Spring
Your Koi pond will literally come to life at the first of springtime. The life in your pond have spent the previous Winter in a proverbial hibernation, and is ready to come to life at the first signs of warm weather. This is the perfect time to begin maintenance on your pond before the fish, plants, along with other pond life come back to live from their winter slumber. Since the days continue to get warmer, your pond will begin considerably changing. If you are not cautious, you may miss this much needed possibility to perform maintenance. Generally, watch out for temperatures around 50 degrees, as this is the perfect time.
Spring time is definitely a weak time for your fish, since they have not eaten for months, and have may be living on a low level of energy. This cause your Koi to become more at risk to attacks from organisms like bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. This makes Spring the opportune time for you to take all preventative steps possible. Adding a considerable spectrum of treatment solutions will reduce the amount of disease causing pests and material. When the temperature warms up, another dose of this treatment will make sure that the Koi will be properly protected while they redevelop their immune systems. Once temperatures warm up, your Koi immune systems will be efficient enough to guard themselves from disease.
Fall
Fall brings a change to your pond, as the majority of plant life begin to change. Fall is a time you move all plants that cannot withstand lower temperatures indoors, or in a green house.
Another issue during fall is leaves. Falling debris will have to be cleared more then any other time during the year. Skimming the pond daily will help maintain a healthy, clear pond. Alternatively, you may want to invest in a pond cover.
Winter
Winter is coming, and will also be the first Winter that you go through with your Koi pond. Consider Winter as a down period for the pond, as less events occur during Winter then any other time. However, there are special precautions you need to take before Winter arrives, to ensure that your pond and fish survive.
You will need to feed your fish far less during the winter months. Talk with your local pet store to determine how often you should feed your Koi.
Prepare for cold weather by investing in the items you will need during the summer. Koi have been known to withstand constant temperatures as low 39 degrees, and temperatures slightly lower then 39 degrees, for short periods of time. When buying a heater, remember to research what size you will need to adequately heat your pond during the winter, otherwise ice will still form, causing potentially dangerous amounts of gas in the water, due to it being trapped under the ice. In extreme events, it may be a good idea to have an emergency tank inside available.
Summer
Summer is considered one of the best and more vibrant times for your Koi pond. Temperatures are beautiful, and you are more able to enjoy your pond then during the cold winter months. However, by no means, should your maintenance drop during the summer months. Remembering a few things during the summer months will ensure that your pond stays beautiful and lively.
Throughout the summer seasonn, the oxygen level in your pond actually decreases. Appropriate measures must be taken, especially if you live in an area in which temperatures stay high for most the year. If you witness your Koi hanging out towards the top of the water, and they seem to be gasping for air, this may be a very good sign that your pond does not have a high enough concentration of Oxygen.
Not unlike other situations in life, heat brings on potential parasite and illness. The majority of parasites are not seeable by the naked eye, so instead, you must watch your Koi for signs of illness.
If you notice odd behaviors in your fish such as rubbing against objects, scratching, shaking, or shivering. Every symptom could indicate a different type of illness, so it's essential to watch closely.
If any type of change is noticed, speak to your local vet, pet store, or Koi dealer as soon as possible. Even though some parasites will cause little damage, some disease such as KHV or Koi Herpes Virus have a high fatality rate, and ought to be treated as quickly as possible.
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