Koi are sturdy fish and although they can survive in relatively rough environments, they are not inexpensive and an owner should do everything in their control to make ensure proper Koi care is given so that their pets are safe from stress and disease. Just like with humans, stress is the number one reason why the immune system is weakened and when this natural defense system is lowered, the Koi will be subject to pathogens that can be lurking in their surroundings.
Taking proper care of your Koi should come well before you place it in your pond with the other fish. In fact, preparation should happen even before your Koi arrives from the dealer. Having a suitable quarantine tank is part of proper Koi care because the new fish has definitely undergone a lot of stress, this holds especially true if it was shipped to you. Even if your new Koi came from a reputable breeder who has taken all the precautions to make sure it's free from any virus and parasites, the stress of being put in a plastic bag and getting transported for lengthy periods will definitely lower its immune system. Quarantining new Koi will thus let it regain rest and regain its defense against sickness and disease.
Quarantine tanks act as "buffer zones" between the new Koi and your existing ones. They are effective disease and parasite protection for your valuable pets because this is where you can let new Koi acclimatize with its new environment. Ph and salt levels as well as water quality between your pond water and the water in which the new Koi was shipped can also differ greatly. This is one of the main reasons new Koi die upon arrival in their new homes, call it chemical shock. Quarantine tanks are also perfect places to watch out for any threats your new Koi might have with it so you can avoid introducing viruses and bacteria into your pond.
The biggest mistake a Koi hobbyist can make is dumping new Koi in the quarantine tank right when it arrives. Water temperature, ph and alkaline levels between the container water and tank water can vary drastically and this be too much on your new pet. It's important to let the bag temperature get equalized with that of the quarantine tank's by letting it float on the surface for half an hour. It's also a good idea to introduce some water from the quarantine tank into the bag gradually at intervals of 10 minutes. This will help the new fish acclimatize to the water conditions of the quarantine tank.
The quarantine process should last for at least 3 weeks to make sure there's no oversight. It would be a shame to lose your new fish, or worse, the whole pond because of impatience. Also keep in mind that Koi are social and enjoy company. It would be a good idea then to choose a healthy Koi from the pond and put it in the quarantine tank with your new pet to keep it from getting lonely during the 3 weeks.
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