Warm water speeds up a koi’s metabolism, while cooler water slows digestion dramatically. Feeding the wrong type of food at the wrong temperature can lead to:

• poor digestion
• excess pond waste
• cloudy water
• sluggish fish
• weakened immune systems

That’s why many Australian koi keepers choose seasonal feeding.

Benefits of Koi Food Designed for Australian Conditions

1. Better Digestion in Changing Temperatures

When water cools below about 15°C, koi digest protein more slowly.

Foods made for cooler conditions often include:

• wheat germ
• easily digestible proteins
• lighter fat content

This helps reduce digestive stress and lowers waste buildup in ponds.

Winter (Below 10-12°C)

Use:

• wheat germ food
• reduced feeding frequency

Benefits:

less digestive stress

• lower pond pollution
• healthier overwintering

Improved Water Quality

High-quality Australian year-round koi food creates less waste.

Benefits include:

• clearer water
• lower ammonia spikes
• reduced filter strain
• healthier pond bacteria balance

This becomes especially important during hot Australian summers when oxygen levels naturally drop.

Spring & Autumn (15–20°C)

Use:

• mixed seasonal food
• moderate protein

Benefits:

• easier digestion
• smoother transition between temperatures

Summer (Above 20°C)

Use:

• high-protein growth food
• multiple small feeds daily

Benefits:

• rapid growth
• active metabolism
• stronger development

Faster, Healthier Growth

Warm Australian temperatures can create long feeding seasons.

Growth-focused foods with balanced protein and amino acids help:

• improve body shape
• support muscle growth
• maintain energy
• avoid excessive fat buildup

The key is balancing growth with water quality management, Australian Fish Food.

Check out our live koi fish & Goldfish for sale on the website www.windsorfishhatchery.com.au

Australian pond fish include: 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

Start in autumn, when your pond water begins to cool. 

Step-by-Step Feeding Guide 

Step 1: Begin the transition 

• Mix your regular fish food with wheatgerm
• Start with mostly regular food + a small amount of wheatgerm 

Step 2: Gradually adjust 

• Over several days to a couple of weeks:
  • Increase the amount of wheatgerm
  • Decrease the regular food 

Step 3: Full switch 

• Once temperatures are consistently cooler, feed 100% wheatgerm food

How to Feed in Cooler Weather 

• Feed once per day
• Feed in the morning or warmest part of the day
• Only give what your fish can eat in a few minutes 

Important Tips 

• Fish digest food slower in cold water
• Wheatgerm is easier to digest and reduces waste
• Do not overfeed — uneaten food can harm water quality  

Quick Reminder 

✔ Start in autumn
✔ Transition gradually
✔ Switch fully to wheatgerm
✔ Feed in the morning
✔ Keep portions small

Visit the website to buy live fish couriered to your door

Australian pond fish include: 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

Slowed Fish Metabolism & Feeding Issues

Koi and goldfish are cold-blooded, so their metabolism slows as water temperatures fall. This can lead to:

• Reduced appetite or complete refusal to eat
• Uneaten food is sinking and decomposing
• Digestive problems if high-protein food is still being fed

? Switch, start adding our floating wheatgerm sticks to their food at every feed. Till your feeding only wheat germ.

Increased Disease Risk

Cooler water can suppress the immune system of fish, making them more vulnerable to:

• Bacterial infections (e.g. ulcers, fin rot)
• Parasites become more active while fish immunity is low
• Latent diseases emerging under stress

? Fish may look fine in summer but develop issues in autumn/winter.

Organic Waste Build-Up

Autumn often brings falling leaves and debris:

• Decaying matter increases ammonia and nitrites
• Sludge builds up at the bottom of the pond
• Oxygen demand increases as decomposition occurs

? Regular netting, vacuuming, and filter maintenance become even more important.

Water Quality Fluctuations

Beneficial bacteria in your filter slow down in cooler temperatures:

• Reduced biological filtration efficiency
• Ammonia and nitrite spikes can occur
• pH may become unstable

? Continue monitoring water parameters even if fish are less active.

Reduced Oxygen Levels

Colder water can hold oxygen well, but:

• Increased organic decay can consume oxygen
• Pumps and waterfalls may be run less or turned off
• Ice (in colder regions) can limit gas exchange

? Ensure adequate aeration is maintained year-round. Adding a pond block in Spring, Summer, and Autumn will help with the sludge and ensure the water stays balanced throughout the colder months

Stress from Temperature Swings

Rapid changes (warm days, cold nights) can stress fish:

• Weakens immune response

Can trigger disease outbreaks, particularly risky in shallow ponds

Plant Die-Off 

Aquatic plants begin to die back:

• Adds to organic waste load
• Removes a natural filtration source

 Hidden Problems Becoming Visible.

Cooler months often “reveal” underlying issues:

• Fish that were coping in summer may decline
• Chronic infections may suddenly become obvious
• Losses often occur gradually rather than all at once

Bottom Line: Cooler weather doesn't just "slow things down" - it shifts the balance of your pond ecosystem. The biggest risks come from reduced filtration + increased stress on fish + accumulating waste.

Australian pond fish include: 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

Australian pond fish include: 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

When you buy koi fish from Windsor Fish Hatchery, we want you to know how to take care of them and their environment. 

1. Change half the water in your pond to fresh, remember to use our water ager for tap water instantly takes chlorine & other toxic chemicals out of your tap water. Dose can be added while filling or when you start. Not after you finish.

2. Remove all debris from the bottom of your pond with a large net or pond vac.

3. Cut back/remove dying plant matter in and around the pond. Don't repot plants till spring.

4. Net the pond to prevent leaves & branches from polluting the pond water & to keep predatory birds out.

5. Don't clean the filter and do a water change the same week; do the water change first.

water cleaners

6. If you intend to use Algae killer or Clear Water clean the filter the week after. If you have a ultra violet sterilizer clean the glass Tube the light is housed in. 

7. Clear water binds particles floating in your pond water together so when they pass through the filter because they are bigger they stay there, within hours to days your pond water will be crystal clear. Clean the filter after the pond water has cleared. Clear Water is safe for fish & plants in the correct dose.

8. Algae Killer kills the free floating algae spores in you pond water, within a week you pond water will be crystal clear, even if the pond water was like pea soup. Algae killer will not remove the algae that grows on the floor or sides of the pond, that is part of the natural environment and provides microscopic food for the inhabitants of the pond. Clean the filter after the algae is gone and the water is clear. Algae Killer is safe for fish & plants in the correct dose. 

    If algae is a constant problem, you may need to put up a shade sail or Buy one of our UV lights, this is a permanent solution to Algae problems, as the water passes through the UV sleeve, the ultraviolet light kills the algae spores. This means no more algae. You do need to replace the UV Light tubes yearly.

9. In winter much of your good bacteria dies, and this makes the environment in the pond become unstable, This can result in sick fish, susceptible to diseases & parasites to prevent this dont over clean your filter cut back cleaning by half.

Drop in a pond block, Every three months, submerge the block in a spot with little to no water flow. The amount of time it takes for the block to grow a big population of bendficial Bacteria inside the porous mineral substrate and surrounding the zeolite particles is dependent on the water temperature.

Enzymes produced by colonies of beneficial bacteria in the environment break down organic waste, ammonia, and undesirable nutrients, which can lead to hazy water and algae and a reduction in oxygen levels—essential for aquatic life in a healthy ecosystem. 

In addition to removing excess nutrients that promote algae growth from your pond water, these blocks serve as a pH buffer. 

To treat sludge place the pond block under water directly in the sludge

  10. Salt the pond, salt naturally builds up body slime on fish and gives them protection against bacterial infections. Dose 1kg of pool salt to every 2000 ltrs of pond water. Pour in where the filter return water is, straight from the measuring container. Do this once a year every Autumn.

Feeding your fish from Autumn to Winter

koi or goldfish in your pond, are poikilothermic, “cold-blooded.” Their internal temperature varies with the ambient external temperature. So in the wintertime when your pond’s water cools, the body temperatures of your fish cool, too. And with that dip in body temperature comes a reduced need for nutrients.

Our wheat germ-based diet is designed to transition your pond fish from eating a high-protein, high-energy diet, to fuel their active underwater lifestyles – to their winter period of metabolic inactivity.

The Wheatgerm we sell, is high in carbohydrate-based nutrients, packed with natural vegetable proteins and designed to provide your pond fish with the immune-system boosting vitamins and minerals to get them through the winter.

Wheat germ requires less energy to digest, so its perfect to ease the fish into or out of the colder months.

Time to Switch! 

Time to Switch to Wheatgerm

Start in autumn, when your pond water begins to cool.

Step-by-Step Feeding Guide

Step 1: Begin the transition

• Mix your regular fish food with wheatgerm
• Start with mostly regular food + a small amount of wheatgerm

Step 2: Gradually adjust

• Over several days to a couple of weeks:
  • Increase the amount of wheatgerm
  • Decrease the regular food

Step 3: Full switch

• Once temperatures are consistently cooler, feed 100% wheatgerm food

How to Feed in Cooler Weather

• Feed once per day
• Feed in the morning or warmest part of the day
• Only give what your fish can eat in a few minutes

Important Tips

• Fish digest food less in cold water
• Wheat germ is easier to digest and reduces waste
• Do not overfeed — uneaten food can harm water quality

Quick Reminder

✔ Start in autumn
✔ Transition gradually
✔ Switch fully to wheatgerm
✔ Feed in the morning
✔ Keep portions small

Wont discolour water, no added food dyes

Food softens in water while still floating 

feeds all size fish from tiny to large

Where ever you live in Australia Wheat germ can be fed without causing any harm to the fish ready for the inevitable drop in temperature.

Hikari put years of research into their foods, thats why we feed it. Their wheatgerm formula is the best, a floating food for Autumn and Winter so you can net off any excess you feed and also check out your koi when they come to the surface to feed. Its a good idea in winter to keep an eye on the condition of your koi and treat any problems that may arise quickly. 

Only start to feed the koi and goldfish a higher protein pellet again such as hikari gold, when the weather turns warmer again, add a little of the protein to the wheat germ as the water temperature goes up or feed our year round food.

 Windsor fish hatchery breeding and selling fish & goods since 1984

Australian pond fish include: 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

First off when you order koi or goldfish from Windsor fish hatchery you can feel secure in knowing we have been around under the same management since 1984. We were couriering fish around Australia long before the internet shop had evolved.

We have always used hospital grade oxygen, insulted boxes and thick custom made plastic bags.

When you order online, you will first receive an email thanking you for the order, the next email will be processing the order for shipping, and the next shipped on the Monday after the order. We only ship live fish and goods on Mondays, so no fish end up in the courier depots or vans over the weekend.

If the details on the order are incorrect, your order may be put on hold, or you will be contacted via text, call or email. Fill out all your details correctly and fully. Remember unit numbers and gate codes. correct mobile numbers; any mistakes will delay the order reaching you.

We don't ship live fish or goods to P.O Boxes, so please use your home or business address. Or call us to make arrangements for delivery. 

We don't courier fish to W.A, NT and some very remote areas in Australia. You will get a message when you go to checkout if your area is one that needs custom shipping if this is the case.

If the email on the order is wrong, you won't get any notifications from Windsor Fish Hatchery or the couriers. We will contact you if there are errors in the order details, but this may delay the order leaving the farm.

Other reasons for delays may be that the order came in after 5 pm on the Saturday before the following Monday. We need time to process the order at least a day, so we can't send the day after an order. Your address details are wrong, and we can't process the order to send. The email and phone number are wrong, we cant contact you. 

The fish will arrive Tuesday or Wednesday. No fish arrive the same day unless we have arranged with you to deliver by Windsor fish hatchery same day service. We deliver when the fish are very large or multiple boxes of fish are being shipped. 

We dont ship live fish on weeks with a public holiday in them, there are too many delays.

Live fish are shipped on the Monday after the order, cut off for the shipping on Monday is Saturday prior by 5pm.

The next date for shipping is located at the top left hand corner of the koi fish for sale page and the goldfish for sale page in bold red and black.

Simply choose the fish you like, put them in the cart, add koi & goldfish food & any other dry goods you need, such as a pond block or algae killer and checkout. Before you pay, you will get a shipping quote. This money is paid to the courier company to deliver the fish to your home or business. Some farms and homes that are located in rural areas will need to pick up from their local town.

We guarantee the fish will arrive alive and healthy. Once the fish arrive its best to follow our procedure for acclimatising fish to your water in the pond or aquarium. Read the blog introducing new koi or goldfish to your pond

Expect the fish to be a dull representation of the colours, as they have been in a box for up to 72 hours. Give them time to adjust, all fish are different same travel better than others. They will colour back up over the next few weeks in your pond or aquarium. 

Only small quantities of food are packed with fish, under 500grams. All other food and dry goods go separately in a satchel or box via Aramex couriers

Add salt to your pond to replace any body slime your fish may have lost due to stress. 1 kilo per 2000 litres of pond water. Rock salt from the supermarket or pool salt, as long as there is nothing added to the salt.

Individual Fish for Sale 

Individual fish for sale, koi or goldfish, are the exact fish in the photos that you will receive when you order. There will be multiple photos of the same fish showing you different views and a video. When the fish is the exact fish in the photos, of course, there is only one of that exact fish, you can't order any more than one.

In the title of the fish product is the type of fish, size, sex for most fancy goldfish and our code to find the fish. 

Batch Fish 

In the case of batch fish, the photo is an example of the type of fish you can expect in the batch. You will find batch fish titles also have the number of fish you will receive in the batch. We don't supply batches of the same colour. If, for example, we have a batch of blue fish asagi and shusui, you will be aware that the fish are all blue with different patterns, as it will be in the title. If the photos show different colours, then you will receive different colours.

Due to the costs of insurances you cannot visit the farm.

Sorry but we dont have the staff to be able to offer a pickup service.

We wrote this blog as many people dont understand the couriering of live fish understandably and often have questions about it.

Australian pond fish we sell : 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

While we’re no longer physically based in Sydney, our online koi store brings the same trusted quality and service right to your doorstep — no matter where you are in New South Wales. With decades of experience and a passion for healthy, beautifully bred koi, we make it easy for pond enthusiasts across the state to find their perfect fish without leaving home.

Every koi listed online is individually photographed and filmed, so the fish you see is exactly the one you’ll receive. No surprises, no stock photos — just honest, transparent koi buying.

Each fish is carefully conditioned and handled with care, ensuring it arrives at your door healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive in your pond.

With safe, oxygen-rich packaging and reliable delivery, you can shop confidently knowing your koi are in expert hands from our ponds to yours.

Check our koi fish out. www.windsorfishhatchery.com.au

Why You Should Check pH After Rain 

Rainwater is naturally acidic — usually with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. When it enters your pond, it can lower the overall pH, especially if your pond has low KH (carbonate hardness), which acts as a buffer.

How pH Affects Oxygen in Your Pond

• pH doesn't directly create or remove oxygen, but it affects how available oxygen is to your koi.

• When pH drops below 7, especially below 6.5, it becomes harder for fish to absorb oxygen through their gills.

• This can be dangerous — especially for large koi, which need more oxygen.

Why Nighttime Makes It Worse

• At night, plants and algae stop photosynthesising (no sunlight), so they stop producing oxygen.

• Instead, they consume oxygen — just like your fish do.

• So now you have:

  • Less oxygen is being made

  • More oxygen is being used

  • And low pH makes it harder to absorb oxygen

This combination is what can suffocate your largest koi overnight, especially if pH drops after rain (acid water).

What You Should Do?

• Test pH after every heavy rain, especially if your pond isn’t well-buffered.

• Keep your KH levels up — use crushed coral, baking soda, or commercial KH buffers to maintain stability.

• Aim for a pH between 7.6 to 7.8, and never let it swing suddenly.

• Ensure good aeration at night with air stones or waterfalls — this helps maintain oxygen even when plants stop producing it.

  

   pH, Rain, and Oxygen

  After Rain

  • Rain lowers pond pH — especially dangerous if KH (buffering) is low.

  • Check pH daily after rain — use a reliable test kit.

  • Keep KH levels stable (90–150 ppm) to prevent pH swings.

  ⚠️ Why Low pH Is Dangerous

  • Fish struggle to breathe, even if oxygen is technically present.

  What Happens at Night

  • No sunlight = plants and algae stop producing oxygen.

  • Everything in the pond uses oxygen, including koi and bacteria.

  • Low pH + low oxygen = danger zone for large or sensitive fish.

   

  Tip:

  If your pond has green water or lots of algae, it may produce oxygen during the day but steal it back at night — causing overnight oxygen crashes when paired with low pH.

  pH below 7 reduces oxygen availability to fish, add in warm water, it's a disaster waiting to happen

• Australian pond fish we sell : 

  • Koi fish for sale 
  • Goldfish Fish for sale
  • Koi Groups & Batches for sale

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

If you enjoy nature, outdoor projects, and peaceful beauty, koi can be incredibly rewarding pets. They’re not high-maintenance day-to-day, but they do require a serious commitment to water quality, space, and long-term care.

1. Plan the Location Carefully

• Choose a spot with partial shade to help regulate temperature and reduce algae growth.

• Avoid placing the pond directly under trees—falling leaves can clog filters and cause poor water quality.

• Make sure the location is easily accessible for maintenance and viewing.

• Avoid low-lying areas where rainwater runoff could introduce contaminants.

• 

✅ 2. Size and Depth Are Critical

• Aim for a minimum of 1,000 litres of water; koi need room to swim and grow.

• The pond should be at least 3 feet deep to protect koi from freezing temperatures and predators. This also gives your koi room to exercise and enjoy their existence, and allows you to collect all the different koi fish you want. Overall, the bigger the better.

• Large ponds are easier to keep clean, whereas small bodies of water will need more maintenance 

• Deeper ponds also help regulate water temperature more consistently throughout the year.

• 

✅ 3. Install a Quality Filtration System

• Use a mechanical filter to remove debris and a biological filter to manage ammonia and nitrites.

• Consider a UV clarifier to reduce green water and algae blooms.

• Choose a system rated for a larger volume than your pond to ensure efficiency.

• 

✅ 4. Add Proper Aeration

• Koi need well-oxygenated water. Use aerators, fountains, or waterfalls to maintain oxygen levels.

• Aeration is especially important during summer heat when there is less oxygen in the water. Its also very important to keep your pH at around 7.8 so the fish can access the oxygen.

• 

✅ 5. Use a Durable Pond Liner

• Install a high-quality EPDM rubber liner or use a preformed pond shell.

• Place an underlayment beneath the liner to protect it from rocks and sharp roots.

• Avoid using concrete unless properly sealed—it can alter water pH.

• 

✅ 6. Introduce Plants Strategically

• Aquatic plants provide shade, oxygen, and natural filtration.

• Use floating plants and marginal plants (like water lilies).

• Change the soil on the plants you buy and plant in pots of pea gravel.

• 

✅ 7. Cycle the Pond Before Adding Koi

• Establish the nitrogen cycle using beneficial bacteria before introducing fish. One of our pond blocks will do the trick, adding extra beneficial bacteria.

  In addition to removing excess nutrients that promote algae growth from your pond water, these blocks serve as a pH buffer and Stablizer for your pond water parameters

• Test water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates & pH You will need a test kit. 

• Start with a few koi and increase gradually after water parameters stabilize.

• 

✅ 8. Protect Against Predators

• Use pond netting, motion-activated sprinklers, or heron decoys to deter birds and other predators.

• Deep water and hiding spots like plant shelves or fish caves give koi a safe refuge.

• 

✅ 9. Test and Maintain Water Quality

• Use a test kit to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and water hardness weekly.

• Perform 10–20% water changes weekly or biweekly to dilute waste buildup.

• Avoid overfeeding—excess food quickly degrades water quality.

• 

✅ 10. Plan for Winter

• In cold climates, make sure the pond is deep enough, koi & goldfish do not require a heater

• Stop feeding koi protein when water drops below 50°F (10°C)—their metabolism slows down. Wheatgerm is best for Winter feeding and into spring. Koi fish food

• 

  KOI FISH CARE, read on.

Caring for koi fish can be a rewarding experience! They are relatively hardy, but they do require attention to their environment, diet, and overall well-being. Here are some essential tips for keeping your koi fish healthy and happy:

1. Pond Size

• Space is crucial. Koi can grow quite large, up to 36 inches or more, so a spacious pond is essential. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 1,000 litres of water for every 4-5 adult koi. 
  
• Ensure the pond has depth, at least 3 feet deep to provide a safe place for koi to retreat during colder weather or when predators are around.

2. Water Quality

• Filtration: Koi produce a lot of waste, so a good filtration system is key to maintaining clean water. A high-quality filter will help with the removal of debris and harmful toxins like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
• Water Testing: Regularly test your water’s pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Koi thrive in a pH range of 7.5 to 7.8, and ammonia/nitrite levels should be 0.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (about 10-20% per week) will help maintain optimal water quality.
• Dechlorinate: Always dechlorinate your tap water before adding it to the pond, as chlorine is harmful to koi.

3. Feeding

• Balanced Diet: Koi are omnivores, so provide a mix of high-quality koi pellets (preferably one that floats for easy consumption) and occasional treats like earthworms, krill, or fruits.
• Seasonal Feeding: In warmer months (spring through Summer), feed them 2-3 times a day. In colder months, reduce feeding to once every few days or stop completely if the water temperature falls below (10°C) since their metabolism slows down, Swap to full wheatgerm sticks once a day.
• Don’t Overfeed: Koi are notorious for eating a lot, but it’s essential not to overfeed. Excess food will degrade water quality, so only feed as much as they can consume in about 3-5 minutes.

4. Temperature Control

• Koi are cold-water fish, Australia's climate is perfect for fish, the bigger the pond the more stable the water temperature.
• In Summer on very hot days provide shade at one end of the pond with plants in the pond or a temporary structure. Add extra water movement to cool the water.
• There is no need for heaters in the water in winter unless you are in an area when the water could freeze, in Australia thats very unlikely in most area's.

5. Preventing Disease

• Observe Your Koi: Keep an eye on your koi for any signs of distress or disease, such as unusual swimming behavior, white spots, discoloration, or rapid gill movement. If you spot any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian or koi expert.
• Good Pond Hygiene: Remove any decaying leaves, algae, or debris from the pond regularly. These can contribute to poor water quality and harbor harmful bacteria.
• Feed a floating fish food pellet so you can check you koi for any signs of disease when they come to the surface.

6. Predator Protection

• Predator-proofing your pond is important. Birds like herons, cormorants are common koi predators in Australia. Consider using netting or installing a protective cover. A deep pond with lots of hiding spaces is helpful as well.

7. Pond Landscaping

• Koi love a pond with places to hide, so consider adding empty pots, plants or logs  where your koi can swim around or seek shelter.
• Plants can also help improve water quality by providing shade and oxygen, but be mindful of plant toxins that could harm the koi.

8. Water Aeration

• Proper oxygenation is key for koi health, especially in a heavily stocked pond. Make sure there’s enough surface agitation from a pump or waterfall to help with oxygen exchange.

9. Handling Koi

• Koi are sensitive to stress, so avoid handling them unless absolutely necessary. If you need to move or examine a koi, wet your hands before touching them to prevent damaging their slime coat.
• If you're trying to move koi to a new pond, use a Sock fish net and do so carefully to avoid injury.

10. Breeding (Optional)

• If you’re interested in breeding your koi, ensure you have a separate breeding tank or pond, as the adults may eat the eggs. Koi typically breed in late spring to early summer.

By maintaining a clean, spacious environment, providing a balanced diet, and monitoring their health, your koi can live for many years and become a beautiful, thriving part of your outdoor space!

Windsor fish hatchery

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale 

Fish can last weeks without food, but oxygen is essential. Summer is probably the only time you'll need to worry about oxygen levels in the pond if you have an ecological pond with good circulation and filtration. 

In the warmer months, fish activity increases dramatically, increasing their oxygen requirements. Stress from living in water that is too warm (and hence low in oxygen) can make your fish vulnerable to illness.

Advice on maintaining a cool pond

Provide shaded area's with shade cloth or setup a gazebo at one end of the pond.

It's important to remember that any food that goes uneaten throughout the summer will quickly decompose in the pond's warm water reducing your water quality. Feed a high quality fish food such as hikari.

Clear the bottom of the pond of any debris (leaves, sticks, etc.) to keep your water quality high.

Cut back any plants that are covering the water's surface to allow more oxygen to enter the water.

Adding an extra pump or doing more water changes on really hot days will assist in keeping the water quality high and cooler.

Because of photosynthesis in plants,the lowest concentration of oxygen occurs i the early morning.Plants release oxygen during the day and fish use it at night. Water temperatures in the summer can exacerbate this problem. Because of this, you need to always have your pond's pump running to keep the water moving. 

Having constant water flow and movement introduces more oxygen into the water. You could also add a fountain or a waterfall.

As an added bonus to maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for your fish this summer, your preparing your pond & fish for the coming transition to Autumn and winter.

Windsor fish hatchery Breeding and Selling Koi & Goldfish since 1984

Australian pond fish we sell : 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

When you buy koi fish or goldfish online from windsor fish hatchery you can expect to receive healthy fish that are fed on Hikari koi food or goldfish food for optimum health.

Our suggestions for your holiday pond maintenance

1. Clean the pond filter ,sponges at least one week before you go away not the day before.

1A Tidy up all live plants cut off any dead bits and floating debris. Only re pot plants in spring.

2. If the pump has a sponge take it out , replace the sponge when you come back.

3. Do a 10% water change, check your pH is between 7 -8, don't forget to use water ager for tap water!

3A If you pH is low add pH buffer, make sure you do this days before you go, not on the day.

4. Add pool salt or rock salt 1kg to every 2000ltrs this builds body slime on the fish, which protects them from stress and disease.

5. Add a second backup air pump so while you are away, if one blocks up the fish will still have air.

Replace Water testing kits and UV bulbs yearly, the tests are not very accurate after a year of opening them. buy our handy stripes to test your water parameters in a minute or the liquid test kits and get you pH test kit free for both ponds & aquariums Our suggestions for your holiday aquarium maintenance

1. Clean the filter, replace filter media and carbon. Don't touch the bio section of the filter

2. Tidy up any live plants cut off any dead bits and floating debris, add live aquarium plants to feed the fish.

3. Siphon the bottom gravel, don't take out any more than 10% of the water when doing this. check your pH is between 7-8. Don't forget to use water ager for tap water.

3A If your pH is low add pH buffer. Make sure this is days before you go, not on the day.

4. Add Rock Salt, 1/2 cup to a 100ltrs aquarium up to 500ltrs, will help the fish build up body slime.

5. Check all your equipment is working, lights, power cords, air pumps etc.

what works and what doesn't.

Don't add a holiday food block to your pond or aquarium for your goldfish or koi, these blocks are supposed to feed the fish while you are away, blocks are designed for small tropical fish, The blocks need adequate filtration and very good water movement to dissolve. Even if you have good circulation and the right fish, adding a feeder block to your tank can be a disaster ! not only will your fish refuse to eat it, most destroy water quality. 

Do add live plants, try to add plants that you have seen your fish eat before. Our goldfish love Barbacoa, Vallisneria, Water Fern, Water Sprite, Wisteria, Ambulia. Try to add these a week before you go so the bits that are going to break off can be cleaned up prior to leaving. We put the plants in Chinese food containers with aquarium gravel holding them down or small stones. They might make a mess in the tank, but it wont cloud your water or change the water ruin the conditions over a week or three. Easy clean up  job when you get back just skim the fish tank with a net.Add a pond block.

Do put a timer on your lights, do this a least a week before you go, so you can check they are on for the right amount of time. You can buy timers at any hardware or large chain store. Set to leave lights on for 6 hrs per day. This will keep you plants alive and your pH stable, very important.

Don't add auto fish feeders, unless you are prepared to buy an expensive one, most we have found clog, moisture gets into the food after a short amount of time and the food starts to stick together within the feeder. If you are going to add one to your pond or tank, buy it well before you leave and test it out for a few weeks. The only feeders we have found to be any good for longer than 2 days are commercial grade, which are very expensive. 

Do pre pack food for your koi and goldfish in resealable bags with the correct amount of daily food for your neighbor or friend to feed to the pond fish. 

Don't leave all the food out for your friend or neighbor to feed to the pond, They will feed to much and send the pond water off.

Don't use chemicals in the pond or aquarium the week before you go, add any chemicals at least a fortnight before you leave. dont add two different chemicals at once, they must be dosed at least 7 Days apart. Pond Chemicals

Do ask you friend or neighbor not to turn off pond pumps or power to the aquarium or pond.

Do add another pump to the pond, can be solar for extra oxygen while you are away, and a back up in case the power goes out or your pump or filter clogs up and stops working.

Do give your friend or neighbor your mobile or email in case something goes wrong with the pond or aquarium while you are away, don't get them to fix it without your instructions, if you don't tell them to contact you we have found most people will turn the whole system off, and wait till you get back  "certain disaster". 

Do check the condition of the fish before you go, make sure you have a good feeding regime weeks to months before you go, so the fish are well feed and in good condition. This will sustain them over the time you are away.                   

Don't change what you feed or feed more before you go, the fish will heavily pollute the pond with their waste in the time you are away if you do this, feed as normal. 

Do add coral gravel or shells in a mesh bag to your aquarium or pond before you go. fill the bag a hand full for an aquarium, up to 5 kilos for a pond. This will buffer the pH, while you are gone, very important as a low pH means your koi and goldfish have less available oxygen to them, this can mean disaster at night when the pH drops due to no light.

Windsor Fish Hatchery  Breeding & Selling Koi & Goldfish since1984  

Water Testing Kits Australia

Water testing in fresh water, ponds, or aquariums If you have ordered our goldfish online or koi for sale from our goldfish farm check the pH to match ours so your fish thrive and do not suffer stress due to acid pH. Use a water testing kit to test your water parameters.

It's very easy to do, there are a hundred tests per individual kit, included in all kits is a freshwater test chart so you can compare your results, a vial for your water, and the testing solution. It takes minutes for the result. Whether your fish are in a farm pond, large pond, small pond, or aquarium you need to test the water parameters.

Australian pond fish we sell : 

• Koi fish for sale 
• Goldfish Fish for sale
• Koi Groups & Batches for sale

TESTING pH

Our koi are kept at 7.5 to 7.8, Our goldfish are kept at 7.8 to 8Harmful pH Levels The pH of your water has an impact on several aspects of water quality & water chemistry. If your pH drops below 6.0, the nitrification bacteria that keep your ammonia and nitrites (toxic to fish) at zero ppm, will begin to die off. Tank or fish pond water with a low pH is highly acidic and will burn a fish's skin. Young fish are more sensitive to higher acidic water than adult fish. Fish water that has a pH of 5 is too acidic and will kill off fish eggs, they will not hatch.

Changing pH Levels Use this pH water test kit to test. If your fish tank water pH levels are too low, the water is too acidic. To raise the pH level up to 7 you can add limestone or crushed coral to the water or bicarb of soda, aerate the tank water with an air pump to eliminate excess carbon dioxide that has formed in the low pH water,. 

Testing water parameters kH:

You are checking your kH to prevent your fish from becoming stressed from rapid pH shift, which result from low kH levels. Goldfish need a kH of at least 80ppm , but over 160 ppm is better.

Adjusting your kH or to replenish the kH levels in your water normally is done with a water change, if this doesn't fix the problem and its low use *Alkalinity Buffer, *Crushed Coral or Soda Ash. 

Testing water quality gH:

Simply put the gH is how hard or soft your water is. Your measuring the salts and minerals that are essential for healthy biological functions, such as fish muscle and bone development in fish. for goldfish and koi moderately hard to hard. 200ppm or higher. 8-12dGH or higher.

Adjusting your gH up use pink Himalayan salt 1kg to every 2000ltrs yearly or more often if you do a lot of water changes.Crushed Coral refresh yearly.

Testing cycling pond or aquarium water 

Nitrites & Nitrates:

Nitrites, are the result of ammonia being broken down by bacteria.The only way to remove nitrites from your tank is weekly water changes of 25%

Nitrates, are the result if nitrites being broken down ever further by the beneficial bacteria in your filtration system. Nitrate levels should be between 20 to 40 ppm to remain in a safe range for fish. To decrease the amount of nitrates in your fresh water do weekly water changes.

Pond blocks keep water values pristine for longer

Testing Cl2 Chlorine

When you are using tap water chlorine & Chloramine are common disinfectants in tap water that are very harmful to fish gills. The water board is consistently  changing levels they put in your drinking water to cope with weather events, if you dont test you may kill all your fish the next time you change the water.

Use water ager or water neutralizer to the correct does on the bottle for your aquarium or pond. This is instant and should be put in whilst your filling your pond or straight after water changing your aquarium.

How to test fresh water for ammonia

Its very easy to do, there is a hundred tests per individual kit, included in all kits is a freshwater test chart so you can compare your results, a vial for your water and the testing solution.

Ammonia is extremely toxic to fish and can quickly kill them. the reading after testing should be 0 ppm, in new setups that is not normally the case, once the tank has cycled ammonia will be broken down quickly by your beneficial bacteria. Test regularly in new setups when you add fish. To treat do water changes, the higher the ammonia the larger the water change to 50% of the water. Dont touch the filter in the first 6 weeks on a new setup, this is where you beneficial bacteria will grow. When you do clean the filter only clean sponges not the bio balls

How to test freshwater for Phosphates

testing for phosphate and learning about the sources of phosphate in your water will help combat their effects. Excess phosphate contributes to unsightly algae and green water blooms. Uneaten food, plant decay, dying algae, fish feces, dead fish, aquarium salts, pH buffers, carbon filter media. low quality fish food. 

Its very easy to do, there is a hundred tests per individual kit, included in all kits is a freshwater test chart so you can compare your results.

treating phosphates, Vacuum the bottom frequently to remove uneaten food, plant decay and fish waste. Changing the water this way will lower the phosphates.

How to test for Iron

There are individual testing kits for iron, its very easy to do, there is a hundred tests per individual kit, included in all kits is a freshwater test chart so you can compare your results.

you should test for iron if you have a planted tank, correct levels of iron are essential for the growth of aquatic plants. You can add iron to a planted tank, such as a complete iron fertilizer.

Windsor fish hatchery breeding and selling koi & goldfish since 1984

 1. Is your temperature in the pond below 10 Celsius? Keep feeding wheatgerm-based food. The reason you feed wheatgerm is it's easy to digest in cold water. Our wheatgerm floats so you can see the fish and check their condition simultaneously.

      2. Is your water warmer than 10 Celsius? keep feeding the wheatgerm-based food, and you can mix in a higher protein food such as hikari gold or saki balance with probiotics, to kick off spring feeding. Start with a small amount and mix more as the water gets warmer, till you are feeding all higher protein during summer.As the water temperature goes upthe koi metabolism gets faster and your fish will want more food. Summer is the time to condition your fish for growth and color the high-quality food also looks after the water. This summer we will be feeding Saki Hikari Balance and Hikari gold to the hatchery fish.

3. The last leaves will have fallen by now, so clean out the bottom of the pond, with a long handle net, or if you have a pond vacuum use that and do a water change at the same time.

4.If you have a backwash function on your filter? Do, wait a week before you clean the filter media we don't want to lose the beneficial bacteria in the filter by doing too much cleaning this early in spring. wait another week before you do the filter media. At the end of winter, your beneficial bacteria is at its lowest point as much of it dies off over winter. this bacteria converts all fish waste and other by-products from ammonia to nitrite to the much safer nitrate which you can take out of the water via a water change.

5. Check your pH, you want 7.4 to 7.8 for koi or goldfish. Add bicarb of soda (from the supermarket) 25 grams per 1000 liters, your pH will fluctuate between day and night. Going lower at night means there is less oxygen available to the fish, so make 7.4 the lowest pH acceptable. Test every 24hrs at the same time till you have reached the desired range

     6. treat algae or murky water with algae killer or clear water have some on hand so the first signs of pea soup (green) water you can treat the pond. Water Cleaners. Remember using any chemical of this type takes oxygen out of the water so put extra oxygen in when you add the algae killer or clear water. Don't add on a very hot day. Spring is perfect. Oxygen levels are at their lowest in the early morning.

7. Salt the water, pool salt, or rock salt, just plain salt nothing added. 1kg for every 2000 liters of water in the pond. Just tip in undiluted where the filter water returns to the pond, the current will disperse the salt around the pond over time. This naturally builds body slime on fish to combat any stress and keep parasites out. You will also see a difference in your fish after about an hour the colors will be more vibrant and your fish will be happier.

     8. You can now re-pot any plants that have outgrown the pots and divide any that haven't been done for 3 years. By the way, did you know one dragonfly will eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day?

9. Top up evaporated water andremember to use a water neutralizer to take out the chlorine and heavy metals in tap water. Don't kill your fish with chlorine.

10. Now we are into spring you will be outside more often, when you feed your fish with a floating fish food to bring them to the surface try and see how they look, andbe on top of any issues now to avoid a setback. Clean your Pump and the head of the water fountain. Read Buying a Pump.Top Tips for use and Longevity

                                                                                                                                                                                                  A pond enhances your enjoyment of your backyard space and garden.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE WATER, 

if you get that right, the fish will thrive and breed, and you'll be able to enjoy your pond 

with healthy fish for years to come!!!

Windsor fish hatchery breeding and selling koi & goldfish to the public since 1984

www.windsorfishhatchery.com.au

Male and female koi of the same species display distinct physical traits that are unrelated to their reproductive functions. Variations, such as their size, weight, or how they behave and think differ from male to female. It does require handling the koi to sex a koi, so to limit stress we dont normally sex our koi till they are 2.5-3 years old. Until then sexs are together in ponds

Male koi fish typically have a more streamlined physique in comparison to females. Their pectoral fins (fins just below the head) are larger compared to their body size, and their head ratios are significantly larger. Male fins typically have a slightly more pointed edge. In spring, the texture of their cheeks becomes rough to the touch as they prepare to breed. Male fish can sometimes have small white tubercles on different parts of their body, like the gill covers, face, head, and pectoral fins.

In the spring, females develop a more rounded appearance as their ovaries fill with eggs before spawning. It's interesting to note that females generally tendency to grow larger than males. The shape of the pectoral fins is rounded but that is very slight in some koi and in others more profound.

As fish mature and reach the breeding age, their unique characteristics start to become noticeable. The vent, located on the underside of the koi, is a significant physical feature that can be used to distinguish between male and female koi. When a female is mature, her vent will have a slight protrusion and a soft texture. It will also have a horizontal slit that appears pinkish. Male vents are typically more solid and can have a flat or concave shape. 

All female koi in one of the ponds at windsor fish hatchery

Koi for sale, Goldfish for sale. Windsor fish hatchery breeding and selling since 1984

        If your going to be Buying Koi read this first!

When a potential customer asks me what they should buy, I'm always happy to help. Choose what you like best. Koi thrive when they are observed from an elevated perspective and are most suited to living in a pond. Our koi thrive thanks to the meticulous care we provide, along with the nourishing food and pristine water we keep. As a result, all of our koi are in excellent health.

The value of koi

When it comes to koi, like many other things, the price is determined by the quality. Size plays a role, but it's worth noting that a smaller fish of exceptional quality will be more expensive than a larger koi with less potential. The price of the koi is also influenced by factors such as colour and patterns. Our koi prices are based on our best judgment now. Assessing what you want in your purchase, only you can determine if the koi is worth the quoted price. Show winners are pricey, and you'll have to pay extra to get the one you desire. Purchasing koi at a young age is like purchasing wine at a young age: it may or may not age nicely. Our koi are guaranteed to be healthy and come from long lineages.

Affordable and worth every penny

When it comes to very young small koi fish, under 6 months old, the prices tend to remain more stable compared to older and larger koi fish. This is because as the koi mature, the variations between excellent, good, and average koi fish become more pronounced. It can be more challenging to identify these distinctions in smaller koi fish.

Guide to purchasing koi fish

When is the ideal time to buy koi? This is a common question that new koi enthusiasts often ask. Whenever you come across a koi that catches your eye, feel free to go for it! Just remember to consider the available space in your pond before making a purchase. If the pond has just been set up, it would be best to start with only 1 or 2 purchases to begin with. This allows the beneficial bacteria to thrive and develop, transforming harmful toxins and waste into safe substances.

Age is a factor in the transformation of koi.

When compared to other types of pets, koi undergo a remarkable transformation as they get older. By the time they are three years old, horses, dogs, and cats that are high quality will have demonstrated it. Most koi of this age will not have reached their full potential. After the third year, most koi will start to slow down in terms of growth, but they will still put on weight through expanding their girth.

What matters most for young koi

Maintaining excellent health is of utmost importance for young koi. At this point, colour isn't particularly important. Try to find an imaginary line in the middle that is straight. It should be easy to tell if the fish are being fed enough. The size and shape of the pectoral fins should be optimal.

At the start size does matter!

Just like any other living creature, koi will fight for food and space when you first fill your pond with them. Consequently, it's smart to get koi that are about the same size. When housed around larger koi, who consume a disproportionate amount of food, smaller koi will remain small. All the fish will swim to eat the floating fish food pellets, but the bigger koi will eat first. 

Windsor fish hatchery breeding and selling koi fish since 1984.

We moved from Windsor in Sydney in 2015 to inland central coast. We are now online only. 

All live fish are couriered to your home or business with a guarantee they will be alive and healthy