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Though there are a lot of factors that go into caring for a koi pond, the most important maintenance you can do is frequent water checks using a koi pond test strip that checks the water for dangerous conditions.  In addition to regular pond maintenance costs, you’ll also need to winterize your koi pond if you live in a colder area.

How many fish can call your pond home depends on the volume of the pond and the fish size. Your pond's filtration system also influences the number of fish that will thrive in a pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish for every square foot in a pond that's 2 feet deep. Another rule of thumb you can follow is to have one koi fish for every 200 gallons of water or two goldfish for every 200 gallons.

Algae growth is a common issue for misters, but you can do several things to prevent it. First, use a sealed water tank with distilled or filtered water to fuel your misters. Second, blow out the misters after every use so no water is left in the tubing. Third, thoroughly clean the misting system every several weeks of use at minimum during the warmest months. Third, wherever possible positioning tubing and the water tank away from direct sunlight and in the coolest areas possible.

Placing your water feature in direct sun can speed up evaporation, leading to pump damage and algae growth. Shade or partial shade serves as the ideal location for most water features—just watch out for tree and plant debris that may fall in and clog the pump.