INTRODUCING NEW KOI

When adding new koi to an established pond, it’s best to purchase fish from a reliable dealer, who had quarantined the new koi for at least three weeks or more. When you pick out your koi and ready for the trip home the dealer should place the fish in a plastic bag, preferably double bagged, filled with pure Oxygen and tied with a rubber band.

For the trip home it is suggested that you place your bagged koi in a cool dark spot in your vehicle out of direct sunlight to help calm the koi and keep the water from getting hot, transport in a small box, cooler or Styrofoam box would protects your bag. Place your fish sideways. This will make their ride easier and prevent the koi from hitting nose to tail when you brake the car.

Once you arrive at home place the bag in your pond. Away from direct sunlight, best be in the shade or cover it with newspaper to allow the koi (in their bag) to acclimate to the water temperature in the pond, giving at least 20 minutes for the temperatures to equalize. Slowly remove a small amount of water with a cup from the bag, add the same amount that was removed from the bag with pond water. Check the pH levels of both your pond and the water in the bag to see if there is a difference. If so, repeat the transfer once more or until the two are close to equal before putting the koi into pond

When it's time to place your koi in the pond never pour the bag water into the pond. With the bag openings spread out as much as possible reach in and gently get hold of your koi and lift out of the bag and place into the water. If you are not accustom to handling your koi by hand than you may use a net or clean pail or bowl to catch the koi. If the koi is too jumpy when trying to remove from the bag you may try to twirl the bag in circles. This will make the koi a little dizzy thus easier to handle. I have done this a few times and it does help when handling a koi by hand.

Your new koi should acclimate fairly quickly. It would be a good idea not to feed for a couple of days as to give the koi time to become familiar with its new surroundings. If your koi tends to hide out at first this is usually normal and should come around within the third or fourth day. Just watch and carefully observe its behavior.