• TEST for ammonia (0), nitrite (0), PH (7-8), and Total alkalinity>100
• Clean debris out of pond; do not scrub the sides, that green slim is loaded with beneficial bacteria.
• Change about 20% water once temperature is above 50, and then continue throughout season monthly. USE A DECHOLRINATOR like Amquel or Amquel Plus if you are on city water. Test for chlorine. Well water use Novaqua to neutralize the heavy metals and buffer the PH.
• Clean filter thoroughly with pond water, don’t use chlorinated water; it will kill any bacteria that may have gone dormant for the winter.
• Add Microbe lift Spring Cleaner to help break down any organics left in pond, and start Microbe lift PL additions to help get the biological activity going.
• Add Koizyme to help reduce the aeromonas and pseudomonas bacteria counts.
• Once water temperature is consistently above 50 degrees, feed an immune system stimulating food like Sho Koi Impact or Legacy Immunostimulant. Or at least a good quality Wheat Germ based food, low in protein. Only feed what they will eat in 3-5 min, do not leave any un eaten food in pond.
• Watch fish for any sores or any unusual behavior like flashing or jumping.
• If there are any alarming behaviors, a microscopic look at a scraping from the side of the fish may be in order to examine for parasites. Parasites will burrow a microscopic hole in the fish and allow bacteria in, left untreated will eventually eat away the fish until death.
• 10) As water warms to above 70 degrees switch to a high quality Koi food with higher protein, stabilized vitamin C and color enhancers. We use and recommend Dainichi Koi Food ­ All Season Wheat Germ, Growth Plus and Premium.

ALL ITEMS MENTIONED ARE AVAILABLE FROM BLUE RIBBON KOI

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