How to Keep a Koi Pond Clean

First, skim any debris off the top. Do this once a week. If they are bugs on the top, leave them for the fish, that is one of they're favorite foods.

Next, Take out all the filters and spray them with a hose. You should do this once to four times a week, depending on size of pond, number of fish, and number of filters

Take a pond vacuum and vacuum the pond 1-3 times a month, again depending on size of pond, number of fish, and number of filters. This will keep the pond debris from settling on the bottom of the pond. If you see algae, use an algaecide that is fish friendly and follow the instructions. That's all you have to do

Also, it is a good idea to add a little bit of pond salt to the pond. This not only keeps the pond clearer, it also protects the koi or goldfish from diseases by thickening the mucus slime coating of the fish. The disease has to penetrate the mucus to infect the fish.

You can also isolate koi in a small tank full of salt to treat diseases or quarintine new fish before adding them to the pond.

Tips and Warnings

If you see algae on the sides, take a paper towel and scrape it off.

If you have a waterfall and algae builds up on it, turn off the pump and let it dry. Then sprinkle non-iodized salt heavily on the algae. Then take a new toilet brush and scrape it off.

One of the telltale signs a fish has a disease is a change in appetite or rubbing against the side of the pond.