KONG KOI

04/09/2025

“Outside, it’s a brisk -1°C. Beneath the surface, the water is warmed to 21°C — the perfect temperature for koi to thrive.”

03/08/2025

Contact for more information.

02/23/2025

Warm water bath. Koi love warm water. We set a heater at 70 degree.

02/14/2025

Shipping koi via air requires careful planning to ensure the fish arrive healthy and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation Before Shipping

Health Check
• Ensure koi are healthy, free of parasites, and have no signs of disease.
• Avoid feeding the koi for 24–48 hours before shipment to reduce waste in the bag.

Supplies Needed
• Heavy-duty plastic bags (at least 3 mil thick, preferably double-bagged).
• Rubber bands or heat sealers.
• Oxygen supply.
• Insulated shipping box (styrofoam-lined inside a cardboard box).
• Packing material (such as foam pads or newspaper) to prevent movement.
• Shipping labels and documentation (including permits, if necessary).
• Ice packs (if shipping in hot weather).

2. Packing the Koi

Bagging
1. Fill the Bag with Water
• Use clean, dechlorinated, or pond water.
• Fill about ⅓ of the bag with water and leave ⅔ for oxygen.
2. Add Oxygen
• Inject pure oxygen into the bag before sealing to ensure the fish has sufficient oxygen during transport.
3. Seal the Bag
• Twist the top of the bag and secure it tightly with rubber bands or a heat sealer.
• Double bagging is recommended in case of leaks.
4. Place in Insulated Box
• Line the box with a styrofoam insert for insulation.
• Add packing material around the bags to prevent movement and cushion the koi.
• If shipping in summer, include cold packs; if in winter, use heat packs.

3. Choosing the Right Airline & Shipping Service
• Use Overnight or Express Shipping
• FedEx, UPS, or airline cargo services (such as Delta Cargo or Southwest Cargo) are common options.
• Direct flights are preferable to minimize transit time.
• Label the Box Clearly
• Mark “Live Fish” and “This Side Up” on all sides.
• Include your contact information and recipient details.
• Check Airline or Carrier Regulations
• Some airlines require specific permits or paperwork for live animal shipments.

4. Arrival and Acclimation
• Instruct the recipient to open the box immediately upon arrival.
• Acclimate the koi by floating the bag in the pond or tank for 15–30 minutes.
• Slowly mix small amounts of pond water into the bag before releasing the fish.

02/08/2025

During heavy snow and freezing winter conditions, consider the following recommendations to protect your koi and maintain optimal water quality:

1. Maintain a Stable Water Temperature
• Keep the water temperature above 50°F if possible to prevent extreme stress on the koi.
• If using a pond heater or de-icer, ensure it is functioning correctly.
• If considering an indoor setup, move the koi before temperatures drop too much.

2. Oxygenation & Water Circulation
• Keep an aerator or air stone running to ensure proper oxygenation, but avoid excessive surface agitation that might supercool the water.
• Use a floating de-icer to keep a hole open in the ice for gas exchange.
• If using a pump, position it mid-level in the pond to avoid disturbing the warmer water at the bottom.

3. Water Quality Management
• Reduce feeding once temperatures drop below 50°F; stop entirely below 40°F.
• Check ammonia and nitrite levels, as the biofilter is less effective in cold temperatures.
• Perform small water changes (if necessary) with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water.

4. Prevent Ice Damage & Stress
• Avoid breaking ice forcefully, as shockwaves can harm the koi.
• Use a pond cover or greenhouse structure to help retain heat.

5. Emergency Preparedness
• Have a backup generator for aerators and heaters in case of power outages.
• Keep an emergency indoor tank ready if relocation is necessary.

11/14/2024

Recently harvested koi, PM if interested. 5,000💪

11/05/2024

Preparing a koi pond for winter in Michigan involves several steps to ensure the fish and pond remain healthy during the colder months. Here’s a guide:

1. Stop Feeding the Fish

• When water temperatures consistently drop below 50°F, stop feeding your koi. Their metabolism slows down in colder temperatures, and they won’t be able to digest food, which could lead to health issues.

2. Clean the Pond

• Remove any leaves, debris, and organic matter from the pond. Decomposing matter can produce toxic gases under the ice, which may harm the fish.
• Use a net to cover the pond if there are still leaves falling to prevent additional debris from getting in.

3. Check the Filtration System

• Clean out your pond’s filters and, if possible, remove or shut down filters and pumps that might be damaged by freezing. Alternatively, place them in a frost-free location.
• If you have a biological filter, consider bypassing it to avoid freezing and damage.

4. Add Aeration or a De-Icer

• Adding a pond aerator can help keep an area of the pond’s surface from freezing, which allows toxic gases to escape. Place the aerator near the surface, not at the pond’s bottom, to avoid disturbing the warmer water where the fish will stay.
• Consider installing a pond de-icer to keep a small section of the pond from freezing over entirely.

5. Adjust Water Temperature Gradually

• Since you plan to drop the water temperature to 60°F in February, ensure a gradual reduction over time. This can help fish acclimate and reduce stress.
• Continue monitoring water temperature through the winter to ensure it stays within safe limits.

6. Move Plants Indoors (If Needed)

• Hardy plants can often survive outdoors, but tropical plants should be brought inside if you wish to preserve them for the following year.

7. Monitor Fish Health

• Keep an eye on your koi throughout the winter, looking for any signs of distress or illness.

10/27/2024

Preparing your koi pond for winter is essential to ensure the health and safety of your fish during the colder months. Here are some steps to help you get your koi pond ready:

1. **Clean the Pond**: Remove any debris, fallen leaves, and excess algae from the pond. This prevents the buildup of harmful gases under the ice.

2. **Check Water Levels**: Ensure that the water level is adequate, as evaporation can occur. You may need to top it off with fresh water.

3. **Test the Water**: Test the water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure a healthy environment for your koi.

4. **Remove Pump and Filter**: If you have a pond filter or pump that is not designed for winter use, it’s best to remove and clean them. Store them in a frost-free place until spring.

5. **Insulate the Pond**: If your pond is shallow, consider adding insulation around the edges to help maintain a stable temperature.

6. **Install a Pond Heater or Aerator**: To prevent the pond from freezing completely, use a pond heater or aerator to keep a portion of the surface open, allowing for gas exchange.

7. **Feed the Koi**: As temperatures drop, gradually reduce the amount of food you provide to your koi. Stop feeding them when the water temperature falls below 50°F (10°C), as their metabolism slows down.

8. **Consider Adding Plants**: If you have aquatic plants, trim them back and ensure that hardy plants are submerged at the proper depth to survive the winter.

9. **Winterize Water Features**: If you have fountains or waterfalls, it might be best to turn them off to prevent ice formation.

10. **Monitor Ice Formation**: Regularly check for ice formation and ensure there’s an opening for gas exchange. Use a de-icer if necessary.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your koi pond remains a healthy environment for your fish throughout the winter months.

10/15/2024

Kojaku…. 5,200💸 contact Kongkoi

09/29/2024

Egg binding in koi, also known as "egg impaction," occurs when female koi are unable to release their eggs during the spawning season, leading to potentially serious health issues. Proper management of egg binding in a koi pond involves a combination of preventive measures and treatment strategies. Here are the key steps to managing egg binding in a koi pond:

# # # 1. **Preventive Measures**
- **Maintain Proper Water Quality**: Ensure optimal water parameters to minimize stress, which can contribute to egg binding. This includes:
- **pH**: 7.0 to 8.0
- **Ammonia**: 0 ppm
- **Nitrite**: 0 ppm
- **Nitrate**: Under 40 ppm
- **Temperature**: Koi typically spawn in water temperatures between 68°F and 75°F (20°C to 24°C). Avoid rapid temperature fluctuations.
- **Balanced Diet**: Feed koi a balanced, high-quality diet that includes nutrients to promote good reproductive health. Reduce protein intake during the winter and early spring to prevent excessive egg production.
- **Spawning Environment**: Ensure that the pond has adequate spawning materials, such as aquatic plants, spawning mops, or other surfaces where koi can lay their eggs. This encourages natural spawning behavior, reducing the likelihood of egg binding.
- **Balanced Gender Ratio**: A balanced ratio of males to females (ideally two males per female) can help ensure that females are sufficiently chased during spawning, which helps them release eggs.

# # # 2. **Recognizing Egg Binding Symptoms**
- **Abnormal Swelling**: Female koi will appear bloated, particularly around the abdomen, with one side sometimes appearing more swollen than the other.
- **Lethargy**: Koi may become lethargic, spending more time near the surface or isolated from other fish.
- **Appetite Loss**: A bound female may stop eating or eat much less than usual.
- **Difficulty Swimming**: Due to the enlarged abdomen, the koi may have difficulty swimming or maintaining buoyancy.
- **Delayed Spawning**: If it's spawning season (usually late spring or early summer) and a female has not spawned, it could indicate egg binding.

# # # 3. **Treatment Options**
If egg binding is suspected, it is important to act quickly, as untreated egg binding can lead to infections, organ damage, or death. Consider the following treatments:

- **Manual Egg Expression**: This should only be performed by an experienced koi keeper or a veterinarian. It involves gently massaging the female’s abdomen to help release the eggs. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the fish’s internal organs.
- **Increase Water Temperature**: Gradually raise the water temperature to 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C) if it's safe to do so in your pond. This may stimulate spawning and encourage the female to release her eggs naturally.
- **Add Males or Stimulate Spawning**: Adding additional male koi or placing spawning media (such as plants or artificial spawning mats) in the pond can encourage natural spawning behavior.
- **Salt Bath or Epsom Salt**: A short-term salt bath (using aquarium salt) or adding a small amount of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the pond can reduce swelling and aid in egg expulsion. Consult a veterinarian for proper dosage.
- **Hormonal Injections**: In severe cases, a veterinarian may administer hormone injections, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), to induce spawning and egg release.

# # # 4. **Veterinary Intervention**
If the koi does not respond to basic treatments or if the egg binding appears severe, seek immediate veterinary care. A veterinarian can:
- **Perform Ultrasound**: To confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the egg binding.
- **Surgical Removal**: In extreme cases where eggs are hard or severely impacted, surgery may be required to remove the eggs manually.
- **Antibiotics**: If infection is suspected due to prolonged egg binding, the vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent septicemia or other secondary infections.

# # # 5. **Post-Treatment Care**
- **Monitor the Koi**: After treatment, monitor the koi closely for any signs of infection, buoyancy issues, or unusual behavior. Continue maintaining optimal water quality to reduce stress and aid recovery.
- **Reduce Stress**: Stress is a major contributing factor to egg binding, so make sure the environment is as stress-free as possible, with minimal disturbances and optimal filtration systems.

# # # 6. **Long-Term Management**
- **Diet Adjustments**: After egg binding treatment, adjust the female koi's diet to prevent excessive egg production in the future. Feed a lower-protein diet during non-spawning seasons and increase protein only in the months leading up to spawning.
- **Monitor for Recurrence**: Female koi that experience egg binding once may be prone to it again. Regularly monitor them for signs of abnormal swelling, particularly during the breeding season.

# # # Conclusion
Prevention is the best strategy for managing egg binding in koi. Ensuring proper pond conditions, encouraging natural spawning behavior, and being vigilant for signs of egg binding will help keep your koi healthy. If egg binding occurs, early intervention and veterinary care can save the affected fish from more severe health complications.

09/27/2024