carp is their willingness to eat food out of their owners hand. In this way there is a bond formed that is not unlike that formed with mans best friend; the good old shaggy pet dog.

The majority of pond keepers think of Koi food, goldfish food, and other pond fish food as simply being available as a pellet or flake. This is simply not the case! Modern fish food, as well as being available in the traditional forms comes in a whole range of different flavors, sizes and varieties.

What about fruit flavored fish food or crustacean treats, for example?

What ever variety of goldfish food or koi food you choose, always go for the best you can afford. There will be significant benefits in the form of healthier, more vibrant and colorful fish. Your pond water will also contain less waste by products and your biological pond filter will not be taxed as much.

Last and not least is the fact that quality koi and pond fish food will save you significant money in the long term.

Click here to take a look at the leading Koi and Goldfish Food Reviews on this site...

How Much Pond Food Should I Feed My Koi and Gold Fish?

The answer to this one isn't an exact science and depends upon several factors. One thing is for sure though, in 99% percent of cases, and that is that chances are you are over feeding.

Unless you are specifically breeding koi or preparing them for a competition then feeding them every 4 to 5 days is perfectly adequate. They won't starve, due to their digestive system being different to human beings. This is addition to their foraging behavior will help to keep up their strength.

In fact, feeding them once a week won't do them any harm. It will however spoil the fun of watching these beautiful creatures feed.

Koi are notorious for eating anything that comes their way, despite whether or not it is of nutritional value or not. In a garden pond environment they will often be seen foraging for various insects, midge larvae and other tasty morsels, found under plants and pond ledges.

So go ahead and feed your water dwelling pets but don't overdo it!

Not only for your Koi and goldfish's well being, but also to minimize the direct and negative impact upon pond filter performance.

All aquatic pond life, including pond fish exist in their own toilet. That sounds pretty gross; alas it is true however. They eat, breathe and carry out other metabolic bodily processes in the pond.

There has to be a way of purifying the pond water! There is! This is where a Biological Pond Filter comes in useful.

A pond filter breaks down ammonia and nitrite, contained in the water.

This ammonia and nitrite is a direct result of the by products of your fish eating. Ammonia stems from protein materials in food. The fish has to get rid of all that nitrogen in the food source somehow.

The more your pond fish feed the greater the quantities of ammonia released into the pond environment. In sufficiently high quantities ammonia is poisonous and somewhat lethal to all pond inhabitants including: Koi, goldfish, frogs, newts, snails etc.

This is why an adequately specified biological pond filter is essential for the vast majority of backyard ponds. Some folks utilize a Veggie Filter, also known as a bog filter, instead.

This has advantages and disadvantages. Personally I think a biofilter is far less hassle.

Every time you feed your Koi and other pond fish you are encouraging the increase of ammonia concentrations within the pond water.

It therefore follows that the easiest and best way to maintain optimum pond water conditions is to feed tiny amounts of fish food, instead of large portions, perhaps every few days.

It takes approximately 4 days for fish food to work through the Digestive System of a Koi.

What Is The Best Koi Food To Keep Water Clear? What Should I Look Out For?

Remember the 3 following tips...

Always read the label.
Look at the product.
Check the packaging.

The major constituents of Koi food are nitrogen based protein sources including herring bone meal, vegetable proteins, carbohydrates and inorganic indigestible compounds.

Consider the following when choosing Koi food because it will pay dividends in the end...

A high quality Koi food will contain at least 30% protein, have a low ash content (inorganic filler and contain a moisture content that is no greater than 10%. Let's face it a pond already contains enough water!

When you see the large tub of Koi food at a very cheap price then you should be wary. This is how some manufacturers con you into thinking you have a bargain; in reality you have been ripped off.

Let me explain further...

If a Koi food manufacturer uses predominantly vegetable based proteins instead of fish meal (fish protein) then the nutritional value will be significantly lower. A favorite trick is to save money by allowing high ash levels and say 12% moisture instead of 10%.

It is also a good idea to be aware of the following...

Summer Koi food should have higher protein content than a fall (autumn) koi food. This is one of the reasons that wheat germ is such a popular fall and winter koi food.
Always buy branded products from leading manufacturers, so as to take advantage of many benefits; including; lower prices, fresher food, a larger selection of Koi food to choose from.
All that has bells and whistles and glistens is not always the best. Packaging is important, but it is not always indicative of the quality of the Koi food, within.
Large pelletfish food is designed for large Koi, and small pellets are designed for small koi. Floating pellets are the best option because they allow you to easily net out any uneaten food. This should be done after a few minutes, so as to avoid polluting the pond floor.
Store all fish food in tightly sealed see through containers; this provides protection from possible contamination. See through containers are better because you can not only see what you are buying, but also how much you have left.

Furthermore, by feeding a food source that encourages less waste you are benefitting the koi (cleaner environment in which to live) and doing yourself a favor; less waste means less strain on your biological pond filter.