A man feeds koi at a tranquil pond.
In Japanese, "koi" means love. A type of carp, koi appeals to people because of their colors and color patterns. Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) are divided into two groups, hardy and tropical. Both types thrive in water. Does this Spark an idea?
Protection
Water lilies help koi. Sitting atop ponds or slow-moving fresh water, water lilies provide cover for fish from their predators, such as birds and bears.
Decreasing Algae
Water lilies limit sunlight in a pond.
With their rather large circular, floating leafs and position on top of the water, water lilies also limit the amount of light reaching a pond's bottom. This decreases algae growth. When water lilies cover a pond's surface 50 to 75 percent, they do a good job of decreasing the growth of algae, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. If there is a lot of algae, the pond's oxygen level can deplete and koi will die. Koi do not harm pond plants.
Acclimating Koi
To protect their health, acclimate koi to the pond's water temperature and pH level before they are released into the pond. The Southern Regional Aquaculture Center advises floating the plastic bag koi are in at purchase in the water, out of direct sunlight, for 10 to 15 minutes. Then open the bag and gently splash water from the pond inside the bag, until temperatures from the bag and pond are the same. Dip fish out of the bag and into the pond.
Tags: from pond, into pond, water water, water water lilies