How to properly introduce Koi - tips and information for your home 🐟💧
When a new koi finally arrives home, the joy is naturally great. The new fish has been chosen with care, perhaps purchased at auction or selected directly on-site with us — and now it should arrive in its new home as quickly as possible. But exactly this moment is particularly important, as the first hours and days after transport largely determine how stress-free the koi settles in.
To ensure you know exactly what to look out for, we have created our Koi-Area quarantine guide "Introducing koi to their new home correctly". In it, you will find clear step-by-step instructions, a simple checklist, and additional professional tips for the first few days after your koi arrives. The document summarizes the most important points: from checking the package and temperature acclimatization to quarantine, observation, and proper feeding.
The first check begins immediately upon arrival 📦
As soon as the courier arrives, you should inspect the package immediately — ideally while the driver is still on-site. Take a close look at the box: is there any visible damage? Is anything damp? Does the packaging appear damaged or unusual? If you notice anything, document it immediately with photos and, if possible, have the driver confirm it.
This first step is important so that any potential transport damage can be properly traced. If something is not in order, you can contact us directly with images. This allows us to assess the case faster and provide you with targeted assistance.
Acclimatize the temperature slowly — no rushing, please 💧
A common mistake when introducing new koi is placing them into the pond or tank too quickly from the transport bag. This is exactly what should be avoided at all costs. The sealed bag should first float in a bowl, tub, or quarantine tank for about 20–30 minutes so that the temperature can gradually equalize.
After that, you can add a little quarantine or pond water every few minutes. This way, the koi not only get used to the temperature but also gradually adapt to the new water parameters. A change that is too fast can cause stress and put a strain on the immune system. Koi are particularly sensitive right after transport, so the rule here is: proceed slowly, calmly, and in a controlled manner.
Why we always recommend quarantine 🐟🏥
Even if it is tempting to put the new koi directly into the pond, we generally recommend a quarantine period of 4–6 weeks. In a separate quarantine tank, you can observe the fish in peace without your existing pond population coming into direct contact with the new koi.
During this time, the new koi can slowly get used to your water, your bacterial culture, and the new environment. After a few weeks, if everything is stable, so-called pilot fish from your pond can be added. This makes it easier to assess whether the animals are getting along with each other and with the respective water system.
Quarantine does not mean that there is something wrong with the koi. Rather, it is a safety measure — for the new fish and for your existing stock. Especially with high-quality koi, this step makes absolute sense.
Do not put transport water into the pond 🫶
When the acclimatization is complete, the koi should be transferred carefully. Important: Please do not pour any transport water into the pond or tank. Ideally, transfer the koi using a transfer hose or carefully by hand.
Transport water contains metabolic waste and can be contaminated due to the transport time. Therefore, it should not get into your pond system. This small step can help keep germs and unnecessary stress at bay.
The first hours: observe instead of intervene 👀
After being placed in the water, koi primarily need peace and quiet. Each fish reacts differently: some explore their new environment curiously right away, others remain reserved at first. Both can be completely normal. It is important that you observe your new koi well during the first few hours and days.
Good signs are calm swimming, slow exploration, and a generally stable impression. You should take anomalies like intense rubbing, secretions, injuries, very frantic behavior, or unusual breathing seriously. If something seems strange to you, please contact us directly with photos or videos. The better the images, the faster we can provide an initial assessment.
Correctly assessing temperature, feeding, and water parameters 🌡️
In the first weeks after introduction, the temperature should remain as stable as possible. Please do not heat new koi up strongly right away. A temperature change that is too fast can put additional stress on the immune system. As a rule of thumb: if an adjustment is necessary, then only slowly — a maximum of about 1 °C every 3 days.
Restraint is also important when feeding. In the first 24–48 hours after introduction, it is best not to feed at all. After that, you can start with small amounts of easily digestible high-quality feed. Growth feed or very high-protein feed should be avoided in the first few weeks, as it can unnecessarily stress the metabolism and water parameters.
Before introducing them, you should also check the most important water parameters: KH, pH, ammonium/ammonia, and nitrite. Stable water parameters are the best foundation for stress-free acclimatization. A good oxygen supply is also particularly important now, as oxygen supports regeneration, stress reduction, and the immune system.
Less change, more stability 🌿
In the first 10–14 days, you should avoid major changes to the pond. No major structural work, no complete water changes, and no heavy filter cleaning immediately after introduction. The biological filter performance is especially important right now so that water parameters remain stable.
The current should also be monitored. New koi need quiet retreat areas but should not stand in stagnant, oxygen-poor zones. Ideal is consistent water movement with sufficient oxygen, but without permanent stress from a current that is too strong.
Our tip: Download and keep the quarantine guide ready 📄
To ensure you don't forget anything when introducing your new koi, you can download and save our complete Koi-Area quarantine guide. It contains the most important steps as a clear checklist and additional professional tips for at home.
You can download the quarantine guide here:
Quarantine guide - Slovenian🇸🇮
Quarantine guide - Hungarian🇭🇺
This way you have all the important information right at hand — ideally before your new koi arrives. And if you are unsure: Feel free to send us photos or videos via WhatsApp or email. Please include your name and your request so that we can help you quickly and effectively.
Because in the end, it holds true: A good start means less stress, more stable acclimatization, and the best foundation for your new koi to arrive healthy in its new home. 🐟✨
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