Next Steps: Koi Care Essentials

Receiving Your Koi

 Your koi will arrive double bagged in a cardboard box. When opening the box, please be aware that your koi may startle due to the sudden change from darkness to light. Gently check to ensure the koi is moving and appears healthy. If your koi arrives deceased, contact us immediately. 

Acclimating to Your Pond

To acclimate your koi, carefully lift the sealed bag out of the box and place it directly into your pond. Allow it to float for 10–15 minutes so the water temperature inside the bag can gradually match your pond’s. If it’s a warm, sunny day or your pond is in direct sunlight, reduce this time to 5–10 minutes to prevent overheating.

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When you're ready to release your koi, remove the first rubber band from the outer bag, followed by the second on the inner bag. Slowly add a small amount of pond water into the bag to help your koi adjust to the new water chemistry. Repeat this process every 5–10 minutes for approximately 15 minutes. Once the acclimation is complete, gently tilt the bag and allow your koi to swim out into the pond at its own pace. Avoid netting or handling the koi directly to minimize stress.

Feeding

 Your koi has just completed a long journey from our ponds to yours.

To help them acclimate to their new environment, we recommend refraining from feeding for the first 1–2 days. This gives them time to adjust and reduces stress during the transition. When you resume feeding, start with a small amount and closely observe your koi and the pond’s behavior. This ensures they are ready to eat and helps you monitor how well they are adapting to their new home.