Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi...i am in search for some feedback...and I am sure that I will get plenty here....what are your opinions about keeping koi in a tank...I have a couple of koi in my tank...and I am now learning that it is not good. I know that I am not an expert... but I have kept fish over 20 or so years.. and I have not ever heard that they could not be kept in tanks...yes I know that once it reaches a certain size you should move it to a bigger tank...just like any other fish...but I guess I came from a time where...if it is alive and disease free and the water is good.. then it is healthy...

hi

koi grow very big. they need a pond at least 3 feet deep. it will have to be a huge tank to contain healthy koi.

david

As a casual aquarium owner and an apartment renter, I have kept 3 koi in a 75 gallon tank for about three years. They were 3" when I got them and are now about 6", 5" and 4" respectively. I enjoy their livliness and have not had any problems with their health. I bought my fish from a reputable pond store, so they're not expensive or fancy, but I really enjoy having them.

Here is a link I found useful for information about 'fish loading' for koi in tanks:
http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=9604&cid=3784&search=
According to this author, you can calculate the total number of 'inches' of koi that are safe to keep per 100 gallons. The right filtration system will keep them healthy too.

In my opinion, if you can't have a pond, the right tank will do fine for koi. They do tend to splash, so be aware of your floors around the tank.