Koi Fish to make your Japanese Water Gardens

The very idea of having Japanese water gardens reflect the quiet moments. Maybe you already have Japanese Garden in place, and now you're ready to add some finishing touches to it. There is no better way to do this then to introduce these amazing and beautiful Koi fish for it. Many believe Koi to symbolize happiness, which makes adding Koi fish to your Japanese Garden a big plus. The Japanese also understand Koi fish as a symbol of friendship and love. 

Koi fish have never been bred to become a food staple. They are much like a carp on a much smaller scale. Although the Japanese are known as breeders of koi, is also magnificent koi breeding species over various parts of Asia. 

If you're wondering about the exquisite color patterns of Koi you can thank the vigilance during the production process. For Koi breeding is nothing new on the horizon, and in fact goes back to the 1800s. 

It is a big decision to have koi added to your Japanese water garden. So even though you have to realize that there is care and maintenance, which are involved in this. Koi require a clean living environment, and if they do not follow this, they will not survive. This means you should be filtering and cleaning of the pond continuously. Be sure to check your filters regularly to ensure they do not become clogged. On a daily basis, be sure to remove dirt such as leaves and grass that may have blown into the pond. If the remaining back, it can contribute in the formation of various types of algae. 

If you learn to study your koi carefully they will tell you when they are hungry. You will see them resurface again and again. Be careful not to feed them as this will contaminate the water. You will find several different types of koi food on the market but you really want to buy a type of germ is rich, as they seem to digest this easier. 

You will also discover that your koi have an increased appetite during breeding season. This is during the summer months, you are welcome to meet demand. 

Realize that Koi are social and thrive in the company of their own kind. They prefer to swim in groups. This means that ideally you should have more in the pond, but not exceeding the amount or living conditions, will not be enough for their health. 

They are a beautiful fish and kept in optimum health. Inspect them regularly to ensure that none of them is sick. Avoid handling of koi, as they have a slimy film covering them to protect them. Too much handling will destroy the film and put them at risk for the disease. 

If you follow these few simple rules, your Japanese water garden will be full of happy, healthy koi fish, you can enjoy in the coming years. 

Jason Boonstra is the author of "The Ultimate Water Garden Manual" - required reading for anyone contemplating Japanese water garden.