B) Bought my first koi... This week, it is supposed to hit 70 degrees on Friday, so, I'm hoping to have my expanded pond completed by then.... But, it is currently in the low 40s... was 33 this morning.... And I don't feel comfortable putting them outside just yet.....

My little guys are in a small "habitat" and there are 4 of them...

My question is how long can they stay in a "habitat" without water change?

And, if I go ahead and change the water (I'm planning on it), how long without aeration can they stay there?

Just got them last night...

Is it common for koi to "suck" the water at the surface?....

Hmmmm.... :unsure:


((Also... I must say, these are aggressive little beasts....)) <_<


Adreamer2

"My question is how long can they stay in a "habitat" without water change?"

How big are the koi and how big is the "habitat?" Assuming they are not crowded, ammonia levels without biological filtration will start to be a problem within a week. With filtration, they can go a little longer. I would do water changes once or twice a week depending on how crowded they are.

"And, if I go ahead and change the water (I'm planning on it), how long without aeration can they stay there?"

They have no aeration, filtration, or water movement right now? If they do, what exactly? I personally wouldn't keep them without aeration for more than a few hours. It's easy enough to plop an air stone in there or a small pump to move water near the surface.

"Is it common for koi to "suck" the water at the surface?...."

Common, yes; a good sign, not really. Fish usually do this because they need more oxygen so add that aeration. They may also suck the surface when in stress for other reasons such as high ammonia or sometimes just to eat bugs. If it's non-stop air sucking, it's almost always low oxygen levels.

Sound advice!!!.... You were right!!! I was just about to change my koi's water when a friend came over... I had to go to a funeral today and missed changing the water since my last post today..... (just got back 10 minutes ago)... and two of them were floating sideways in the "habitat"....

it was small... and the guys were only 4"... So, I'd hope to change the water and get them in the pond by Friday.... (daily changes)..... But, two of them didn't make it since yesterday.....


But, now I know... Makes much more sense to me now....


Thx!!!,
adreamer2