"Raising koi water quality is always cloudy? Filter cotton cleaning gold frequency + 3 major misunderstandings, 90% novice are stepping on the pit!"

          When keeping koi, the frequency of cleaning the filter wool needs to be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, but it is usually recommended to Cleaning 1-2 times per month. Here are the specific reasons and considerations:

1. Reference factors for cleaning frequency

• Number of fish and amount fed: When there are more fish or when the amount of feeding is large, the excreta and residual bait increase, and the filter cotton is easy to be clogged, so the filter must be enlarged or frequently cleaned.
• Filtration system efficiency: If the physical filter compartment is small or the water flow is slow, the filter wool will clog more quickly.
• Changes in water quality: If the water is cloudy and the odor is noticeable, it may need to be cleaned earlier.
• Seasonal effects: With high water temperatures in the summer, koi metabolize quickly and excrete a lot, so the frequency of cleaning needs to be increased.

2. Why is regular cleaning necessary?

• Prevent clogging: Clogged filter wool reduces water flow, decreases filtration efficiency, and leads to a buildup of harmful substances (e.g., ammonia, nitrites).
• Avoid polluting the water: Dirty filter pads can harbor bacteria and even release toxins back into the tank.
• Protection of nitrifying bacteria: Biochemical filter media (e.g., ceramic rings, bacterial houses) are hotbeds for nitrifying bacteria. If physical filtration fails, large particles of contaminants will cover the biochemical filter media and impair its function.

3. Proper cleaning methods

• Wash with fish pond water: Avoid direct rinsing with tap water, as this will kill the beneficial bacteria attached to the filter wool. Just rub it gently when cleaning, no need to wash it thoroughly.
• Replacement in batches: If you need to replace the filter cotton with a new one, keep some of the old cotton or replace it in batches to avoid destroying the nitrification system in one go.
• Avoid over-cleaning: A small amount of brown algae or slight discoloration on the filter wool is normal and there is no need to aim for complete cleanliness.

4. Special case adjustments

• new pool phase: Reduce the frequency of cleaning (e.g., once every 10 days) when the nitrification system is not stabilized in the first 1-2 weeks to avoid destroying the flora.
• Rainy season or low temperature period: The koi metabolism is slow when the water temperature is low, so you can extend the cleaning interval appropriately (e.g. once every 30-45 days).

5. Routine maintenance recommendations

• With a variety of filtration methods: Physical filtration (filter wool) + Biochemical filtration (bacteria house) + Vegetative filtration (e.g. swamp filtration), which reduces cleaning pressure.
• Observe the condition of the fish: If the koi frequently float their heads, rub against the tank or the water is cloudy, you need to check if the filtration system is not working.

     By reasonably adjusting the cleaning frequency and maintaining the filtration system, you can effectively keep the water quality stable for healthy growth of koi while reducing the burden of water change.